What does "Performance Center" indicate in the context of S&W?

PeteCress · February 7, 2021, 06:09 PM

What does "Perfromance Center" indicate in the context of S&W?

e.g. "Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus 357 Magnum Performance Center Revolver"

jcj54 · February 7, 2021, 06:16 PM

It means this:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/pc

KyJim · February 7, 2021, 09:08 PM

It means SW adds options or puts a little TLC into the product. For example, I own a SW Model 19 Carry Comp revolver with three-inch barrel. They ported the barrel, put on a tritium front sight, added a little nicer grip in addition to a set of rubber grips, and did an action job on it. The trigger pull is still a bit on the heavy side, but it is very smooth. https://www.smith-wesson.com/product...19-0?sku=12039

On the other hand, the SW Model 19 Classic has a 4.25 inch barrel, with the main addition being a polished bluing job. No mention of an action job, etc. (and its about $300 less than the Carry Comp). https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-19?sku=12040

gnystrom · February 8, 2021, 04:34 PM

Depending on the luck of the draw, I find there to be very little difference. I have had PC guns that needed an action job and stock guns that were great right out of the box.

MarkCO · February 8, 2021, 04:38 PM

For the PC, S&W gets more of your money.

Unless there is a configuration you are willing to pay more for that is not available otherwise, I find it best to buy a non-PC S&W and have the work done by a respected gunsmith, or if you are competent, yourself.

PeteCress · February 8, 2021, 05:19 PM

Would that imply that it is possible to order guns directly from Smith and Wesson?

ghbucky · February 8, 2021, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Would that imply that it is possible to order guns directly from Smith and Wesson?

No. You will have to go to a dealer.

However, you can send your Smith into the PC for them to do gunsmithing for you.

buck460XVR · February 9, 2021, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnystrom

Depending on the luck of the draw, I find there to be very little difference. I have had PC guns that needed an action job and stock guns that were great right out of the box.

I have two P.C. hunting revolvers, a P.C. 629 and a P.C. XVR. Both have outstanding triggers and features that only come outta the P.C. shop. I don't believe all P.C. models have trigger work. Those that do generally state it in the description.

74A95 · February 9, 2021, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkCO

For the PC, S&W gets more of your money.

Unless there is a configuration you are willing to pay more for that is not available otherwise, I find it best to buy a non-PC S&W and have the work done by a respected gunsmith, or if you are competent, yourself.

Now you have the cost of paying a gunsmith and possibly shipping both ways.

JustJake · February 9, 2021, 10:19 AM

Quote:

What does "Performance Center" indicate in the context of S&W?
e.g. "Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus 357 Magnum Performance Center Revolver"

It means some amount of QC was added before the gun left out the factory door.

And you paid a premium for it to boot.

MarkCO · February 9, 2021, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 74A95

Now you have the cost of paying a gunsmith and possibly shipping both ways.

Possibly.

Dave T · February 9, 2021, 01:56 PM

When first introduced the PC label meant a better gun. Lately I don't think it is any assurance of quality, just of a higher price. Smith ain't the company they used to be, even a few years ago.

YMMV,
Dave

Willie Lowman · February 9, 2021, 03:33 PM

I don't know.

My Performance Center 627 has the best double action trigger of any revolver I have shot.

It's much better than any standard S&W.

Altonv · February 9, 2021, 04:16 PM

I like my 627 PC also. With the link provided by JC I found out the classic series is from the PC. My 2012 29-10 6 1/2" barrel is top notch. I also have a 586 classic from last year and a recent 29-10 4" Classic. The last two mentioned are very nice, my only complaint would be the double action trigger on both.

Moenie · February 10, 2021, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteCress

What does "Perfromance Center" indicate in the context of S&W?

e.g. "Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus 357 Magnum Performance Center Revolver"

You get a gun manufactured with the amount of care and QA applied to it that S&W should be applying to all it's guns, but don't.

wild cat mccane · February 10, 2021, 02:11 PM

I'm pretty sure the rebound spring is different in every PC revolver....

Moenie · February 10, 2021, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wild cat mccane

I'm pretty sure the rebound spring is different in every PC revolver....

