500~PC 10.5 or Bone Collector?

[500 Dan]

What's the difference between the Performance Center 10.5 and the Bone Collector? They're both from the PC Division (right?)but on the S&W site the only dif I noticed is the PC has a different trigger? The BC has some obvious cosmetic differences and limited number made. Am I missing something else?
Personally I would prefer a more accurate/better quality handgun over a collectable handgun. I'm going to use it ~ a lot. I've narrowed down my choice to the 10.5" barreled version. Your insight would be appreciated.
Thanks ~ Dan

 

[DonD]

If the 500 is a PC model, it has a forged hammer assembly. I believe all of the "regular" 500 Mags come with a MIM hammer assembly, I know mine does. I have both styles (forged PC and MIM regular) and functionally, I don't see any difference at all. The PC might have a tiny edge in trigger pull but if it does, the difference isn't worth mentioning.
Don

 

[500 Dan]

Thanks Don,
The limited run 1 of 1,000 Bone Collector Performance Center 10.5" is listed for $120.00 less than the Performance Center 10.5" (??) The regular Performance Center 10.5" makes mention of the hammer and trigger in their description with that model. The trigger and hammer aren't mentioned in the Bone Collector description. Im guessing the regular Performance Center 10.5" model has an upgraded trigger/hammer ~ but that is where Im having to guess. The Limited Number guns usually go for more $$ ~ that's what is confusing me about these two handguns. If no one here knows i'll just wait until Smith's offices open next week.
Thanks Again, Dan

 

[DonD]

Dan, I won't claim to be an expert on the Bone Collector or the S&W PC shop but in addition to some forged vs MIM parts on the "regular" models, you supposedly get more attention to fit, finish, and function in the PC models, thus a higher price.

I won't go into how it happened but I've owned 5 Model 500s, now have only 2 that are keepers. All of them were well assembled but surprisingly, the PC is the only one that had issues, probably coincidental.

I sent it back for a cosmetic issue and they returned it with a new cylinder and barrel with no explanation as to why. I hadn't noticed any issues with the gun and have no idea why they replaced the parts. Gun was a good shooter before the work and after. A minor mystery. Don

 

[500 Dan]

LOL about the cylinder and barrel replacement~sounds typical with just about any outfit these days. Had a simular repair made to an old Glock 21 that I carried for eons. Sent it to Glock for some minor work and got it back with a total overhaul completed (original complaint was minor rear sight issue).

 

[6pack]

I just shot my new Bone Collector for the first time today.

All I can say is that the gun exceeds my expectations in every way. The trigger is sublime. I'm glad I went after it. Looking forward to handloading for it because today's session, while fun, was pricey.

YouTube - 500 S&W Performance Center Bone Collector

Recoil was nothing with the factory Federal Barnes Expander 275gr loads.

Great looking gun, at least in my opinion. A buddy bought number 383 and mine is 680.

The long sight radius is outstanding. I was driving golf balls downrange with ease.