After many years of acquiring Performance Center guns from several different sources, I wanted to display my entire collection of 952's because I'm getting to an age where I may have to consider paring it down at some point.

The 952 is the pinnacle of Performance Center design, combining beauty and accuracy, and the demand for them by both collectors and shooters has been very strong since their introduction almost twenty years ago.

First are the 5" guns, and the first of those is a 952 no-dash 'billboard' version. Note the lack of a grip safety. All no-dashes were carbon steel and blued. This is one of the first group built, #30 of 200. The product code is 170168





Next is a 5" 952-1 'billboard' which added the grip safety. The dash-1s were also carbon steel and blued, and the first group had the over size markings.





This is a later 5" 952-1 Note the normal size markings instead of the billboard. These later dash-1s were also carbon steel and blued. Product code 170220





Now for a genuine unicorn. As I mentioned all no-dash and dash-1s were carbon steel and blued. The new dash-2 model would be stainless steel. This gun is the prototype for that transition. As you can see, it is the very gun pictured in the product profile sheet announcing the new stainless version, with the serial number matching the photo. The right side of the product sheet gun is marked 952-2 as that would be the new designation, but the right side of my prototype is marked 952-1 making it the only stainless dash-1 in existence.









The 5" 952-2 stainless version with polished flats had the largest production run. Product code 170244









The word rare is overused, but this one deserves every bit of the term extremely rare. The 5" 952-2 two-tone, matte black and polished stainless flats, is one of the most stunningly beautiful pistols ever produced by the S&W Performance Center, and that is saying a lot. From every conceivable viewing angle this is a show stopper.





Next is an export model, the 5" 952-3 chambered in 9x21 for the international market, this one all black.







And here is the same gun except finished in matte stainless with polished flats. Product code 170256







That's it for the 5" guns. Now the 6" Longslides, all dash-2’s

First is the 6" 952-2 matte stainless with polished flats. Product code 170274







This next version is a bit of an oddball and it doesn't really fit in aesthetically with the others. It's the 6" 952-2 'Heavy' and the forward end of the slide has no relief cuts, giving it a 'squared off' look. It's completely matte finish will not win it any beauty contests either, but here it is. Product code 170275







After that comes another stunner, the 6" 952-2 two-tone, matte black with polished stainless flats. This one is also rarer than hen's teeth, and is considered the 'grail' 952 for many collectors. What can I say, simply gorgeous. My sincere thanks to forum member and good friend Red Cardinal for selling me this gun years ago, which got me hooked on collecting Performance Center guns. Nothing like starting at the top!







Last but certainly not least is the 6" 952-2 'Masterpiece' from Wischo. Another matte stainless finish with polished flats, and the large script lettering on the right side is classically elegant, IMHO.









Aaaand one last look at the Performance Center aluminum cases, eight 5" guns and four 6" Longslides. The black gun rug is for the prototype.



Well, that's it, I hope you didn't get bored by the long post. Let me know which is/are your favorite(s).

Bill

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"We deal in lead, friend."

What a phenomenal collection!!! I am a huge fan of the all black billboard 952, I will have one some day!

Very impressive. I have long lusted for a 952. Maybe someday.

All of these pistols are great, how many years did it take to acquire them? Is this collection an example of every 952 made?

Outstanding! Astonishing! I cannot choose. Thank you!

I believe there was a non-billboard no dash version as well, but I never added one.

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"We deal in lead, friend."

I’ll pick my favorite right after my wife resuscitates me.

All I can say is WOW!


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You just never know what someone has hanging out in the closet! Very nice examples. That two tone black/stainless finish is fascinating for sure.

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That would sure be a knock-out display for Tulsa. -S2

Thanks, they were part of my display at the SWCA show in Baton Rouge a few years ago, 130 Performance Center semi-autos and revolvers.

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"We deal in lead, friend."

Great collection. This post should be a sticky!

Impressive. Most Impressive.

Wow! Thanks for sharing this. Exceptional and stunning.
Will you be in Tulsa in June?



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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

Thanks for showing them all and giving details on them.
I'd like to shoot one someday.
Preferably a long slide.
The two tone long slide gets my vote.

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Paul
S&WCA #2726

I'm at a lack for words. That is an impressive and awe inspiring collection.

Probably not, I don’t travel well these days.

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"We deal in lead, friend."

W O W ! What a magnificent collection! Thanks for sharing!

My favorite is the two-tone 5" gun.
Amazing collection for sure. I have always liked 52's and 952's. I had hoped Smith would do a 952 in 38 Super

Hey Bill, great to see a post from you again, it's been a while. Hope things have been going well.

