The Firearm Blog

The PSDR 3 is a fully suppressed .45 ACP Smith & Wesson Model 625 revolver developed in 1993 by Joe Peters, under contract from Northrhine-Westphalia, for Germany’s SEK (SWAT) teams.

This photo is from Visier Special 6, 1997 (special edition of one of the three big German gun journals):

Click to expand.

Revolvers cannot be effectively suppressed because gas escapes from between the cylinder and the barrel creating noise (there are some exceptions). The big shell that encloses the cylinder of the PSDR 3 prevents the gas from escaping. This combined with a big suppressor and a subsonic .45 ACP round causes a noise reduction from 136 dB to 90 dB which is comparable to a CO2 air gun. Decibels are a logarithmic unit of measurement, so a 46 dB reduction is significant. In theory this gun should make a lot less noise than a suppressed semi-automatic pistol because there no slide slamming open and closed.

I had no idea such a gun existed until Sven emailed me. I really like the idea – German engineering at its best!
Many thanks to Sven, who blog at Defense and Freedom, for the scanned page and translation.

There seems to be a problem with the PPK hammer block in newly manufactured PPK pistols. The press release:

Smith & Wesson has identified a condition that may exist in certain PPK and PPK/S pistols which may permit a round to be discharged without the trigger being pulled. When the manual safety is disengaged, Smith & Wesson’s Product Engineering Group has determined that the possibility exists in certain firearms that lowering the hammer may cause a chambered round to fire.

This recall applies to all Walther PPK and PPK/S pistols manufactured by Smith & Wesson from March 21, 2002, until February 3, 2009. The Serial Numbers of the pistol subject to this recall are as follows:

BAB 0010-BAB 9999
BAC 0000-BAC 9999
BAD 0000-BAD 9999
LTD 0000-LTD 0499
PPK 0001-PPK 1500
BAE 0000-BAE 9999
BAF 0000-BAF 9999
WLE 0001-WLE 0459
BAH 0000-BAH 9999
BAJ 0000-BAJ 9999
BAK 0000-BAK 9999
REP 0026-REP 0219
BAL 0000-BAL 5313
BAM 0000-BAM 1320

STOP USING YOUR PISTOL AND RETURN IT TO SMITH & WESSON AT ONCE.

Any unintended discharge of a firearm has the potential for causing injury, and we ask that you stop using your pistol immediately.

To facilitate the repair of your pistol, please contact Smith & Wesson’s customer service department to receive instructions for the return of your pistol to Smith & Wesson.

When you return your pistol to Smith & Wesson, we will replace the existing hammer block feature with a new part at no cost to you. Your firearm will be returned as quickly and efficiently as possible.

To receive a UPS pre-paid billable stamp and shipping instructions to arrange for the modification of your pistol click here or contact Smith & Wesson directly at 1-800-331-0852.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECALL, PLEASE CONTACT SMITH & WESSON AT 1-800-331-0852 or email us at PPK_S@smith-wesson.com.

More information at S&W

This year Smith & Wesson have launched the M&P15 PS and PSX piston operated AR-15 rifles.

M&P15 PSX

The only difference between the PSX and PS is that the PSX features a Troy 7″ modular quad rail handguard.

M&P15 PS model and Piston Operating System
Photo ⓒ Remigiusz Wilk (REMOV). Used with permission.

Specs:

Barrel Length: 16″
Barrel Twist: 1 in 9″
Overall Length: 35″ Extended/32″ Collapsed
Stock: Collapsible 6-position
Weight: 6.5 lbs.
Finish: Hard Coat Black Anodized

I do not know the MSRP on either model.

The latest addition to the M&P15 family of AR-15 rifles is the M&P15-22. S&W have designed what they call “the ultimate .22LR platform”. From the press release:

“In designing the new M&P15-22, our engineers pulled out all of the stops to develop the ultimate .22LR platform,” said Tom Kelly, Vice President of Marketing for Smith & Wesson. “The rifle’s operating features, functionality and durability are exactly what you would expect from any of Smith & Wesson’s tactical rifles. By remaining true to the standard AR-15 design while offering all of the preferred features found on the M&P Rifle Series, the M&P15-22 is well suited for a variety of recreational shooting applications while also being an extremely viable training firearm for law enforcement and military personnel. Shooters will find the M&P15-22 to be a great firearm for multiple uses with the reduced recoil and economical .22LR caliber ammunition.”

