If you’re into IDPA or blowing bowling pins all to hell, you might be interested in the latest and greatest upgrade to Smith’s uber popular M&P line. Their new Pro Series C.O.R.E race guns (C.O.R.E. is not very short for Competition Optics Ready Equipment) come with elevated sights and make it easy to use removable brackets to mount all kinds of cool optics for those who think iron sights are strictly for OFWGs. Press release after the jump . . .
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (November 7, 2012) — Smith & Wesson Corp. today announced that four new models have been added to the Company’s premier line of M&P® polymer pistols. Based on the popular Pro Series line of competition ready firearms, the new M&P C.O.R.E (Competition Optics Ready Equipment) models offer consumers a specialized platform for adding accessory optics to their personal handguns. Engineered to accept six popular styles of competition based optics, the M&P C.O.R.E models are easily adapted to meet any demand.
At the foundation of the new M&P C.O.R.E. resides a specialized mounting platform on the slide of the pistol that can be conveniently changed to match the desired optic. Through the use of removable brackets, consumers are able to simply install the corresponding mounting screws to achieve the precise fit and height required. Designed to work in conjunction with the Trijicon RMR®, C-More STS, Leupold® DeltaPoint™, Docter, Insight® MRDS™ and JPoint™, the M&P C.O.R.E. offers quick and custom sight installation for the industry’s top aftermarket red-dot sight manufacturers.
The new M&P C.O.R.E. models will be available in both 9mm and .40 S&W with either a 4.25 or 5-inch barrel configuration. Engineered as a true competition platform, each model will retain original design features including a polymer frame with a through-hardened stainless steel slide and barrel, ambidextrous operating controls, striker fire action and Melonite® finish. For improved handling the M&P C.O.R.E. models feature a new textured interchangeable back strap with prominent stippling. Three patented palmswell grips are supplied with each pistol, providing shooters the ability to tailor the grip size to their personal preference.
For improved accuracy and precise shot placement during competition, the M&P C.O.R.E. pistols are standard with a Performance Center sear. The specialized sear allows for a crisp 4.5 pound trigger pull along with a faster, defined reset in between shots. On top of the slide, Smith & Wesson has added higher sights that can be used in concordance with the mounted optic. Other standard features of the new pistols include a crowned muzzle for improved accuracy, picatinny-style equipment rail and reversible magazine release.
Internal features of the new M&P C.O.R.E. remain consistent with the original design and include a stainless steel internal chassis designed to reduce flex while also providing a stable shooting platform. The M&P pistol’s low-bore axis helps maintain ease-of-use and a comfortable feel and the passive trigger safety prevents the pistol from firing if dropped regardless of angle. A sear release lever eliminates the need to press the trigger in order to disassemble and the simple take down lever is located on the left side of the frame. A loaded chamber indicator is present on top of the slide and rear scalloped slide serrations enable easy firearm manipulation.
The 9mm M&P C.O.R.E. is standard with a 17+1 round magazine capacity and the .40 S&W variant features a 15+1 round capacity. Without a mounted optic the 5-inch barrel models have an empty weight of 26 ounces while the 4.25-inch pistols measure two ounces lighter.
For more information on the new M&P C.O.R.E models, please visit www.smith-wesson.com
As much as I dislike polymer guns this could have some promise!
Get one in 9mm and see how it does on milk jugs full of water since I don’t shoot IDPA and can’t afford a truck load of bowling pins.
“…can’t afford a truck load of bowling pins.”
I simply go to the local bowling allys and ask for their broken ones. The ones that have leagues always have broken pins that they are happy to give away because it reduces what they pay for trash removal. Unless you have your own range, the trick finding a range that will allow you to shoot them
Hmmm. May have to clean out the trunk of my car this evening and stop by the alley tomorrow after work.
Got 4 acres of thick woodland with a small treeless area down in a dip that just so happens to have high ground on all 4 sides for backstop. I can see the chunks of pins flying around already!!!
Can’t use the better half’s truck, then she would be on to me before I could get them home!!!
Don’t forget to wear eye pro! Bowling pins can splinter like hell.
A local bowling alley sells old beat up pins for $1 a piece. They are still in one piece and in suprisingly good shape…For me to shoot on!
The .40 version of this bad boy (especially the long-slide version) is about the only thing that could bump the SIG P220 down from the #1 slot on my handgun shopping list.
And that’s saying something, because I’m yearning for a P220 like Farago yearns for Israeli supermodels. Hopefully my favorite range/dealership will get one in the rental case ASAP. The MSRP on this is less than the street price I paid for my USP40…
+1 on the gun and supermodel!
okay, looks good, but anyone else find it a little hinky that they used the C.O.B.R.A.logo on the backstrap?
Looks like the old Taurus pistols from a couple of years ago, the long slides. I forget, I think they were 24/7 special opps or something.
I guess I’ll be the first to inform you IDPA doesn’t have an optics/open division… Other disciplines such as USPSA or Steel Challenge do, though.
It IS cool that they have a factory configuration that allows you to mount an optic, though, instead of having to have a slide milled.
I just ordered this. I always felt my MP-45’s (full size) trigger was a little mushy. Can’t believe this little piece of metal was $39.99, oh what a time we live in.
C.O.R.E.? Really? I love Smity & Wesson, but that acronym makes me CRAMP (Critical Ralph Against Marketing Pap).
Smith and Wesson, I hope you are reading this. I’m not buying anymore of your guns until you fix the trigger. Not that it would cost you anything, at all. The great American firearm with a crappy finishing touch. Almost every one I’ve had has a different feel. EMBARRASSMENT TO YOUR NAME. Get you shit together guys. Hello! As if you don’t know. But obviously you don’t care.