I heard the new SCSW#4 now has a picture of one in it, making identification even easier.
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Tell a story of your personal Performance Center epiphany
- Thread starter Sevens
- Start date
I heard the new SCSW#4 now has a picture of one in it, making identification even easier.
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Palmetto Sharpshooter
Member
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My first PC pistol was a used PC9 that I paid $450 at a gun shop in the mid-90s. I was told the original owner said it was an inaccurate shooter. For the price, I also got a $100 IWB holster also. The original owners story was completely wrong. I put a set of Trijicon Novak night sights on it and carried it for many years. It was light, quick and easy to shoot a clean APOSTC score. It resides in the safe today.
Not much of a story teller. The first PC auto that I shot was the 945. Great shooting pistol shoots better than me! Added a 952 long slide and an 845. Got to love the quality of the PC pistols.
945
952
645, 645, 745, 845, 945
945
952
645, 645, 745, 845, 945
Turn & Bank
Member
Hi Sevens and all
Hmm, for me anyway, I'm not sure I'd use epiphany in context with anything other than religion but in the context of enlightenment yeah OK I'll go for it. I don't remember how it struck me but I knew of the PC guns and having more cash then brains I stumbled upon a 3566 and snagged it. Phew, that hurt! Since then I've purchased 4 more PC's (all the old stuff) and after that 3566 the others were cheap! How's that for a frame of reference. The PC-9 and PC-45 will probably go out the door one of these days and if I recall the PC-9 has not been fired but the 45 has but still looks new. Anyway they're great pieces and I should off the 3566 as it is unfired with like 6 mags and 1000 rounds of ammo but I just love that all stainless frame! Oh the humanities! Not much of a story but it's mine! Ha, ha!
All of you Stay Safe!
T & B
Hmm, for me anyway, I'm not sure I'd use epiphany in context with anything other than religion but in the context of enlightenment yeah OK I'll go for it. I don't remember how it struck me but I knew of the PC guns and having more cash then brains I stumbled upon a 3566 and snagged it. Phew, that hurt! Since then I've purchased 4 more PC's (all the old stuff) and after that 3566 the others were cheap! How's that for a frame of reference. The PC-9 and PC-45 will probably go out the door one of these days and if I recall the PC-9 has not been fired but the 45 has but still looks new. Anyway they're great pieces and I should off the 3566 as it is unfired with like 6 mags and 1000 rounds of ammo but I just love that all stainless frame! Oh the humanities! Not much of a story but it's mine! Ha, ha!
All of you Stay Safe!
T & B
Who has brought home their first true Performance Center pistol lately, and has a story to share?
*TRUE means please don't add a tale where a robin's egg blue ported "PC" Shield or an M&P 15-22 is the subject, bleccchhh.
*TRUE means please don't add a tale where a robin's egg blue ported "PC" Shield or an M&P 15-22 is the subject, bleccchhh.
the big guy
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I think my first was a 945 5". Then a 3566 5" and a case of ammo. Spent the next 20 years haunting gun shows looking for a compact. A friend told me about GB, found that compact almost immediately, along with more than a few others like the shorter 945's, 952's and on and on! Scored a NIB 845 at a LGS for 750.00. PC semi autos are the finest guns I have ever handled, they absolutely amaze me. I mostly shoot a 745, because I hate to put the wear on the PC's!
My first post seems appropriate to highlight my first Performance Center PC9 I just pickup recently. I had no idea how great the triggers were on these. I have had a regular 6909 for years but it is of no comparison.
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I did however find one surprise when I went to disassemble the pistol to thoroughly clean it. I have never seen this application used before in a magazine. This is probably because I am fortunate that I live somewhere that I don't have to deal with such issues.
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![20190327_132052[1].jpg](https://cdn.smith-wessonforum.com/attachments/318/318424-ca2bfd7f1e1573d5a2bc0e4d41efa7e1.jpg?hash=5sooSkWILa)
![20190327_132107[1].jpg](https://cdn.smith-wessonforum.com/attachments/318/318425-33153f35a92eb5a8cacb521d24481c96.jpg?hash=sotowhbDgj)
![20190327_132114[1].jpg](https://cdn.smith-wessonforum.com/attachments/318/318426-88195822e086591c7f24789f9a1a6610.jpg?hash=tWUnLw01ii)
vigil617
US Veteran
I'm speechless. For goodness's sake, somebody send Rskoski a PC magazine so his gun won't have to endure this cobbled-together embarrassment any longer than necessary!
