S&W Performance Center or Cogan?

[DDGator]

I am seriously considering having some work done on my 686-5 2.5".

I can send it to the Performance Center for:

Glass Bead Finish
Action Job
Trigger Stop
Chamfer Charge Holes
Bob Hammer

for about $250, plus shipping both ways -- with a 6 week turnaround time.

I can also go to Bob Cogan, at Accurate Plating & Weapontry, locally, and get the same work for about $230, but no shipping and about 2 weeks time.

Any thoughts on either? I am not too concerned about increasing the resale value of the gun -- this is a keeper.

Anyone have any pics of a bobbed or bead blasted 686 snub?

Thanks for any info.

 

[Walosi]

I would stick with the PC. I had a Commander chromed some years ago and some over-zealous buffing was done. When I called and commented (not outrageously, but a legitimate complaint in calm tones) the reaction kept me from ever considering them again. I've had one complaint with PC work over the same time period, and it was settled quickly, no harsh words, and no charge. Also, on revolver work, I have serious doubts that many smiths have the talent or ability that the PC shop has.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Personally, I'd prefer not to ship my guns; finding a reliable, competent, trustworthy local gunsmith, however, isn't always the easiest task.

 

[444]

I have sent a number of guns to the PC, and own one PC gun (627PC). Nothing I have seen from them has impressed me.
I sent a Model 29 to Jack Weigand and it was a masterpiece. If you trust the other guy, I would go that route.

 

[MR.G]

I would take it to Cogan. Where you are, you can personally take the gun to him and discuss the work that you want done. You can also stop by anytime and check on it. I know some very serious shooters/collectors that use him, and are satisfied with his work.

 

[Gordon]

Cogan be THE man IMHO. 'He don't grind them up' . He makes a hell of a custom gun. He stands behind his smith's work. I think he is a S&W authorized repair station. S&W has been sketchy at best since Bangor Punta days.

 

[Robert inOregon]

Stay local!

 

[Big Daddy]

APW has a good rep. I would go local with Bob. Besides, if S&W is making guns that don't work out of the box I wouldn't trust them to do custom work. Having siad that, I have a S&W 610 that had a trigger job and gold bead front sight installed by the PC before my ownership that is quite nice

 

[Tamara]

Truthfully, the Performance Center is not the "high end custom shop" it was originally envisaged as by S&W; it's now focused more towards turning out limited runs of guns with non-standard features that (theoretically) have a higher level of QC than a regular assembly line gun. If you can find a local smith with a good reputation, use him. (Go to local matches and ask folks who built their guns. Do the guns look good? Use the guy yourself. If they look crappy, you then know to stay away. )

 

[DDGator]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I was leaning toward using Cogan just because it woud be so much easier -- but I really expected everyone to say "Use the S&W Performance Center."

I also found the Performance Center procedures to be odd. I don't have to call or anything -- just send the gun with a note and the money and it will come back when its done. Cogan, on the other hand, offered to put my gun in line and then call me to drop it off when they are ready for it--saving me a lot of down time.

I will take some before and after pics and post them when the work is done. Thanks.

 

[10-Ring]

I'd keep it local. You get the advantage of the faster turn around time & you'll be able to talk to the guy that'll work on your gun.
Good luck & don't forget to tell use how it turns out