Why would that be?

wild cat mccane · February 10, 2021, 09:44 PM

Cause that is what makes the PC revolvers have better triggers.

ms6852 · February 10, 2021, 10:43 PM

It used to mean something, now I do not know. I just recently purchased a "Performance Center" model 41 and have yet to enjoy it. It would not feed a variety of rounds. Seems that the pride of people working for such a fine establishment is lacking as is their quality control. I own several of their revolvers which work flawlessly and this is my first semi-auto I purchased from them, even though there were warnings on some gun forums about the newer 41's not being as good as the older models I still bought it. I am regretting my decision in buying the new model 41.

Moenie · February 11, 2021, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wild cat mccane

Cause that is what makes the PC revolvers have better triggers.

Indeed?

You'd think the folks at S&W would put different return springs in all the revolvers they sell and give all their revolvers better triggers ...

wild cat mccane · February 11, 2021, 12:14 PM

No.

It's lighter. So it decreases (possible) reliability.

No. PC didn't mean hand fitting before. Think about volume of sales. So S&W was spending hours more on PC versions that are mostly cosmetic? I think not. If so, it was before these upgraded lighter rebound springs exist. I think Wolf sells two versions.

Yes. All PC have a different ribbed rebound spring that makes the trigger lighter.

74A95 · February 11, 2021, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wild cat mccane

No.

It's lighter. So it decreases (possible) reliability.

No. PC didn't mean hand fitting before. Think about volume of sales. So S&W was spending hours more on PC versions that are mostly cosmetic? I think not. If so, it was before these upgraded lighter rebound springs exist. I think Wolf sells two versions.

Yes. All PC have a different ribbed rebound spring that makes the trigger lighter.

Ah, you're talking about the hammer spring. They are usually called the hammer spring or mainspring.

'Rebound' usually refers to the trigger spring, also called the trigger spring.
https://www.gunsprings.com/SMITH%20&...3/mID58/dID264

wild cat mccane · February 11, 2021, 03:49 PM

I could be wrong, but I don't think PC ever got the "Master Action Package"

It's just a different rebound spring.

https://store.smith-wesson.com/precision-gunsmithing/

Moenie · February 11, 2021, 04:33 PM

No mention of S&W changing either main or rebound springs in their literature. There is no reason why S&W would not mention it if it were the case.

S&W swapping out springs is conjecture.

74A95 · February 11, 2021, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moenie

No mention of S&W changing either main or rebound springs in their literature. There is no reason why S&W would not mention it if it were the case.

S&W swapping out springs is conjecture.

In some of their current production PC guns (example; https://www.smith-wesson.com/product...-686?sku=11759) they had on their old website description (just a few months back) the guns had a 'bossed' mainspring. That's not very descriptive, but what they did was change the normal mainspring for a ribbed mainspring. I have one and it has a ribbed mainspring. I also have a relatively new standard model 67 (like the one at this link: https://www.shootingtimes.com/editor...weights/383919) and it has the typical flat mainspring.

February 7, 2021, 06:09 PM	#1
PeteCress Junior Member Join Date: February 5, 2021 Posts: 11	What does "Performance Center" indicate in the context of S&W? What does "Perfromance Center" indicate in the context of S&W? e.g. "Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus 357 Magnum Performance Center Revolver"

February 8, 2021, 04:38 PM	#5
MarkCO Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 1998 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 4,308	For the PC, S&W gets more of your money. Unless there is a configuration you are willing to pay more for that is not available otherwise, I find it best to buy a non-PC S&W and have the work done by a respected gunsmith, or if you are competent, yourself. __________________ Good Shooting, MarkCO www.CarbonArms.us

February 9, 2021, 01:56 PM	#12
Dave T Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2000 Location: Mesa, Arizona Posts: 1,456	When first introduced the PC label meant a better gun. Lately I don't think it is any assurance of quality, just of a higher price. Smith ain't the company they used to be, even a few years ago. YMMV, Dave __________________ RSVN '69-'71 PCSD Ret

February 9, 2021, 03:33 PM	#13
Willie Lowman Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Location: Uh-Hi-O Posts: 3,006	I don't know. My Performance Center 627 has the best double action trigger of any revolver I have shot. It's much better than any standard S&W. __________________ "9mm has a very long history of being a pointy little bullet moving quickly" --Sevens

February 10, 2021, 02:11 PM	#16
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,626	I'm pretty sure the rebound spring is different in every PC revolver.... __________________ My wife is a pulmonologist (respiratory Dr) and epidemiologist. If you have any questions on COVID, please reach out to me in PM.

