What is your take on the old vs. new Performance Center models. It seems to me just how custom can you make a M&P model and the new style 1911. Look at the model like 3566, 4006, Shorty 40's and the 1911.

Depends

It's just the top trim level for certain guns. But for others, it's still the old PC. But most of the guns the current PC puts out are just given better features features, fitting, and finish than the standard guns.

It's not like the old PC of the 90's doing hand built runs of customs. That's not saying they couldn't, but they have to make money and a lot more guns have to run through the PC, and the projects of the 90's are simply not viable in 2014.

The higher end PC revolvers seem to have the most in common of classic PC, followed by the two 1911 models.

The superb combination of experienced gunsmiths and technology found in the old PC models is just not apparent in the new PC models. The old Shorty, Limited, SD, Recon and CQB models in the various calibers have both unique and common PC features that make them individually interesting and highly desirable. Don't forget the 845 and 945. If you shoot any of them, the performance tells the rest of the story. Nothing new gets me excited. When I need a good thrill, I just take one to the range to remind me why I have collected so many old PCs.

For the last couple of years I have turned my focus to the early, generally pre 2000, PC revolvers and PC semi-autos. While they are often tough to find, I am so please with my small collection of them that I am willing to sell off some other earlier guns to pursue my passion for the early PC guns.

Enjoy them !

Kurt

First off, there is no longer a dedicated Performance Center. It was melded into the production area. Hence no more hand built guns from there.

The newer guns just have a tad more attention to detail than regular production ones. The price shows it as well. Real PC guns ran almost double the price of current models, and it is very apparent when shooting and handling them.

Don't get me wrong, the current offerings are fine guns, they just are not up to the standards of the original PC guns.

Bob

While I'd love to the PC 1911, I had an M&P Pro CORE for a bit and wasn't too thrilled with it. Especially when I could outshoot it with the little .40 Shield. Ergonomic and tough, yes. When I think of a PC gun though it brings to mind more of the metal guns than plastic.

When did the Performance Center lose its dedicated area?

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Interesting thread.........

I've got 4 1990's PC guns .... 2 9mm built on the 6906 frame w/ 6904 slides with the special bushing.... so both are reverse two-tone, an SD-9 (all stainless 6906 frame w/ a 4.25 inch barrel) and an DPA-5906.

I hated/disliked the "Billboard" guns ...... had an sold a CQB .45 because of the Billboard..... wanted and could have gotten one of the little Recon's but "the Billboard" thing again!!!!

Really wanted some of the 3" Ks and L-frame revolvers..... but was turned off by all the porting (quad ports.... really!!!) and 7 round cylinders........

The newer stuff is just prettier than "factory".....but that seems to be about it.