The rifle features:

* A3 style flat top upper receiver
* A2 front post sight
* A2 rear sight
* M4 style collapsible stock
* Quad rail handguard

Specs:

Barrel length: 16″
Magazine capacity: 25 rounds
Barrel twist: 1:15
Upper Receiver: A3
Weight: 5 lbs (unloaded)
Length: 31″ (stock collapsed)

UPDATE: The MSRP is $499 (Matt from S&W PR confirms this),

S&W M&P15-22. Click to expand.

Murdoc has a photo of the rifle posted at GunPundit.

S&W have launched a series of polymer M&P pistols with a thumb safety. The non-thumb safety models are still available.

From the press release:

“Soon after the introduction of the full-size and compact M&P45 pistols, we began receiving requests from law enforcement professionals and recreational shooters asking for a frame mounted thumb safety on other M&P calibers,” said Leland Nichols, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Smith & Wesson. “The optional external safety provides an even broader range of choices to the M&P line, adding flexibility in order to meet the needs of our customers.”

The M&P9 (9mm full size) thumb safety model has an MSRP of $719 and the non-thumb safety is going for $679. That is a $40 premium. I suspect many will pay the premium.

UPDATE: To clarify, I think all the models (calibers) now can be bought with a thumb safety.

In February S&W will launch two new M&P15 (AR-15) models. The M&P15 MOE (Magpul Original Equipment) features, as the name suggests, as many Magpul accessories as they could fit on the rifle.

Click to expand.

Specs:

Model: M&P15 MOE
Barrel Length: 16”
Barrel Twist: 1 in 9”
Front Sight: M4 – A2Post
Rear Sight: Folding Magpul MBUS)
Overall Length: 35 ”Extended / 32” Collapsed
Stock: Magpul MOE
Weight: 6.5 lbs.
Finish: Hard Coat Black Anodized
Other Features: Magpul MOE Grip, Magpul Handguard, Magpul PMAG

Two colors will be available: Black and Flat Dark Earth (what the cool kids call tan these days).

Overall I think this is a compelling package. Instead of buying and AR-15, only to spend more on Magpul accessories you can just get an M&P15 MOE.

No word on pricing.

S&W will be selling the S&W Model 310 NightGuard that chambers .40 S&W and its’ parent cartridge 10mm Auto. Because these are rimless cartridges moon clips will be needed to be used to hold the cartridges together.

This combination of cartridges could be quite beneficial to the budget conscious shooter (ie. every shooter). The cheaper .40 S&W would make a good practice round instead of the hot 10mm which could then be used as the primary carry round.

The revolver features XS Standard Dot Tritium Sights and a Pachmayr grip.

Specs:

Capacity: 6 Rounds
Action: Single/Double Action
Barrel Length: 2 3/4″
Front Sight: XS® Sight 24/7 Standard Dot Tritium Sights
Rear Sight: Cylinder & Slide Extreme Duty Fixed
Overall Length: 7 5/8″
Weight Empty: 28 oz.
Grip: Pachmayr® Compac Custom
Material: Scandium Alloy Frame/Stainless PVD Cylinder
Finish: Matte Black

MSRP: $1153

Hat Tip: The High Road and Guns Holsters and Gear

S&W will be selling a sub compact 1911 pistol called the “Model SW1911 .45ACP Sub Compact – Pro Series”. It features an Oversized External Extractor, 3-Hole Curved Trigger with Overtravel Stop and a Full Length Guide Rod.

