The S&W M&P is issued by many agencies, including the Maricopa County, Arizona, Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). Maricopa County is the fifth largest county in the United States. Encompassing 9,226 square miles, it is actually larger than four states. MCSO is the third largest sheriff’s office in the country. MCSO employs 3,300 people (sworn, detention, and civilian). With a budget of $353.4 million, they have the resources to choose whichever pistol they feel is best for their needs—and they chose the M&P as their issue pistol. Incidentally, the Shield is MCSO’s only officially authorized off-duty gun. In January, S&W introduced the latest pistol to the M&P line—the M&P M2.0™ pistol.
Starting the day after Inauguration Day, we have seen what the popular media terms “peaceful protests.” And while many have in fact been peaceful, some would be better characterized as riots.
The .450 Bushmaster is descended from the "Thumper" concept popularized by Jeff Cooper. Cooper was not a fan of the 5.56x45mm NATO round and envisioned a need for a large-bore cartridge in a semi-auto rifle that would provide one-shot kills on big game animals at 250 yards. Bushmaster Firearms worked closely with Hornady and the .450 Bushmaster “Thumper” was born.