State police agencies in West Virginia and Wyoming have adopted new Smith & Wesson service pistols for their officers, according to an announcement from the firearms maker.
The West Virginia State Police selected the S&W Model 4566 TSW pistol and has received 750 pistols chambered in .45 ACP. The Wyoming Highway Patrol selected the S&W M&P40 pistol and is currently in the process of transitioning its officers over to the sidearm.
While the West Virginia State Police upgraded from existing models, the Wyoming Highway Patrol is shifting away from a sidearm produced by another manufacturer.
The West Virginia State Police will continue using the Smith & Wesson Third Generation Model 4566 TSW metal-frame pistols. The new pistols feature enhancements over the prior models that include a Picatinny-style equipment rail for optional accessories and a Melonite finish for increased durability. Department officers also carry S&W M&P15 patrol rifles.
"The West Virginia State Police Department has selected the Smith & Wesson 4566 TSW pistols in addition to the recent procurement of the Smith and Wesson M&P15 patrol rifles," according to a department statement. "The West Virginia State Police expects to maintain this professional relationship with Smith & Wesson to ensure that its troopers are adequately equipped to help ensure the safety of the public and the law enforcement officers themselves."
The Wyoming Highway Patrol has received 237 M&P40 pistols to replace its current service firearm. The Wyoming Highway Patrol indicated that they selected the .40 S&W polymer-frame pistol because of its enhanced ergonomics, accuracy and the ability to customize the firearms to each individual officer's preference, according to the company.
"We are pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with the men and women of the West Virginia State Police and we are pleased to begin a new relationship with the officers at the Wyoming Highway Patrol," says James Debney, president of firearms for Smith & Wesson, in a statement. "Our M&P40 and 4566 TSW pistols, along with our M&P15 tactical rifles, were engineered to meet the exact specifications of each department."
