OREANDA-NEWS. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems has been awarded a multi-year contract by Smith & Wesson to produce hammer forged, military grade gun barrels. The barrels produced under this contract will be used in Smith & Wesson's M&P pistol, which is being offered for the U.S. Army's XM17 Modular Handgun System (MHS) competition.

"With 32 years of experience in producing military grade, hammer forged barrels, General Dynamics brings additional cost-effective manufacturing capability to Smith & Wesson for the Army's XM17 Modular Handgun System competition," said Tim McAuliffe, vice president and general manager of medium caliber ammunition and weapons for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. "We believe our combined capabilities will provide the Army with the most advantageous MHS solution while expanding our global strategic partnership."

James Debney, President and CEO, Smith & Wesson, said, "A key initiative within our strategic plan has been the continual development of our flexible manufacturing model through added component outsourcing.  That approach has served us well by providing a solid and highly adaptable manufacturing platform for growth.  Our contract with General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems represents an enhancement of that initiative and demonstrates the evolution of our partnership.  Together, we believe we are well positioned to compete for the Army's XM17MHS program, for which we recently submitted our proposal."