In 2004 I bought a S&W Performance Center SS 1911 with an MSRP of $2300. I did not pay anywhere near that much for it but was wondering why this particular gun listed for so much more than Performance Center 1911s do now. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

I can only assume that modern computer-aided manufacturing has reduced the amount of hand-fitting required to achieve the same level of fit and performance.

Ed

Hmmm, everybody and their brother makes a 1911 now....I'm guessing the competitive marketplace has impacted pricing too.

Thanks gentlemen. I'll bet both of you are correct. Thanks for the quick response.

If it makes you feel any better, about a year ago I bought a slightly used Doug Koenig model PC1911-2 in .38 Super from a member of this forum. I don't know what they sold for originally but recent GunBroker sales of this model, of which there were only three, averaged $1,770 or thereabouts and none came with all the goodies in the aluminum Performance Center case along with a set of S&W rosewood grips. I offered and wound up happily paying $1,950 shipped for the gun.



I may have overpaid but if I did, it's okay with me for I wanted the gun, there are no more being made and with each passing year, there will be fewer ones as nice as this one available. I'm sure your gun falls into that category too.

Ed

The fit and finish on the older 1911 are far and above better by a long shot. If you find on pick it pull the slide back its as smooth as glass.Hand fit back in the days by a gunsmiths.Once people find out what they have missed out on they will want one.

The current "PC" 1911's are nothing like the old models. Today, it's just a name. The Performance Center as we knew it no longer exists. They used to represent incredible pistols like the PPC, 952, 945, etc. Today, it's a slight diversion from the standard production like for some add ons, mostly cosmetic.

There's your answer.

Not at all. You're talking totally different guns. It has nothing to do with the first two replies. If that was the case, 1911's would be coming down in price, not going up.

The Performance Center is just a name used to sell stuff now. All the hand fitting is gone. Instead you get some dumb slots and different sights on your M&P, Shield, and 1911.

The prices are little more than their standard stuff, because that's what they're worth.