Model SW1911 .45ACP Sub Compact – Pro Series

Specs:
Caliber: .45ACP
Frame Size: Sub Compact
Capacity: 7+1 Rounds
Action: Single Action
Barrel Length: 3″
Front Sight: Dovetail White Dot
Rear Sight: Fixed White 2-Dot
Overall Length: 6 7/8″
Weight Empty: 24 oz.
Grip: Fully Stippled Synthetic
Frame Material: Scandium Alloy
Slide Material: Carbon Steel
Barrel Material: Stainless Steel
Finish: Matte Black

MSRP: $1,264

Hat Tip: The High Road and Guns Holsters and Gear

Another 9mm from S&W this year is the Model SW1911 9mm Pro Series. The stainless 9mm 1911 features:

* Crisp 4# – 5-1/2# Trigger Pull
* 30 LPI Checkered Front Strap
* Hand Polished Integral Feed Ramp
* Precision Crowned Muzzle
* Oversized External Extractor
* Full Length Guide Rod
* Double Sided Frame Safety
* Extended Mag Well
* Stoned Hammer and Sear

Specs:
Capacity: 10+1
Action: Single Action
Barrel Length: 5″
Front Sight: Dovetail White Dot
Rear Sight: Fixed White 2-Dot
Overall Length: 8 3/4″
Weight Empty: 38.5 oz.
Grip: Fully Stippled Wood
Material: Stainless Steel Frame, Slide and Barrel
Finish: Matte Silver

MSRP is $1635

Four different S&W Model 57 Classic revolvers is available in .41 Remington Magnum.

They feature a classic thumb piece, wide spur hammer and wide serrated target trigger. All chamber 6 rounds, are single/double action and have a red pinned front sight and micro adjustable rear sight.

Two finishes are available: blue and nickel and each finish comes with a 4″ or 6″ barrel.

Click to expand the images.

6″ Blue. MSRP: $1,074.00

6″ Nickel. MSRP: $1130. Shiny

The J-Frame’d Model 632 Carry Comp Pro Series is now available in the newish .327 Federal Magnum.

The .327 Federal Magnum cartridge, which was announced just over a year ago (Nov 2007), was specifically designed to offer .357 Magnum performance in a 6 shot compact revolver although it does not deliver this.

This pro-series model features a full length extractor rod, powerport with expansion chamber and full lug barrel.

Capacity: 6 Rounds
Action: Single/Double Action
Barrel Length: 3″ Full Lug
Front Sight: Pinned Serrated Ramp
Rear Sight: S&W Adjustable
Overall Length: 7 1/2″
Weight Empty: 24.5 oz.
Grip: Synthetic
Material: Stainless Steel Frame and Cylinder
Finish: Matte Black

MSRP $980

The S&W Model 357 Night Guard is now available chambered in .41 Magnum for $1153.

Specs:

Capacity: 6 Rounds
Action: Single/Double Action
Barrel Length: 2 1/2″
Front Sight: XS® Sight 24/7 Standard Dot Tritium Sights
Rear Sight: Cylinder & Slide Extreme Duty Fixed
Overall Length: 7 3/4″
Weight Empty: 29.7 oz.
Grip: Pachmayr® Compac Custom
Material: Scandium Alloy Frame/Stainless PVD Cylinder
Finish: Matte Black

Dennis @ Mister Mills is without doubt a man who loves his revolvers:

This is a tip of the hat to a couple of the best guns you can find.One is a work of art and the other is a working horse of a gun.

He has info and lots of photos of the S&W “Combat Masterpiece” and the Ruger GP-100 here.

S&W Model 15. Beautiful grips

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Important safety recall on i-Bolt rifles:

Smith & Wesson has identified a condition that may exist with the bolt supplied with some rifles that would allow the striker to become disengaged from its locking tabs during cycling of the bolt, allowing the rifle to fire without the trigger being pulled. In the interest of consumer safety, we are initiating this recall to allow for the prompt inspection and, if necessary, the repair and replacement of each bolt.

…

This recall applies to the bolts of all i-Bolt rifles manufactured by Smith & Wesson prior to December 1, 2008.

…

Please contact Smith & Wesson directly at 1-800-331-0852 or at ibolt@smith-wesson.com to arrange for the inspection and repair, if necessary, of your bolt.

More info at Smith & Wesson.