Smith & Wesson Debuts New Catalog for Home Decor, Apparel and Gifts; Crossings by Smith & Wesson Reflects American Lifestyle, Company's Vision.

Business Editors

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 14, 2003

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (AMEX:SWB), parent company of the legendary 151-year-old handgun maker, Smith & Wesson Corp., today launched the catalog for its newest division, Smith & Wesson Interactive Management, LLC (S.W.I.M.). The new catalog, Crossings(TM) by Smith & Wesson, is an effort by the Company to reach a wider consumer market with products that reflect the American lifestyle.

Crossings by Smith & Wesson is a stand-alone catalog and Internet commerce business unit that capitalizes on the strength of the Smith & Wesson brand name by offering consumers a new spirited collection of merchandise for home decor, apparel and gifts. The catalog taps into the resurgence of American patriotism with a desire to return to a simpler, home-focused lifestyle, and love of the American West. Additionally, nearly 87 percent of Americans are familiar with the Smith & Wesson name, ranking it as one of the most recognizable brands with worldwide appeal. According to the Direct Marketing Association, Inc., 148 million Americans shop from home.

"Every item in the catalog was carefully chosen for its reflection of a lifestyle born of freedom and independence," said Amy Armstrong, SVP corporate communications for Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation. "The Smith & Wesson name has always stood for the highest quality, tradition and fine craftsmanship. The merchandise you'll find in Crossings features items that are unique and will last for years to come."

The new catalog is part of the Company's strategy to reach beyond its core firearms products and extend the brand through licensing agreements and other business units. Smith & Wesson Interactive Management, LLC will direct the Company's initiatives for its customer relationship management, Internet commerce, and direct marketing efforts.

"Smith & Wesson will continue its 151-year-old heritage of making the highest quality firearms in the world with innovation in every aspect of business," said Colton Melby, president and chief operating officer for Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation. "We are broadening our scope into new areas that reflect our American heritage, supporting the values for which the brand stands and will continue to provide a strong return to our shareholders."

Catalog Merchandise

Crossings by Smith & Wesson includes a collection of unique apparel and jewelry for men and women, and decor accessories for every room in the house, all echoing the American spirit with a western, casual, earthy tone. The catalog offers a wide range of items including:

-- Crewelwork cowgirl pillows inset with beaded studs and faux

pearls by famed New York textile artist, Judi Boisson in black

or cactus green for $98 each (page 3, #1073)

-- Full grain leather cowboy (or cowgirl) hat handcrafted in the

USA with a braided band and 3" brim for $59 each (page 30,

#1063)

-- 100% silk shantung blouse in copper with handmade button

jewelry featuring genuine turquoise rimmed with sterling

silver, made in the USA of imported fabric for $155. (Cover

and page 3, #1036)

-- Star-spangled heart ornaments handcrafted from blown glass for

a patriotic addition to your holiday decorations. Set of 2 for

$15 (page 5, #1108)

-- Lodge Toile bedding in a rustic, yet romantic print

coordinated to complement the 100% cotton saddle blanket quilt

handcrafted with an intricate geometric pattern pieced

together entirely by hand (page 13, #1027-1033)

-- Limited edition Texas Ranger commemorative knife features

black half-serrated blade with slotted metal handle, includes

180th Anniversary badge and commemorative display storage tin

for $49 (page 31, #1183)

-- One-of-a-kind genuine cowboy boot lamp handmade in the USA

from a well worn leather boot along with a parchment shade

with whipstitch trim in various shades of brown boots for $129

(page 10, #1066)

-- Blue suede jacket sleekly styled and made of buttery genuine

suede with whipstitch detailing, faux shearling lining and

hidden button front (page 6, #1043)

-- Rugged Sandokan leather belt with diamond shaped buckle, loop

and tip and Smith & Wesson logo ornaments in black or brown

for $36 (page 18, #1011)

In addition to the items listed above, Crossings by Smith & Wesson includes an array of unique holiday items and gift suggestions for under $100. Also included are two of Smith & Wesson's newest licensed products just released to the market: the Smith & Wesson Kid Safe Kit and First Response(TM) safety knife, a must have for automobile owners.

To make it more convenient for customers, the complete Crossings by Smith & Wesson catalog is available online at www.crossingsbysw.com. Consumers also can call 1-800-301-9544 toll free to place orders by phone or speak with a customer service representative. The catalog arrives in homes the week of October 13 and the www.crossingbysw.com Web site is now taking orders.

Editor's Note: Digital images of products are available as is a VNR with b-roll footage. Please contact Amy Armstrong ([e-mail]; 480-949-9700 x.100) or Lisa Hahn ([e-mail]; 201-251-7778).

About Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation is the parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., one of the world's leading producers of quality handguns, law enforcement products and firearm safety and security products. Law enforcement personnel, military personnel, target shooters, hunters, collectors and firearms enthusiasts throughout the world have used the Company's products with confidence for 151 years. Smith & Wesson Corp. also manufactures and markets Smith & Wesson branded handcuffs and other products utilizing its metal working expertise. For more information, visit http://www.smithandwesson.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this press release about the company's future expectations, including: the quality and uniqueness of the products and all other statements in this release, other than historical facts, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. It is important to note that actual results and ultimate corporate actions could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements based on such factors as softening of consumer demand based on national or political events or based on consumers' personal satisfaction or desire for our products for a variety of reasons (style, quality, etc.); or a perceived or actual decline in the quality of products produced, among other factors. Such "forward-looking statements" are subject to risks and uncertainties set forth from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended April 30, 2002 and Forms 10-QSB for the quarters ending July 31, 2002, October 31, 2002 and January 31, 2003.