COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –-(Ammoland.com)- The success of USA Shooting is built on many factors, none more important than the generosity and support of the shooting sports community.

With 30 days remaining until the 2012 Olympic Games in London, that support was once again made apparent after a $10,000 donation to the USA Shooting Team by long-time USA Shooting supporter Smith & Wesson.

USA Shooting Team Foundation Executive Director Buddy DuVall was presented a check from Mario Pasantes, Smith & Wesson’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Global Professional Sales, at the National Rifle Association (NRA) Annual Meeting, April 12-15, in St. Louis Mo. Smith & Wesson raised over $10,000 in the last year through auctions of its Model 29, Bodyguard first edition and Model 27 Anniversary edition firearms.

“Smith & Wesson along with USA Shooting share a common vision in the promotion of the shooting sports across all ages and disciplines,” said Pasantes.

“By partnering with USA Shooting, Smith & Wesson is able to contribute to these athletes through the development of training programs and competition firearms. It is with great pride that we help support our current and future Olympic competitors and we look forward to expanding our relationship with USA shooting in the years to come.”

USA Shooting & Smith & Wesson
USA Shooting Team Members and USA Shooting Team Foundation Executive Director Buddy DuVall accept a check from Mario Pasantes, Smith & Wesson’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Global Professional Sales, during the annual NRA Show in St. Louis, Mo., in April.

With a team-oriented approach and a desire to drive USA Shooting to new heights, the legendary 160-year old firearms maker, assembled products that embody the latest in firearm ingenuity, along with some of its timeless classics, to provide collectors, hunters and shooters the opportunity to support the team and own a piece of history.

The BODYGUARD First Edition
The BODYGUARD first edition set featured one BODYGUARD pistol and one BODYGUARD revolver with corresponding serial numbers and laser engraving. The pistol and revolver were shipped with a wooden, glass topped, felt lined display case and commemorative coin. The glass was laser etched with the wording “Smith & Wesson BODYGUARD First Edition, One of 2,000.”

The Model 27
The Model 27 revolver was dedicated to the 75th Anniversary of the .357 MagnumÒ. Lavishly adorned with American style scrollwork, the beautifully engraved Model 27 revolver featured the hand drawn artwork of Smith & Wesson engraver David Mishichak. This stylized design, which was machine engraved with precision and produced with the finest attention to detail, was a fitting tribute to the historic anniversary of this legendary cartridge.

The Model 29
Since its debut in 1957, the Model 29 has come to personify the Smith & Wesson image. Shooters and collectors alike received a chance to own a Model 29 when Smith & Wesson reissued the historic firearm in an engraved model, chambered in .44 magnum.

“USA Shooting is pleased to partner with Smith & Wesson to help raise awareness of the Olympic-shooting sports and to help aid in the efforts to supply our athletes and various shooting programs with the funding necessary to continue our success,” said DuVall. “These auctions are unique opportunities to obtain highly collectible Smith & Wesson firearms while at the same time supporting the athletes that represent the United States in International and Olympic shooting competitions.”

Smith & Wesson’s support of USA Shooting will continue through 2012 with upcoming auction items including an engraved 1911 that was unveiled recently and featured as an auction item on gunbroker.com. This is a new Model 1911 Smith & Wesson Pistol chambered in .45 ACP with a 5″ barrel. The gun has been lavishly engraved with class “A” engraving as well as a 24kt Gold inlay of the USA Shooting Team logo by Smith & Wesson’s Master Engraver. The gun also carries a differential finish that highlights the beautiful American style engraving. To add that finishing touch, this gun will also ship with a glass top presentation case.

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 USA Shooting
USA Shooting, a 501c3 non-profit corporation, was chartered by the United States Olympic Committee as the National Governing Body for the sport of shooting in April 1995. USA Shooting’s mission is to prepare American athletes to win Olympic medals, promote the shooting sports throughout the U.S. and govern the conduct of international shooting in the country. Check us out on the web at www.usashooting.org.