Performance Center 625 just arrived

[Phatdog]

throwing in the towel

I grew up with the S&W name. I don't have the collection that most on here have. I just have a couple of older guns that are quite well built. That is what originally made me want to buy this 625. I had read that current quality wasn't as good as "the old days." That is why I went to a Performance Center gun and spent the extra bucks. After reading the posts on here and examining my purchase, I have to say, I will have to rethink my future dollars.

 

[OldBlood]

I am looking at buying the P C 625 myself, planned on deep 6ing the grips anyway, but i am sorry to hear tha action isn't tuned. Thought the P C guns got action jobs. Anybody remember Jim Fish?

 

[Phatdog]

Python barrels on Smiths

Smolts is what he called them. Caution, high jack thread alert.

 

[Austerity]

I'm not fan of newer Smiths, in fact, the opposite. I have to chime in though, and say that my wifes new 642 as well as my new M&P360 are both very nice.

The single action on my M&P360 is the best of any of my revolvers, and the double action on box stages and breaks very nice for a new gun.

 

[mike56]

Just got a note from Bud's that my 625PC was shipped today.
Have to give it a good going over before I accept it.
I too expected the extra PC cost was a sure thing.

 

[What the]

Yep the quality is slipping and no one is catching it!! Send your brand new gun back with a very specific note explaining what you want repaired.

Overall, Rugers quality kicks Smith to the curb the last few years. It's embarrassing to hear of all the PC shop guns being sent back for very basic quality issues.

I'm confident they will make it right for you but it just ain't right.

 

[Phatdog]

New grips, gift from S&W.

S&W sent these to me and did not ask for the laminates ones back. I figured I would buy larger target grips anyway so a set of small grips would be nice to have as well. Gunsmith has my pistol for a few weeks.

 

[Jerry N.]

I got my gun back to day. The gunsmith fixed it but I think he did some work on the trigger pull and it feels a lot smoother. I read a post that the action can be improved significantly just by cleaning and oiling the works and that may be all the gunsmith did, but this is how it should have been from the factory. I can tell there has been some polishing and grinding done, but at least now everything looks lined up properly and it feels smooth. I can't wait to shoot it.

 

[Phatdog]

Double post. removed.

 

[mike56]

Picked mine up today.
Grips look like they fit just about like yours. Protrude out at the web of the hand. Grip screw was good. Going to replace grips anyway.
Rear sight blade is kinda bent and scratched, almost like someone dropped it on it.
Action seems good and metal fit looks okay.
Have to shoot it some now.

 

[bucifan]

Just got my 625PC back! From the day Smith recievedit, I got it back in 9 days. I did what someone suggested, in that I sent the same letter I placed inside the case, and emailed it also to S&W CS.

To see what problems I was complaining about, see my previous posted reply in this thread. In the letter after highlighting the problems and asking how this revolver went though QC and left the plant, I asked that one of their better smith's work on it and that it be QC'ed agiain from top to bottom. I requested that the revolver come back to me how the smith that worked on it would be proud to own, and more importantly be proud to put have his/her name associated with this gun!

It looks as it should have come from the factory the 1st time. Will have to shoot it, hopefully later this week, for the final test.

This is what they did:

1. Replaced locking bolt
2. Replaced bolt
3. Replaced Thumbpiece nut
4. Replaced Thumbpiece
5. Replaced barrel
6. Cut forcing cone

If everything works ok when I shoot it, it will restore my faith in S&W some, as they made it right, but it shouldn't have taken this to get proper firearm from the factory.

But it's not just S&W having QC problems. I just saw a post on a Ruger forum where an owner sent a pistol back for a lot of problems. Got it back where they had almost sent him a whole new gun, replacing barrel, slide, etc. He was all happy until he broke it down to give it a quick cleaning and found the inside of the barrel as smooth as a baby's butt.......absolutely no rifling. NOW that's bad QC!!!!

Rick

 

[Phatdog]

This is what they did:

1. Replaced locking bolt
2. Replaced bolt
3. Replaced Thumbpiece nut
4. Replaced Thumbpiece
5. Replaced barrel
6. Cut forcing cone

So apparently if you complain and send your pistol back to S&W, they make it right. Otherwise.......they send it to you with these defects?

 

[Phatdog]

I checked the cylinder throats and they are undersize. Do you want me to ream them to the proper size?
Thanks,

This is from my Pistolsmith regarding a NEW PERFORMANCE CENTER 625 from S&W. Should this bother S&W or is it just me?

 

[stuch77]

we should all call smith and say i was interested in you PC guns. but i heard that there leaving your doors with alot of defects. i bet if they get flooded with 50 calls all in one day they'll be taking about it around the cooler in the lunch room so to speak.

 

[BlueOvalBandit]

I put JM laminated grips on my 625-8..... look exactly the same, others have similar results. Boogered screw is no bueno though.

 

[grumpy7159]

I bought a 627PC and hated the grips. My paws don't fit the finger grooves. Replaced the grips and I love this firearm. I am looking to purchase a 625 JM in the future. Hope I'm not disappointed.

 

[mchech]

New 625 from the Performance Center in the house!
Yes, I know the grips are ugly but at least they should fit. Also notice the knarled up grip screw. What's up with that?

The wood comes up past the metal not just in one place but for the entire run from mid grip up. Doesn't even follow the curve of the grip. I can SEE the inside portion of the grips.

The grips do not join behind the trigger guard. There is about 1/16 inch gap.

I have two other Smiths. A model 36 built in 1963 and a model 66 built in the 80's. Both have better triggers and smoother actions than this Performance Center pistol. The trigger on this gun is awful compared the the 66. Is this a lemon or is this the best S&W is putting out right now?

Last week I picked up a new 625 PC. The grips on mine are the same as yours. I got a big laugh out of the fit and so did everyone at the gun shop. My thoughts were there must be a coupon inside that gets S&W to send you the proper fit grips. Unfortunately I could not find one. I wasn't attracted by the grips and figured on replacing them but they are a sick joke. Expensive joke for me and I ain't laughing anymore.

 

[grumpy7159]

I bought a 625 PC tonight. The grips were a lot better than the set pictured here. They didn't make it out of the shop. I traded straight accross for a better set of grips IMO. It loads a lot faster than my 627 PC.

 

[jdickson397]

I bought a 625 PC last year and it was perfect ---- other than the ugly grips which I had planned on replacing anyway. Great smooth trigger pull. No failures to fire, etc. Very accurate. Very nice gun. I understand the grips are made by Hogue. I have had no problems with it whatsoever.

 

[Phatdog]

Final results

Sent the "Smith & Wesson Performance Center" pistol off to Fletcher Custom. They turned it into the gun that Smith should have delivered to me in the first place. Two different pistols. The pistol now is not only a looker, but a smooth shooting machine. Kudos to Fletcher Custom. As far as the "Performance Center" goes...not so much. Completely underwhelmed with their work. I now believe it is just a name to stamp on pistols to increase the cost. Not even as good as pistols they used to build when the Smith & Wesson name meant something. I really like this pistol now and will keep it as an heirloom but the Smith & Wesson factory had nothing to do with it. They sent me an overpriced unfinished product that I had corrected.