The Ultimate Performance Center revolver thread ?

[SmithNut]

SmithNut, wondering if you know about how many of the 686-3 'Competitors' were manufactured?

Thanks!

I have never seen anything confirming the production numbers for these first Competitors. Mine has a s/n of PCC0301, not sure if that gives us anything conclusive, most of the early PC runs were in the 100-200 qty range. These were early PC offerings as they were produced with a square butt gripframe, most all PC guns we see are on the round butt gripframe, they converted to RB fairly early in my experience.

 

[snowman.45]

My one and only (for now).

 

[BAM-BAM]

It's been awhile since I went through this thread........ great stuff!!!!

I find it funny that anytime we have a thread on "magna-porting" the concept gets slamed...... "doesn't work"...." shoots flame"....etc........ yet so many of the PC revolvers and some auto are ported or double ported.

Don't get me wrong; I have a magna-ported three inch model 65 from the1980s when it was all the "new thing/ rage" on carry guns...... frankly I was underwelmed.

I would love to have one,or two, of the PC 3" 13s; like Smithnuts,......but just couldn't get past the double porting......

As to grips....... I'm with Smithnut....... Spegel boot-grips have been my standard since the late 80s.......on 2-3 inch guns and "extended" boot-grips on 4-6 inch guns...they just plain fit my medium size hand. Wish I had all the $$$$ I have tied up in my "box of grips".......LOL

 

[Dave T]

My one and only (for now).

snowman,

Did that used to be one of those green and black Birdsong finish guns? I have one and have seriously thought of having it fine bead blasted to get rid of the "ugly". (smile)

Dave

 

[socal s&w]

SmithNut -
"I have never seen anything confirming the production numbers for these first Competitors. Mine has a s/n of PCC0301, not sure if that gives us anything conclusive, most of the early PC runs were in the 100-200 qty range. These were early PC offerings as they were produced with a square butt gripframe, most all PC guns we see are on the round butt gripframe, they converted to RB fairly early in my experience."

Nor have I. My s/n happens to be PCC0069 and does have the square butt. I have yet to hear of any quantity of run/s and have been curious as to just how many were produced early on, especially the square butt run/s. Thanks for your insight though.
Anyone maybe know?

 

[qrachel]

A Slightly Different Take On The Matter

I have a 686 4" 357/38spcl and plan to send it to the PC followed by my 617 or possibly in the opposite order. I also will soon own a 629 5" and I was thinking of giving it the PC treatment as well.

I get at this time the lack of PC treated fire arms is not impacting my shooting skill; heck, I've only been shooting now for about five months but have engaged a shooting coach and he is taking me through a fairly rigorousness training program. It's a ball and I like being a gal, who on the range is one of the most consistently lethal shooters stepping to the line, especially @ 70. (So does my coach.)

Well any way, I get the appeal of the fire arm originating out of the PC and before the year is over I'm going to seek a 627 5" PC. However, I'm wondering if a 686 or like model redone by the PC has the same mystique and perceived value as those guns originating out of the PC.

For me it is, and I'm not worried about resale value but instead am focused on unique and/or beautiful standbys that represent the best of the best of revolvers that S&W offers or has offered. I guess you could say I'm thinking about a collection of S&W wheel guns that went back to the PC for the ultimate tune-up/makeover as a unique way to build a special collection.

Thoughts, comments, outrage or just plain old abuse (just be sure that you're prepared for the anti-Christ of wall flowers to respond should you invoke the wrath Grande Torina - lol. Forgive me, I do like everyone here - it's a great place to hangout).

Great thread here, and I can see paging through it that collecting as a hobby as well as access to great shooting could really be the ultimate in an avocation for me.

Take good care all,

R

 

[socal s&w]

ANYONE Else have an answer possibly??

SmithNut -
"I have never seen anything confirming the production numbers for these first Competitors. Mine has a s/n of PCC0301, not sure if that gives us anything conclusive, most of the early PC runs were in the 100-200 qty range. These were early PC offerings as they were produced with a square butt gripframe, most all PC guns we see are on the round butt gripframe, they converted to RB fairly early in my experience."

Nor have I. My s/n happens to be PCC0069 and does have the square butt. I have yet to hear of any quantity of run/s and have been curious as to just how many were produced early on, especially the square butt run/s. Thanks for your insight though.
Anyone maybe know?

 

[The Soup Nazi]

My first revolver and the only one I've bought NIB so far.

Smith and Wesson Model 627-5 Performance Center

 

[jimbo-indy]

Social S&W:
The 686 Hunter pictured in my post was PC00180. I did have contact with an owner of another Hunter from the same run that had a S/N over 200 even though the run for Lou Horton was limited to 200 revolvers, as was the norm for that period. This would indicate that the guns were not necessarily numbered in sequence.

 

[amazingflapjack]

629-6

I think it is a "competitor" but if that is not correct, would someone let me know? Thanks.

 

[jimbo-indy]

I think you are correct. The Hunter was about the same except it had MagNaPorted barrel.

 

[stevehenry1]

I have got a 625 Performance Center revolver in .45ACP. So far, I'm unimpressed. It's bad enough it has the cursed lock, but the frame-mounted firing pin is the pits. I had to buy and install an Apex firing pin to get it to fire reliability, (as in a MINIMUM of 1 round per cylinder, up to 4 ). My old 25(no dash) is more accurate, more reliable, and smoother action. With more range time, things will get better (I hope}

 

[Hart]

fantastic wheelgun!

fantastic wheelgun! I love mine! Only conceals in winter but one smooth trigger and accurate as the come!

My first revolver and the only one I've bought NIB so far.

Smith and Wesson Model 627-5 Performance Center

 

[Hart]

awesome lot!

didn't see the hillary hole on any of them... good for you! wish I could say the same.

Here are a few pics....

That's it for now, I'll look for some more pics.....

 

[bobf]

Some more

686

629

647-1

 

[socal s&w]

jimbo-indy

Thanks for the reply. Although you have a 'Hunter', while mine is a 'Competitor', perhaps they were among the same era runs?

Is yours a square or round butt?

 

[snowman.45]

snowman,

Did that used to be one of those green and black Birdsong finish guns? I have one and have seriously thought of having it fine bead blasted to get rid of the "ugly". (smile)

Dave

Dave:

It sure was. I called Walter Birdsong himself to get instruction on how to remove the Black and Green T finishes. He told me to use aluminum oxide
120 grit at 25 psi. It worked like a champ.

 

[exfebee]

S&W 627PC Blood Work

Heres a few more pics of the Beautiful 627PC Original Blood Work :

Compare with the 686 Snubby:

Carl ...

 

[Poohgyrr]

I really like a fluted cylinder on that pistol. Looks comforting.

 

[Rooster1]

Those are wicked looking! Are they a V Co,p with a different adder on the barrel instead of the comp? Looks Cool!