Simply outstanding collection of 952's, as well as the rest. I still recall vividly helping you unload the van in Baton Rouge for your display.

As a relatively new member, I was honored to assist you in setting up. I distinctly remember opening each box like a little boy on Christmas morning. The dinner afterwards with a few close friends was also quite memorable.

All the best my friend, Bob Ratliff.

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SWCA #2785
OGCA #35078

If You ever need help shooting that most impressive collection, I am available.

Wow indeed!! Recall seeing them on the front cover of one of the magazine rags. Sure wish I would have moved on a blued version. Thanks for showing.

Thanks Bob, that's one of my best memories as well. Good to hear from you.

Bill

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"We deal in lead, friend."

Thank you for sharing your collection Bill. My mouth was open for a while going wow. I don't think I'll ever see anything like this up my way. I'm just happy that there is someone who cares about these pieces of history.

Was a real privilege to view a fine collection. Not sure what the M.S.R.P was on them when they first came out but have seen prices on Gunbroker of $2,500 or more.

Definitely add my vote for this thread to become a “notable thread” and a sticky at the top of the forum. It is an all-inclusive and beautifully graphic display of what the Smith & Wesson Performance Center created in the 952 series.

And it is breath taking that you also have the vaporware 952 dash-3 pistols in 9x21 made for Italy! I’ve never seen anyone that claims to own one and I’ve never seen one for sale. The owner’s manual (more like a leaflet but anyway) says that it covers the 952, 952-1, 952-2 and 952-3 and I had assumed it was for an eventual model that simply never happened until I dug further.

I also love the stainless dash-1 with the old school stamped “KAZ” prefix, I can only imagine how that one single “one-of-one” came to life, who on the PC team had their hands on it and maybe even sent some rounds through it?

Excellent thread with some genuine eye candy and also Bill, thanks for taking my phone call a few months back to learn more about your 1-of-1 4006 Limited!

They originally retailed for around $1250 in 2003, and in collectors condition with the case and all paperwork they go from around $2750 to well over $4000 today, depending on model. And for the ultra rare ones, well, let’s just say you would need oxygen after pricing one.

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"We deal in lead, friend."

MSRP’s:

In the S&W 2007 catalog
952-2 5" 170244 $2,070
And $2,157 in the 2008 catalog.

The 6-inch Long Slide 170274 was $2,441
And $2,554 in the 2008 catalog.

Great pictures of a fine collection! The two tone models are fantastic! Now I need to add to my collection.

What a beautiful collection of 952s--thanks for sharing!

Absolutely a beautiful collection and thanks for sharing. Any chance of adding the product codes for each of the pistols?

I’ve added the six I know. The dash-1 billboard model may have had a different code from the dash-1 non-billboard gun, but I’m not sure. The stainless prototype probably didn’t have a product code since it was a one off. Production of the two-tone black/stainless 5” and 6” dash-2 was reportedly limited to a handful of each, and I don’t know those either. The code for the black 5” dash-3 may be different from the stainless version, but I’m not sure. I also don’t know the code for the 6” Masterpiece.

Hope this helps. If anyone can fill in any of the gaps, please let me know and I’ll add those too.

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"We deal in lead, friend."

They're all beautiful! Thanks for posting.

Just out of curiosity, did the Performance Center ever consider selling their products to left handed people? I'm amazed by the dearth of right side safety levers on this collection of high end works of art!

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Dave Brown
SWCA #3279

I'd just like to also add my thanks for posting, Bill. You acquired beautiful collections of all the PC autos. I was especially impressed with your collection of 945's.

I'm also grateful that you let me share in a couple of your "extras".

I'm sorry that you won't be able to make Tulsa, but some of us will hoist a cold one to you.

Carmine Petracca

Bill, you have been such a valuable resource here on the Forum, and your collection of these 952's and so many of the other notable series like the 945's is wondrous to behold. That looooong table of Performance Center products is astounding, and I would love to have seen it. I'm sure those who did have never forgotten it. "Museum-worthy" hardly even begins to describe it.

I'm sure there are many, many collectors who would jump at the opportunity to own some of these if you decide to pare your wonderful collection. Something in me, though, says that the complete series groups should be kept together for all time, and that somewhere, there is someone who would do that. I hope that whoever it is will make themselves known to you. Only wish it could be me!

Thanks so much for sharing this, and so much else in your collection, with us!

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

The PC of that era made them as we see them but they were VERY open to requests for alterations after the fact, and many guys sent their gun back to the PC with specific needs. Swapping in an ambi safety lever was a very common request and not a difficult one either.

