The purchase of a couple of CHP turn-in S&W's rekindled my interest in the S&W 3rd gen's. This Performance Center gun is really very impressive. These were made in a few small batches in the 90's and I believe this mk3 example was produced in 1997. Relatively rare I think there were between 500-1500 made. They feature several Performance Center enhancements including handfit frame to slide, honed DA pull, match barrel and Briley titanium spherical bushing.
I found this example on gunbroker in excellent condition but with no box or paperwork and a few small scuffs it seemed perfect for a carry piece. I replaced the adjustable rear sight with the standard factory Novak style, and put about 300 flawless rounds down range. Accuracy is exceptional. This will definitely be going into my carry rotation and may push out my others before long.
These were also produced in 9mm and .45 in even smaller numbers, but they can be found on gunbroker from time to time.This message has been edited. Last edited by: CoastieLT, September 30, 2017 04:04 PM
September 30, 2017, 01:39 PM
arfmel
Spiffy
September 30, 2017, 02:15 PM
ThankGod4Sig
NICEEEEEEEEEEEE
"da evil Count Glockula."-Para
September 30, 2017, 03:26 PM
18DAI
Very nice! Congrats!
That is a REAL Performance Center gun, from back when the name and famous logo actually meant something. Hang onto that one! Regards 18DAI
7+1 Rounds of hope and change
September 30, 2017, 06:22 PM
WaterburyBob
Great acquisition.
I'm a big fan of the original Performance Center semi-autos. Not so much with what they put out now. I have the full set of Shorties - 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP.
"If Gun Control worked, Chicago would look like Mayberry, not Thunderdome" - Cam Edwards
September 30, 2017, 08:34 PM
mindustrial
I've got a few of the Briley bushing guns....I like 'em. Only problem is buying more...neither cheap or easy.
September 30, 2017, 08:39 PM
jjkroll32
That is an excellent find
_________________________ An unarmed man can only flee from evil and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it. - Col Jeff Cooper
NRA Life Member
Long Live the Super Thirty-Eight
October 01, 2017, 10:25 AM
rbert0005
Now that's a real gun from Smith.
Good score and enjoy.
Bob
I am no expert, but think I am sometimes.
October 01, 2017, 12:56 PM
P6shooter
Great guns. They were going for very short money in Massachusetts back in the late 90's. I once got a used Shorty .40 from a local dealer for $400 and a Novak tuned Performance Center 4006 for $450. Wish I held onto those!
October 01, 2017, 01:11 PM
rock185
That's a beauty! I've owned several PC guns from that era. Still have a couple, and wish I'd held on to them all.
NRA Life
October 02, 2017, 08:42 PM
PD
Nice. I'm a Performance Center junkie. Wicked good craftsmen.
May 13, 2018, 07:40 PM
10x Sniper
What do the shorty 40's go for ?
________________________ "The Revolver -A more elegant weapon from a more civilized age."
May 13, 2018, 08:18 PM
wolfe 21
Very nice. Something just looks right when they black out a third gen smith.
A Perpetual Disappointment...
May 13, 2018, 08:32 PM
CQB60
I had one in the mid 90’s. Regret parting with it. Well put together pistol.
______________________________________________ Life is short. It’s shorter with the wrong gun…
