Smith & Wesson this week announced, that rather than bump up prices, they would rather absorb costs to make sure responsible Americans don't have to compromise when it comes to peace of mind.

"Prices are increasing on just about everything these days – housing, food, gas – and there are no signs of it slowing down anytime soon," said S&W, going on to explain the 150-year-old company that has been outspoken on the Second Amendment lately is, "committed to serving and empowering Americans, no matter what. During these difficult economic times, we’ve decided to make a change."

The change is slicing the cost on the company's popular M&P9 Shield Plus micro compact 9mm, one of its most popular concealed carry series. As an example of the savings, the standard model, which has a retail price of $533, now runs $399.

Also, that's not after a rebate program or jumping through some pre-certification because you once worked as a first responder for a minute, the price is the price. Boom. 

Far from being a clearance sale on an old model, the Shield Plus was just introduced last year in both standard and Performance Center models. Using 10- and 13-round mags while keeping the same traditional frame – and therefore holster – size as the legacy Shields, other new additions are an updated and optimized grip texture and redesigned trigger. S&W says the flat-face trigger will give users a consistent trigger finger placement allowing for more accurate and repeatable shooting, while the new stippling on the grip texture allows the user to manage recoil, keep a firm grip, and not irritate the skin while carrying concealed. 

Here at Guns.com, we've extensively tested and evaluated the new Shield Plus since it was released and have continued to be impressed with the gun. 

"We’re absorbing costs and passing along a lower price to help carry some of the burden because we don’t want people to have to compromise when it comes to quality and personal security," said Smith in a statement emailed to Guns.com. "Dedicated to your freedom, equality, and security. These are still our guiding principles after nearly two centuries of making firearms. We proudly stand with the rights of Americans to legally own a firearm, and so we’re offering up our best, at a more affordable price."