Are the performance center revolvers worth it?

[bronconagurski]

I have two dream guns that I want to get. One is a Sig P226 Mk-25, and I want it because I was in the Navy. Probably not the best reason, but I want it.

The second is a Smith and Wesson revolver from the performance center, specifically a 586 three inch. I have finally found one that I can layaway for a year for a little over a thousand bucks. I have heard that they really are worth the money, but I have never even held one, much less shot one. What say the owners of performance center revolvers? Are they worth the money?

 

[wantmoresmiths]

It really depends on your expectations.I enjoy competitive shooting, and own a PC model 627-5. The factory trigger was OK, but it certainly didn't meet my requirements for a good competition revolver. Keep in mind that the company lawyers won't allow the factory to produce a gun with a true competition grade trigger for fear of lawsuits.

With all of the problems being reported by owners of the new model 929, I would say that the new performance center guns aren't worth a premium price. It's a 50/50 chance that you will end up with a gun that requires a trip to a good gunsmith, just to get it running properly.

I would guess that a 3" 586 is an older model Produced by the performance center. I haven't heard any horror stories regarding older model PC revolvers, but I suggest that before you put your money down, you give the gun a thorough inspection.

 

[colt_saa]

Well if you only want something that goes bang and do not care about group size or unusual features or looks, then no they are not worth it. Buy an RG or Rossi

If you want a quality firearm with some custom features at a price that is less than a custom build would cost you, then ABSOLUTELY they are worth every penny

I own several and am extremely pleased with the firearms. I plan on continuing to buy them as they come out

You have picked an extremely popular Performance Center offering. The L-comp was introduced as a 200 piece Distributor Exclusive offering in the year 2000. It has been in continuous production ever since with many small runs over the years.

Here are images of some of my other Performance Center revolvers

 

[bronconagurski]

Thanks for the replies. Very nice collection, Colt Saa! I plan on keeping my dream guns and passing one each to my two sons. Of course I will have to shoot them plenty to make sure they are broken in good.
I wanted something unique and the 586 and sig mk-25 both fit the bill.
Thanks again for your input.

 

[colt_saa]

Thanks for the replies. Very nice collection, Colt Saa! I plan on keeping my dream guns and passing one each to my two sons. Of course I will have to shoot them plenty to make sure they are broken in good.
I wanted something unique and the 586 and sig mk-25 both fit the bill.
Thanks again for your input.

I know that you have a MK-25 on the mind because of it's connection to the Navy. Are you aware of the 226 P226 pistols that were produce to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the P226? Sorry for these poor photos.

edited to change to the better pictures once I remembered where they were

 

[bronconagurski]

Wow! No I didn't have a clue. I guess they're about impossible to get now.

 

[stillhere]

For me it was definitely worth it because the two PC revolvers I bought are substantially different than the non-PC guns...in a very good way. The triggers are better, the fit and finish is nicer and the sights are better.
My 629 PC has the fluted barrel which is a very nice touch. Double action is superior to my 29, although the 29 has undeniable old school charm.
My 686 PC (competitor) shoots like a champ, better than my 19-4.
I love the heavy barrel and it does wonders for long distance shooting.
I paid extra and got extra, and I'm glad I did.

 

[Old Griz]

Performance Center

Several years ago I decided that I needed to have one really fine gun to go with all my shooters. I have several S&W revolvers, and they are all very accurate guns. However, my PC 25-10 out shoots them all. I think it was well worth the money. Of course today a regular S&W cost more than my PC gun I bought in 2007.

 

[jaymoore]

I've never found the action work any better than the usual S&W, which is usually OK to excellent, anyway. What you are usually paying for is a custom barrel, with possibly a different cylinder and stocks. As I've quite a few and have in inclination to stop buying more as they strike a fancy, then they seem to be worth the small premium.

If you can do a "hands on" inspection before you put it on layaway, then go for it!

 

[mule69]

They are most certainly, definitely worth it.

 

[HarrishMasher]

My PC guns always have better trigger and actions from the factory than my Non-PC guns. So yes they are worth it. They also have features not found on standard production guns, which of course depends on the particular model.

The 586 PC L-Comp 3" is my favorite of all my revolvers. But that is because the trigger and action was done by a gunsmith, who only practiced briefly, but his work is some of the best ever done on a revolver.

My 586 is also an older production gun with a blued finish, as opposed to the matte black finish of the current 586 L Comps. Here is my 586 L Comp and it is a tack driver. I changed the grips and front sight. Grips are Ahrends and front sight is SDM Fiber Optic.

Rapid Fire 7 shots double action at 25'

Slow fire 7 shots double action 25'