Performance center really

[Stevelightning]

First and foremost do they even fire them at a target before shipping. Both of mine are way off target. The shield shoots 5" to the left but elevation is perfect at 7 yards. It also had many ftf using three different types of ammo. My PC 1911 # 170343 runs perfect but again poi was way off. After drifting front sight and adjusting the rear all the way it will punch one hole at 7 yards. It just seems like something from the performance center should run and be pretty accurate right out of the box.

 

[bigggbbruce]

I used to adjust my sight until I learned how to hold my gun correctly.

 

[Stevelightning]

My grip wasn't the problem. Misaligned sights from factory verified by several shooters.

 

[WisconsinKen]

I have to agree on PC lately. I waited 15 months for a 1911 PC (missed the previous batch by a couple of weeks). Mine finally arrived. Many RIA 1911s I have tried have a better trigger than this thing had on it. It was so bad out if the box along with the fit and finish I didn't even try it out. Just shook my head and traded it away.

 

[18DAI]

The Performance Center use to be a seperate entity housed in an old airplane hanger behind the main factory. Shooters and talented engineers worked with skilled gunsmiths making some very nice handguns.

Now it is just another assembly line in the factory adding some slightly better triggers to replace the lousy factory triggers, and stamp the famous seal on some run of the mill handguns.

Of course an exhorbitant price tag accompanies the seal. But that is about all you get. Unless you count the return shipping tag. Evidently those should be included as standard fare these days. Regards 18DAI

 

[mercury37]

I have to agree with the lack of professional quality with the PC stamp. I purchased a SW1911PC SKU 170344 in 2014 and without firing a shot had to send it back to the SW because when inspecting after arrival taking it off safety the hammer would fall to half cock. If it had been fired and inspected how would that been missed? The trigger is not smooth but is acceptable, not really what a PC trigger should feel like. A competent smith would have done a better job. And the pumpkin furniture, really?

 

[Laddy Smith]

Have to agree

with the Honorable 18DAI.

I've been able to buy a few Performance Center (Center = BUILDING not assembly line #5) pistols and they are unique and worthy of the logo.

Maybe today "PC" stands for partially canted

A distant analogy might be years ago when US auto makers had been making muscle cars and sports cars then short-sighted marketers decided that a pinstripe and mini spoiler made a tin can a "sport edition."

It took some hard lessons for them to realize putting a pony & script "Mustang" on a 4cyl *** didn't make it so and diluted the brand. Maybe some gun guys will ascend at S&W management & realize how poor branding can waste massive amounts of capital.

Lad

 

[Tom S.]

That could explain a PC 696 I recently acquired. everything about the gun was fine, except the side plate screw that also retains the crane was buggered up! Seriously not expecting to see that.

 

[Motorsporting]

I agree. 3/4 of my PC guns came with rough edges/burrs and mis-aligned sights. It's not an accuracy issues if the front sight is barely aligned in the sight channel.

 

[Ed Fowler]

I used to adjust my sight until I learned how to hold my gun correctly.

While I do not agree with all the variables and results displayed, it is a good reminder for your check list as you practice, both dry fire and actual target work.

Thanks for posting it up!!

 

[GunarSailors]

Sorry, I couldnt help myself... For the lefties

 

[Johnmuratore]

This is why I only buy used (experienced) guns.
I don't think they make anything like they used to.

 

[Stevelightning]

After a close inspection this is what notice. Would this affect the accuracy causing it to shoot left.

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[Stevelightning]

http://[URL=http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/stevelightning2/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsocoemxwu.jpeg.html] [/URL]

 

[Stevelightning]

The machining has left a stepped up area that when fire it I prints that step up into the head stamp of thefired case. Could that cause the barrel chamber to slightly shift to the right causing the bullet poi to be left.

 

[James&theGiant1911]

Most of the craftsman who made these guns in the performance center for a long time have since retired or are no longer there.

 

[Gamecock]

I bought a PC1911. I went to the range. I adjusted the sights.

Expecting it to be sighted in for ME would be absurd.

 

[bigggbbruce]

http://[URL=http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/stevelightning2/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsocoemxwu.jpeg.html] [/URL]

Well now.. you might be on to something.

Looks like the monkey that cut the breach face cut a bit to much, the barrel hood should touch on both sides of the witness mark in the center top. I don't see marks from a properly fitted barrel hood.
Actually got my readers out and see the marks.

I'd dial up S&W and say fix please.

 

[Sevens]

I bought a PC1911. I went to the range. I adjusted the sights.

Expecting it to be sighted in for ME would be absurd.

And for the (literally) millions of fixed-sight handguns built, shipped & sold...?!

 

[Snowwolfe]

And for the (literally) millions of fixed-sight handguns built, shipped & sold...?!

That's why a lot of shooters, including myself, do not like fixed-sight handguns. I am almost 63 years old and never bought any handgun, new or used, that didn't need to be sighted in for me.