A fine gun for your foray into the PC semi-autos, sir! And since you are new to them, here's a hint in case you have trouble getting the gun reassembled with the tight-tolerance Briley bushing: from outside the muzzle, use the barrel to line up the bushing at a slight angle that will allow you to then slip the barrel into position inside the slide, then voila! Barrel will drop in like a charm.
the big guy
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Found my first PC in 1994, a 3566 5". Stunning. Bought it along with a case of ammo. Still have it, along with four more and two compacts and a 940-1. Before I went nuts with all this, my second PC was a 5" 945 no dash. Bought it to see if it out shot my 745, it does. Too pretty for me to bring the the range every week! I stuck with the 745, but searched out 4" and 3.75" 945 models to build a set. Now I have a lot of PC models, along with 1st, 2nd and 3rd gen autos, love them all.
Stentor
Member
My alacrity for PC pistols has continued--I have added several over the last couple years (up to a baker's dozen now).
inimicalone
Member
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2012
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I've been told that my NYPD pilot 5946 (SW0105) was built by the performance center for the NYPD semi auto trials in 1993. I haven't had it lettered yet, but intend to one day.
Does anyone have any insight into the test program?
Does anyone have any insight into the test program?
My gateway drug into the PC was the 952. I had never really considered Smith semiautos before that. I was an HK and Glock guy. Maybe I had a touch of the Euro gun snob going.
After buying that first 952 "no dash" there was no looking back. I realized how good Smith autos could be.
I bought a second 952 "no dash" and then many more 952s of different configurations including two of that first run of 6" 952s.
I ended of buying a couple of 845s, a Shorty 9, a 5" 5903, a PC 3953 "Classic Series", a Recon 45 and some PC revolvers. I was hooked.
Alas, the PC that made those guns is no more. At least not in my opinion.
The PC guns opened my eyes to the virtues of the 3rd gens in general and a collected a shot a bunch of those.
I have a 4566TSW that was worked over by Vito in the PC. The rail was removed and that action tuned. The DA and SA triggers are arguably the best I've felt on a DA/SA gun. A thing of beauty and totally reliable.
I dont feel the same way about the M&P series if polymer guns. I tried them but just don't.
I've more on to other platforms as the guns I shoot and train with most but I still have a lot of respect and admiration for the 3rd gens in general and those PC guns in particular.
It's only access to spare parts and support that keep me from shooting them more.
After buying that first 952 "no dash" there was no looking back. I realized how good Smith autos could be.
I bought a second 952 "no dash" and then many more 952s of different configurations including two of that first run of 6" 952s.
I ended of buying a couple of 845s, a Shorty 9, a 5" 5903, a PC 3953 "Classic Series", a Recon 45 and some PC revolvers. I was hooked.
Alas, the PC that made those guns is no more. At least not in my opinion.
The PC guns opened my eyes to the virtues of the 3rd gens in general and a collected a shot a bunch of those.
I have a 4566TSW that was worked over by Vito in the PC. The rail was removed and that action tuned. The DA and SA triggers are arguably the best I've felt on a DA/SA gun. A thing of beauty and totally reliable.
I dont feel the same way about the M&P series if polymer guns. I tried them but just don't.
I've more on to other platforms as the guns I shoot and train with most but I still have a lot of respect and admiration for the 3rd gens in general and those PC guns in particular.
It's only access to spare parts and support that keep me from shooting them more.
I sent an 8 & 3/8" model 14 to the Performance Center for an action job somewhere in the late 90's. It returned so poorly done that I sent it to a well known gunsmith in Alabama to be fixed. He called me before it's return, and said he had spoken to S&W president Ed Schultz about it at some convention or meeting, and I could probably expect a call from Mr. Schultz about it, with maybe a surprise in store for me. All this back and forth shipping ate up some time. 
Due to the infamous Tomkins audit that happened about the same time, Mr. Schultz was obviously far too busy to worry about one customer, so I never heard anything.
Not the biggest probem I've ever had, and it hasn't stopped me from buying Performance Center guns. I just believe they're built by people instead of magic elves.
Due to the infamous Tomkins audit that happened about the same time, Mr. Schultz was obviously far too busy to worry about one customer, so I never heard anything.
Not the biggest probem I've ever had, and it hasn't stopped me from buying Performance Center guns. I just believe they're built by people instead of magic elves.
inimicalone
Member
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- Nov 25, 2012
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Umm, ok...
cherrypointmarine
Member
It's been over 2 years so I thought I'd update my earlier post . I now have 2 more 945's , an 845 , SD40 , and a Recon9 . I had 2 Recon45's , but they moved on to new homes .Always on the hunt for more , especially 945's . They are my all time favorite .
Recently got and shot a 945. I blame all of you guys for being pushers. I used to just like the revolvers, but oh no, that's not enough. Now I have to go and shoot one if the sweetest autos ever. First pc gun - unlikely it will be the last.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
3566 Limited
My most recent Performance Center addition is a 3566 Limited.
I've never been much for shooting 9mms but this is no ordinary 9mm!
With full power 356TSW handloads it's got plenty of BARK & is still very accurate for me.
