s&w pro series and performance center guns

[exbiologist]

Are they worth it? It looks like the Model 60 Pro isn't much more expensive, but it seems like the 686 SSR and 686 Pro are a bit of a step up, so is the 627 Pro and PC model.
Anyway, I like the styling, and it still seems like a better deal than sending the gun back for a $140 action job.
What do you think? Anyone have one?

 

[BlayGlock]

I have a model 60 pro, and the action was not any better than a regular model 60. The styling was just nicer. I also have a 325 trr8 and it is a very nice gun. Unless you liike the looks, I would just get the regular version. Surely there is someone who can do an action job for cheaper than that as well.

 

[18DAI]

I have a pre lock 586-5 L-comp, and a 19 K-comp, as well as some performance center semi auto's.

I would opine that the answer to your question is "it depends".

It depends on when the model in question was made, as well as whether the unique features enhance the gun for your intended purpose.

My 19 K-comp is a very nice revolver. I'm in it for about $750. The trigger and accuracy are not as nice, or good, as my standard 19-4 which I have $200 in. The K-comp looks unusual and is a conversation piece at my local range. I would not carry it though, and if I was looking for a self defense or competition revolver, would seek out a nice 19 and have my smith slick it up.

The 586 L-comp is a superb, accurate revolver with the nicest trigger I've ever squeezed. I've been offered stupid amounts of money for it, and it is not for sale. I only have $425 in it, and it is some of the best gun money I ever spent. I think some of the pre 2000 year Performance Center handguns MAY be worth their asking prices but it is largely up to the purchaser.

In the interest of full disclosure, I despise the current production S&W revolvers. I think it is ridiculous in the extreme to pay the asking prices for their Performance Center guns, as they all have that idiotic lock, ugly frame redesign to incorporate the lock, and the same poor QA/QC.

The designs hold no appeal either, to me. Why a port on a PC model 67 38? I can buy a nice model 67 from J&G for around $239. Why on earth would I pay over $1000 for a ported model 67 with a coating that wears rather quickly, and a stupid lock that renders it unsuitable for serious purpose? Makes no sense to me, YMMV. Good luck! TJ

 

[farscott]

The early Performance Center guns were worth the premium because they came with features that were not readily available and in configurations that made sense for users. An example of what the PC introduced was the trimmed cylinder release button and the tear drop hammer. The former was made obsolete when S&W changed the cylinder release for all of the revolvers.

The PC M681 made a lot of sense when it was introduced because it was a stainless matte-finished fixed-sight L-frame .357 Magnum with a three-inch full lug barrel and a well-tuned action with trigger stop. At that time, the original M681 production had ended and three-inch versions were not available. So the M681 filled a niche even though it had quad Mag-Na-Ports. So did the fixed-sight M629 that was offered at roughly the same time. The M640 with the adjustable front sight made lots of sense. At that time, the PC took basic revolvers and created versions to address customer wants and needs.

But the later PC guns have gotten to be more gimmick than niche-filling, and the actions feel just like regular factory actions. The porting and looks became more important than the performance. My last PC revolver is the M647-1, the .17 HMR revolver with a twelve-inch barrel that maximizes velocity for the .17 HMR. At that time, the revolver was close to $1,000, but it was the only way to get a .17 HMR revolver with a twelve-inch barrel and an integral Weaver mount. Taking a regular M647 and changing the barrel would have cost more.

My answer: If a certain PC revolver has a configuration that you need or want, it can make sense. If you can be satisfied with a regular S&W offering, I would buy the regular item and spend the savings on ammo or components.

 

[WC145]

I also have a 586 L-Comp, mine is from the second run with the lock. It is a terrific gun - well balanced, smooth action, incredibly accurate, and very manageable, even with the hottest loads. I bought it for $575 in near new condition and feel like I got a great deal. I'll happily buy another if the right deal comes along.