February 7, 2021, 06:16 PM	#2
jcj54 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2011 Posts: 219	It means this: http://www.smith-wesson.com/pc

February 7, 2021, 09:08 PM	#3
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	It means SW adds options or puts a little TLC into the product. For example, I own a SW Model 19 Carry Comp revolver with three-inch barrel. They ported the barrel, put on a tritium front sight, added a little nicer grip in addition to a set of rubber grips, and did an action job on it. The trigger pull is still a bit on the heavy side, but it is very smooth. https://www.smith-wesson.com/product...19-0?sku=12039 On the other hand, the SW Model 19 Classic has a 4.25 inch barrel, with the main addition being a polished bluing job. No mention of an action job, etc. (and its about $300 less than the Carry Comp). https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/model-19?sku=12040

February 8, 2021, 04:34 PM	#4
gnystrom Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2006 Posts: 308	Depending on the luck of the draw, I find there to be very little difference. I have had PC guns that needed an action job and stock guns that were great right out of the box.

February 8, 2021, 05:19 PM	#6
PeteCress Junior Member Join Date: February 5, 2021 Posts: 11	Would that imply that it is possible to order guns directly from Smith and Wesson?

February 9, 2021, 04:16 PM	#14
Altonv Junior Member Join Date: January 22, 2021 Location: Zuehl, Texas Posts: 4	I like my 627 PC also. With the link provided by JC I found out the classic series is from the PC. My 2012 29-10 6 1/2" barrel is top notch. I also have a 586 classic from last year and a recent 29-10 4" Classic. The last two mentioned are very nice, my only complaint would be the double action trigger on both.

February 10, 2021, 09:44 PM	#18
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,626	Cause that is what makes the PC revolvers have better triggers. __________________ My wife is a pulmonologist (respiratory Dr) and epidemiologist. If you have any questions on COVID, please reach out to me in PM.

February 10, 2021, 10:43 PM	#19
ms6852 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 1,394	It used to mean something, now I do not know. I just recently purchased a "Performance Center" model 41 and have yet to enjoy it. It would not feed a variety of rounds. Seems that the pride of people working for such a fine establishment is lacking as is their quality control. I own several of their revolvers which work flawlessly and this is my first semi-auto I purchased from them, even though there were warnings on some gun forums about the newer 41's not being as good as the older models I still bought it. I am regretting my decision in buying the new model 41. __________________ ONLY TWO DEFINING FORCES HAVE GIVEN UP THEIR LIVES FOR YOU. ONE IS JESUS CHRIST FOR YOUR SOUL AND THE OTHER IS THE AMERICAN SOLDIER FOR YOUR FREEDOM.

February 11, 2021, 12:14 PM	#21
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,626	No. It's lighter. So it decreases (possible) reliability. No. PC didn't mean hand fitting before. Think about volume of sales. So S&W was spending hours more on PC versions that are mostly cosmetic? I think not. If so, it was before these upgraded lighter rebound springs exist. I think Wolf sells two versions. Yes. All PC have a different ribbed rebound spring that makes the trigger lighter. __________________ My wife is a pulmonologist (respiratory Dr) and epidemiologist. If you have any questions on COVID, please reach out to me in PM.

February 11, 2021, 03:49 PM	#23
wild cat mccane Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 3,626	I could be wrong, but I don't think PC ever got the "Master Action Package" It's just a different rebound spring. https://store.smith-wesson.com/precision-gunsmithing/ __________________ My wife is a pulmonologist (respiratory Dr) and epidemiologist. If you have any questions on COVID, please reach out to me in PM.

February 11, 2021, 04:33 PM	#24
Moenie Member Join Date: December 17, 2020 Location: In a house Posts: 53	No mention of S&W changing either main or rebound springs in their literature. There is no reason why S&W would not mention it if it were the case. S&W swapping out springs is conjecture.