I've got about (700) rounds thru the 356TSW barrel & about (500) thru the 9x19 barrel.
It's pretty much all I've been shooting since I've gotten it.
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My most recent Performance Center addition is a 3566 Limited.
I've never been much for shooting 9mms but this is no ordinary 9mm!
With full power 356TSW handloads it's got plenty of BARK & is still very accurate for me.
I've got about (700) rounds thru the 356TSW barrel & about (500) thru the 9x19 barrel.
It's pretty much all I've been shooting since I've gotten it.
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Well it's about damn time you updated the group on your acquisition of this beauty, sheesh!
LOL
How about your 40 Limited purchase?
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Jeppo
Member
Jeppo sees the light
A friend and serious S&W collector who doesn't post much here called me one day. He asked, "Jeppo, have any interest in somethin' called a Shorty 45?" I replied, "Are you kidding?".
It seems a friend had one he wanted to sell. I told him to tell the friend we were leaving immediately. We actually drove down to the friend's place a few days later and were ushered into the basement, filled with more reloading equipment, supplies and safes than I'd ever seen in one place. His friend pulls out the Shorty 45 and I reach for my wallet before he can change his mind.
The deal done, my friend tells the seller, "Show Jeppo your 945". Seller asks, "Does he prefer stainless or black?".
Out comes a 945 and it was like my first kiss. I asked if I could rack the slide and I was in; hook, line and sinker. From that moment, I became obsessed and eventually convinced another collector to sell me two of his four 945's.
After the seller demanded I stop drooling on his 945 and hand it back over, he began opening various safes and pulling out endless NIB or almost so examples of guns I'd never actually seen before and many I'd never even heard of.
On the way home with my friend, my Shorty 45 resting comfortably in the trunk, I told my friend I knew why the seller had been willing to sell me that gun...
It was probably the least valuable and least special one in his collection.
A friend and serious S&W collector who doesn't post much here called me one day. He asked, "Jeppo, have any interest in somethin' called a Shorty 45?" I replied, "Are you kidding?".
It seems a friend had one he wanted to sell. I told him to tell the friend we were leaving immediately. We actually drove down to the friend's place a few days later and were ushered into the basement, filled with more reloading equipment, supplies and safes than I'd ever seen in one place. His friend pulls out the Shorty 45 and I reach for my wallet before he can change his mind.
The deal done, my friend tells the seller, "Show Jeppo your 945". Seller asks, "Does he prefer stainless or black?".
Out comes a 945 and it was like my first kiss. I asked if I could rack the slide and I was in; hook, line and sinker. From that moment, I became obsessed and eventually convinced another collector to sell me two of his four 945's.
After the seller demanded I stop drooling on his 945 and hand it back over, he began opening various safes and pulling out endless NIB or almost so examples of guns I'd never actually seen before and many I'd never even heard of.
On the way home with my friend, my Shorty 45 resting comfortably in the trunk, I told my friend I knew why the seller had been willing to sell me that gun...
It was probably the least valuable and least special one in his collection.
Stentor
Member
My biggest Performance Center pistol score over the last year was a 6" PPC. I had been searching for a 6" PPC for quite some time and stumbled upon the one below via this forum.
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We both know quite clearly that I -just- got that one, it's barely dry from it's flight, but you have had that ^Limited for a couple months!LOL
How about your 40 Limited purchase?
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HOUSTON RICK
Member
I concentrate on "shooters" rather than performance center guns. If one gets caught up in my net that is great, but I do not seek out Performance Center guns. Should I?
Having said that, I try to keep myself from calling polymer guns "Tupperware". I prefer metal guns, but polymer guns are the future for now, and also fun to shoot and no doubt collect. I enjoy shooting my "token" plain Jane M&P 9 1.00000.Would no doubt like a 945, but not for the same price as a BHP or Luger with Wehrmacht markings. Are Wehrmacht marked BHPs and Lugers shooters? I must be complicated. God bless all here.
Having said that, I try to keep myself from calling polymer guns "Tupperware". I prefer metal guns, but polymer guns are the future for now, and also fun to shoot and no doubt collect. I enjoy shooting my "token" plain Jane M&P 9 1.00000.Would no doubt like a 945, but not for the same price as a BHP or Luger with Wehrmacht markings. Are Wehrmacht marked BHPs and Lugers shooters? I must be complicated. God bless all here.
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Probably not buying anymore at today's prices....................
Glad I got my 4 way back in the last Century!!!!!!
Glad I got my 4 way back in the last Century!!!!!!
Just lucky to be shooting PPC when the auto competitions started. Got a 5" PPC first and then 4" IDPA model and so on. Actually switched to 1911s to get a 6" gun before the 6" PPC models came out. Then got one of those for a backup gun, it was a lot cheaper than another 1911.
Sad thing as my wife was also a shooter and she had a 6", 5" and 4", but when she stopped shooting we sold them to new shooters on the team. Didn't think at the time that the P/C would stop making them.
