S&W M&P in the Philippines

21 Nov 07

Interesting news about S&W's M&P Pistol, from a friend in the Philippines:

"Smith's M&P pistols, in both 40S&W and 9mm, are doing absurdly well over here, all the more interesting when one considers that S&W pistols have, up until now, never enjoyed any appreciable presence in this part of the world!

Despite a premium price-tag, distributors can't keep these pistols in stock. Filipinos are voting with their checkbooks and the M&P is rapidly moving to first place here, eclipsing Beretta, Browning HP, various Eastern European guns, and currently breathing down Glock's neck!

I've managed to interview several end-users who have already had serious trigger-time with their M&Ps, and all return nothing but rave reviews. Positive comments center mostly on high reliability, pleasing ergonomics, and variable grip geometry. For our small hands, there is no longer need for a ' grip-reduction.' All attempts to make the pistol short-cycle, via limp-wristing, have failed.

Spare parts are still scarce, as are spare magazines. Comp-Tac and Bladetech do ship holsters to our country, so at least we have viable concealed-carry options.

Glock dealers have been compelled to lower prices!"

Comment: Ten years ago, many (including me) predicted that S&W would be out business before 2000. How wrong we were! S&W, a grand American gun company, now with competent management, has surged back. They, at long last, have a major player in the M&P Pistol.

Competition is good! When competent products go head-to-head, everyone benefits.

/John