S&W Performance Center

[Handgunner00]

Am about to purchase a Model 627 Performance Center 5" and the online chatter offers a mixed review on the consistent quality of PC produced firearms these days. So, where else to turn for an objective, fact based assessment of this issue: The S&W Forum.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

My only Performance Center gun is a 629-6 that I bought new 10-2017. The action job is on par with a 28-2 $" I bought used in the early 80's. The 28's action was worked over by someone outside the mothership. At S&W sponsored gun cleaning, I let one of the factory revolver guys tear into it. He didn't like my guns springs and replaced them all (free of charge) When he finished we dry fired and used a trigger pull gauge. (No strain screw adjustments were made at any point) My gun was noticeably less smooth and heavier Than the non factory parts. It was returned to the previous condition.

That was to tell you the 28 has a fantastic action! My PC 629 is very much on par with that 28!

Ivan

 

[bigwheelzip]

"Pro" series upgrades are okay.
"Performance Center" upgrades are better, and generally worth the premium in my opinion.

Sent from my motorola one 5G using Tapatalk

 

[AmStaff64]

Be prepared to not complete the transfer if it does not meet your expectations. Do a thorough inspection before the paperwork.

 

[BillBro]

My PC 5"627 is about the slickest gun I currently own. The trigger is very crisp with zero take-up. The pull is smooth and has a very clean break. So, the action is fantastic, period.
However, the thing did have some issues like the recessed crown being an absolute mess, the barrel being slightly over-timed and the ball detent being affected by the barrel timing ussue. I was able to correct the crown issue.
Despite those the gun is a great shooter and is very enjoyable. Ive never thought about selling it.

 

[dmy]

I have 5 S&W revolvers, 3 of which had to be returned to the Mothership a total of 5 times. The 3 which were returned all grouped well, but shot too far left despite adjusting the rear sight all the way to the right. During my initial revolver checkout procedure, all of the barrels looked straight, although two were Scadium-framed with barrel inserts. Two of the 3 were Performance Center models (386XL and 325 Thunder Ranch) and all 3 had internal locks indicating they were manufactured more recently than the 2 which shot straight.
One comment directly comparing all 5 is that, despite the PC revolvers having smoother and lighter triggers than the non-PC models, all of them needed to, and have had, the internals polished which made all of them better.

 

[silverstateS&W]

627 5" 8 shot PC is a fantastic gun.
you will not regret buying it.The action gets even smoother with lots of use!

 

[Hawg Rider]

I've got an 8-shot PC 627-5 with 2-5/8" bbl...great gun, no issues. I think you'll enjoy it. Mine wears some Crimson Trace laser stocks.

 

[murphydog]

The Performance Center was originally a specialty offshoot of the gunsmithing operation and did all sorts of special, and occasionally one-off factory specials.

In the current era the PC is how the general gunsmithing operation is named. Guns marketed by them do get more attention than a regular production example, but as noted above do your due diligence before buying/transferring. Please note this is not a criticism of S & W or the PC, it is just good gun buying advice.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I, too, have a PC 627-5 with a 2 5/8" barrel.

Neat, neat revolver.

My paws are too big for those tiny factory boots so I asked Herrett's Stocks to craft a pair of smooth Jordan Troopers with finger grooves out of bubinga for me. Wonderful.

Based on my experience nearly 40 years ago with a Model 27 with a 5" barrel, I'm betting the 627 5" will be a well-balanced cherry.

Enjoy.

 

[Protocall_Design]

I have 2 627s. One 4" iron sight and one 5" with a red dot. They are 2 of my most used and most liked revolvers.

 

[Handgunner00]

Thanks, all. Looks like the Forum is generally pro S&W Performance Center firearms with a few well stated reservations. Just what I had hoped to hear. My 627PC is on order.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

I don't see that current production PCs get significantly more attention at the factory than a standard production model gets.

Expect no more than you'd expect from a standard production revolver.

I currently have five PC revolvers & they've been afflicted with some of the same problems my standard production revolvers have had including barrel constrictions at the barrel-frame union, poor muzzle chamfering, poor forcing cone finishing & trigger actions on par with standard production revolvers (which I was all able to fix myself).

My 1990's Performance Center semi-autos are a different story though.

I still like & buy them if I take a liking to one. Just don't set your expectations too high & always look them over closely, no matter which one you buy.

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[3rdgeargrndrr]

Handgunner, just Get it. Chime in when you range it the first time. Call me surprised if it doesnt work.

 

[balin]

All my PC guns have been of very good quality. Including the 327pc that I received afew months ago

 

[Benchrest1]

I haven't had any issues with any of my PC or Pro revolvers.

 

[Handgunner00]

Am delighted with the overwhelming positive responses. Should have my 627PC in hand in 3 days and on the range in 4. Thanks, again.

 

[BillBro]

Smart move!

 

[Protocall_Design]

Bluedot37 has a pretty good handle on the situation. The PC guns are regular guns with cosmetic upgrades, like special barrel, different finish, laser engraving, etc. They are subject to all the problems of the garden variety guns. Thankfully, most of these problems can be easily remedied by a knowledgeable revo smith, or owner. Once any problems are addressed, they are by far, the best special use and competition revos ever made. Most of them don't have any problems.

 

[jeffrefrig]

I just picked up my 27-9 that I put on layaway last week. I need to get some cleaner rags to wipe it down better, but it sure is shiny. I'll throw some .38Spls through it tomorrow. Maybe some Magnums if the gun shop up there has any. It's got a 4" barrel. Once I shoot it I'll check in with a report for Handgunner00. Maybe I can post a picture; this 4" wood & blue is a nice-looking gun. (Except the wood looks like plastic.) That 5" must be a nice shooter.