Still have the rest and added a few over the years, 4566(not CQB) Shorty 9s and 40.
Sad thing as my wife was also a shooter and she had a 6", 5" and 4", but when she stopped shooting we sold them to new shooters on the team. Didn't think at the time that the P/C would stop making them.
Still have the rest and added a few over the years, 4566(not CQB) Shorty 9s and 40.
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Let's bump an old thread see if there are any new TRUE PC enthusiasts out there!?!?
My love started with a Shorty. 40 and a total of 4 more following lol.
I've since expanded my horizon when happening across a 945 at a somewhat local show at one heck of a price, brought it home and was floored at the accuracy I was able to achieve from it....
I now own some of the finest Guns the PC ever put out and some of the rarest... I haven't ventured into the "oddest" yet (stocking dealer guns).
It's a rather shame something like the true PC doesn't exist any more....
Bump for a reboot!
My love started with a Shorty. 40 and a total of 4 more following lol.
I've since expanded my horizon when happening across a 945 at a somewhat local show at one heck of a price, brought it home and was floored at the accuracy I was able to achieve from it....
I now own some of the finest Guns the PC ever put out and some of the rarest... I haven't ventured into the "oddest" yet (stocking dealer guns).
It's a rather shame something like the true PC doesn't exist any more....
Bump for a reboot!
AveragEd
Member
I first became aware of the Performance Center handguns when Smith & Wesson brought several of them to an event at one of my gun clubs during the mid-1990s. I really wasn't interested in autoloaders at the time but their appearance and smoothness left an impression.
Then about ten years ago, I developed an affection for 1911s. When the Doug Koenig-inspired PC1911 in 45ACP with the slotted slide was released, I bought one. It now has a stablemate, an older Doug Koenig PC1911 in .38 Super. Along with two E-Series 1911s in 45ACP, they have been flawless.
But having spent my working life in automobile dealership service management, I know that the best product is worthless without good service behind it. That DK 45 has a Briley barrel bushing and a video that was (still is?) on S&W's website shows a gunsmith popping it out and back in again just like a normal 1911 bushing but mine required a lot more effort and even some strange tactics to reinstall so I called S&W for advice.
The person with whom I spoke suggested that I massage the interior of the slide with some emery cloth just enough to open it up a hair. That helped but it was still difficult enough to get the bushing back in place that I didn't shoot the gun much. I finally called S&W again and was asked to return it for evaluation.
What made my PC experience memorable was that the actual gunsmith working on it called me to discuss what could/should be done. He agreed it was one of the tougher ones to get back in place that he had handled and he would loosen it up a bit more if I wanted but said that if it was his, he would leave it alone and shoot it. I took his advice.
I have sent guns back for some sort of attention several times and never before received a call from the guy holding the gun in his hands. Kimber, on the other hand, was horrible with which to do business. Repair invoices came back with repair descriptions like "replaced small parts" and other nondescript comments. On top of that, the problem wasn't corrected even, on one 1911, after four trips back!
At that point, I sold all my Kimbers and replaced them with S&Ws. Hard to believe but I don't have a photo of the PC1911 in 45ACP, just the 38 Super.
Ed
Then about ten years ago, I developed an affection for 1911s. When the Doug Koenig-inspired PC1911 in 45ACP with the slotted slide was released, I bought one. It now has a stablemate, an older Doug Koenig PC1911 in .38 Super. Along with two E-Series 1911s in 45ACP, they have been flawless.
But having spent my working life in automobile dealership service management, I know that the best product is worthless without good service behind it. That DK 45 has a Briley barrel bushing and a video that was (still is?) on S&W's website shows a gunsmith popping it out and back in again just like a normal 1911 bushing but mine required a lot more effort and even some strange tactics to reinstall so I called S&W for advice.
The person with whom I spoke suggested that I massage the interior of the slide with some emery cloth just enough to open it up a hair. That helped but it was still difficult enough to get the bushing back in place that I didn't shoot the gun much. I finally called S&W again and was asked to return it for evaluation.
What made my PC experience memorable was that the actual gunsmith working on it called me to discuss what could/should be done. He agreed it was one of the tougher ones to get back in place that he had handled and he would loosen it up a bit more if I wanted but said that if it was his, he would leave it alone and shoot it. I took his advice.
I have sent guns back for some sort of attention several times and never before received a call from the guy holding the gun in his hands. Kimber, on the other hand, was horrible with which to do business. Repair invoices came back with repair descriptions like "replaced small parts" and other nondescript comments. On top of that, the problem wasn't corrected even, on one 1911, after four trips back!
At that point, I sold all my Kimbers and replaced them with S&Ws. Hard to believe but I don't have a photo of the PC1911 in 45ACP, just the 38 Super.
Ed
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