The PC does not exist today regardless of what new guns you may see with our classic logo or what anyone may say about “sending their gun back to the PC” but if you yourself decide to jump in to one of these classics, you can swap in a regular 3rd Gen two-sided safety and it will work.

Unlike putting one in to a DA/SA 3rd Gen, there is no decock feature on the 5 and 6-inch Limited target guns, it merely acts as a hammer block safety.

Bill,
Truly an amazing collection. I will take care and treasure the ones I have been blessed to purchase.
Thank you,
Keith

Bill are you adopting any children at this point ???
I would love to be one of them. lol

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2 Cor 5:17
John3:16

Wow you Sir have just won the inter web for best collection of 952's ever.

I had my chance to buy a few at the factory store when it was open but I cheaped out at the time. Young kids and all.

As the saying goes I wish I pulled the trigger at the time.

Congrats on the collection and future owners.

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Goal Life Member
Traveling Man

Absolutely stunning, every single one of them. Since you asked, I will confess to liking the longslides more than the five-inchers, and to my eyes (and heart) the two-tone longslide is the standout specimen.

Several years ago I came across a PC 952-1 on the consignment shelf at my Range/LGS, and even though I am mostly a revolver guy I didn't waste a second dithering about whether or not to add it to the safe. It doesn't have the long barrel that I admire, but I am completely delighted to have any 952 at all. KAZ1170, test-fired April 2003 according to the label on the cartridge case envelope. I don't know how closely design changes observe serial number order, but mine is a non-billboard specimen. I imagine it probably shipped not long after the test date, but I haven't lettered it or asked for a shipping date. Guess I ought to. [UPDATE: Shipment in April 2003 has been confirmed.]

Once again, terrific post and a spectacular single-model subset from your enormous and even more spectacular PC collection. Gotta say it: Wow.

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David Wilson

Wow! What a nice collection. My favorite would have to be your "grail" 6 inch two tone. I think that is the same configuration as the one that brought $12775 on GB recently. I tend to favor the 6 inch guns, I just like the look and feel of the extra weight. I have just recently bought a couple of 952-2's but haven't had a chance to shoot them yet. I can't wait.

I like #3, being a fan of blued carbon steel, and non-billboard and normal-size marking.

Thanks for posting all these.

Every time you post examples of your collection it leaves me speechless....So I'll just...........................

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witty signature goes here

Wow, really nice collection Bill, are there any P/C handguns that you searched for and haven't found. Most of the ones I have were just tools used for competition. At least I took good care of them. Its amazing how affordable they were at the time , but not now.
I would think you easily have the largest collection of P/C guns unless someone working there collected them. Thanks for sharing.. Bob
Glad someone brought up the ambi/lefty safety issue. As a lefty, Ive been called out on it a couple times with ,Oh they didn't come like that, I just shook my head and said pretty simple just ask them to put a regular decocker on the gun. If you switch one out, it needs to be the right side lever used on later versions and the TSW guns,with the small bump to keep the lever away from the wider frame.

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What is there to say???
My normal area of interest is early hand-ejectors and N-Frames but when you see a collection like this one.... and of such a remarkable example of accurate pistol making skill...speechless.

However, since you asked, after staring at this thread for a good half hour, simply for the fun of it as there no real choice to be made in my mind, my favourite is the 6" 952-2 'Masterpiece'. It's simply that, a masterpiece.

Thanks so much for the dedication in building the collection and then sharing it with us.

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Mario B.
SWCA 3249, SWHF 157

I was wondering are you contemplating setting up at any shows after this virus thing dies down(hopefully). I would love to have a chance to see your collection in person. Im sure others would also. I know this year it was supposed to be in Tulsa , has it already been held or later I hope. Thanks
Again wonderful collection...

Y’know Bill, if this gun collecting thing doesn’t work out for you, I think you have a real future in gun porn! Your photographs are as impressive as your collection-thank you for sharing.

Sam

I do remember seeing your display in Baton Rouge but wasn't into the semi-autos as much then as I am now. Had I known more about what I was seeing my interest would surely have peaked sooner. To say your collection is impressive is an understatement so I'll just add my admiration and congratulations for your having the foresight to pick a sure winner.

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Sam
S&WHF 333 S&WCA 2198

I am all in for the 952-2. I have had mind for a few years now and it is still a range favorite.

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My vote for best in show goes to the stainless dash-1, dash-2 prototype.

Truly stunning collection.

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SWCA 3563
10mm aficionado