SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--- Smith & Wesson Corp. has announced that after 50 years of production, the legendary Performance Center has introduced its own rendition of the popular Model 41 target pistol. With multiple competitive records to its credit, the Model 41 remains one of the most classic .22 LR pistols ever produced. Now, the coveted handgun is available in an optics ready platform available only from Smith & Wesson.

Delivering pinpoint accuracy and unmatched reliability, the Performance Center Model 41 is ready to take on any course of fire right out of the box. The full-size pistol, chambered in .22 LR, features a carbon steel frame and slide along with a 5.5-inch barrel. Measuring 10.5 inches in overall length, the semi-automatic pistol has an unloaded weight of 41 ounces. Across the top of the slide, the Performance Center pistol has been fitted with an integral picatinny-style equipment rail for easy installation of optics. Other standard features include an external thumb safety on the left side of the frame, custom wood target grips and a blue finish.

To help aid in precise shot placement when an optic is not in use, the Model 41 features a removable front sight and an adjustable rear sight. The Model 41 has been further enhanced with a Performance Center tuned action that delivers a velvet-smooth trigger pull. Comfortable in the hand, well balanced and expertly crafted by the hands of master gunsmiths, the Model 41 remains one of the most accurate pistols ever produced by Smith & Wesson.

The Performance Center Model 41 is standard with a 10+1 magazine capacity along with Smith & Wesson's lifetime service policy.

For more information on this one-of-a-kind Model 41 and other new models from the Performance Center, please visit www.smith-wesson.com

About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality firearms, related products and training to the consumer, law enforcement, and military markets. The company's brands include Smith & Wesson, M&P and Thompson/Center Arms. Smith & Wesson facilities are located in Massachusetts and Maine. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.