in firearms and shooting sports, will once again be a major sponsor of the 2012 IDPA National Championships.

Smith & Wesson joins ACADEMI, CrossBreed Holsters, CZ-USA, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and Woolrich Elite Series as a gold level sponsor of the match. As part of their sponsorship Smith & Wesson will host the event's marquee social gathering, the IDPA National Championships Awards Banquet. The company will also be represented in competition by Team Smith & Wesson shooters Jerry Miculek, the defending Enhanced Service Revolver division champion, and David Olhasso.

“Smith & Wesson has been involved as a partner, and a sponsor to many of our major matches, since the earliest days of IDPA. Thanks to their very generous support and unwavering commitment to the shooting sports, IDPA is todaywill draw more than 300 top shooters vying for the coveted title of National Champion in Custom Defensive Pistol, Enhanced Service Pistol, Stock Service Pistol, Stock Service Revolver and Enhanced Service Revolver, the five divisions in IDPA competition.

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 global military, law enforcement, and consumer 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.

About International Defensive Pistol Association: Founded in 1996, the International Defensive Pistol Association is