By: SI Staff
The Performance Center by Smith & Wesson announced a number of new products including pistols, rifles, revolvers, and slide kits for 2017.
New Performance Center M&P Rifles
Performance Center engineers have been working on a rifle that would enhance the performance characteristics of the 6.5 Creedmoor caliber. In 2017, the engineers launched the M&P10 6.5 Creedmoor. The M&P10 6.5 Creedmoor is a rifle with a precision, two-stage match trigger, a 15-inch free-float Troy Alpha Rail with M-LOK handguard, Magpul buttstock and pistol grip, as well as a threaded 20-inch barrel.
The Performance Center also introduced a new M&P15 Competition rifle. The competition-class rifle comes standard with a Performance Center muzzle brake, a two-stage match trigger, a 15-inch free-float Troy Alpha Rail with M-LOK handguard. Also included is a VLTOR I-Mod 6-position stock, and an 18-inch medium profile barrel with smooth cycling rifle-length gas system. The barrel is coated with Armornite for durability and corrosion resistance. The 5R rifling and a 1:8 twist is designed to enhance the rifle’s accuracy and reduces barrel maintenance.
New Performance Center M&P Pistols
Since 2006, the Performance Center has gained a reputation for taking standard M&P pistols and adding the Performance Center touch. The new Performance Center M&P45 Shield pistol follows in this tradition. Consumers will quickly notice the factory-ported barrels and slides. The factory porting helps keep muzzle flip down which assists the shooter to get the pistol back on target faster. The Performance Center M&P45 Shield pistol can be purchased with either adjustable HI-VIZ fiber optic sights or Tritium Night Sights.
Available in multiple configurations, the full-size pistols can be purchased in the standard 4.25” barrel or the 5” long slide. Both barrel lengths can be available in two of the most popular pistol calibers, 9mm and .40S&W. Shooters will appreciate the fast acquisition with the HI-VIZ sights and they will be quickly back on target with the reduced-recoil from the factory ported slides and barrels. A Performance Center sear and an adjustable trigger stop provide a smooth shot with reduced over-travel.
New Performance Center M&P Slide Kits
For the first time in 2017, customers can “hot rod” their M&P pistol with the new Performance Center C.O.R.E . Slide Kit. Each slide kit comes with a ported barrel and slide. The slide is cut to accept five different optic mounting plates. The white-dot front sight and drift-adjustable rear sight allow for easy target acquisition. Also included are three C.O.R.E. style palmswells. The patented interchangeable palmswell system allows the user to customize the grip and feel of their M&P, enhancing the pistol’s natural 18 degree grip angle. Slide kits are available for a number of different pistol configurations.
New Performance Center Concealed Carry Revolvers
In 2017, the Performance Center .38 Spl. +P compact revolvers come in two new versions. Both variations come with a 1.88-inch barrel, Performance Center-tuned action and an internal hammer to reduce snagging while drawing. One version comes with a custom textured wood grip and a matte silver finish, while the other version has a cylinder that is cut for moon clips and a synthetic grip with a stylish wood insert. The bright-finish on the cylinder flutes contrasts the black synthetic grips. The thumb piece and side-plate screws complete the stunning appearance.
The Model 637 38 S&W Special +P revolver comes standard with a Performance Center-tuned action and an external hammer for easy cocking. The matte finish blends well with the custom textured wood grips.
New Performance Center Hunting Revolvers
The new 460VXR revolver now has an option with a 7.5-inch barrel with muzzle break, holds five rounds of the 460 S&W Magnum, has a Performance Center-tuned action, chrome trigger and custom tear drop hammer. It has an integral scope base and a HI-VIZ green fiber optic front sight. A gun rug and carry sling are included.
The newest S&W500 revolver comes with a 3.5-inch barrel and a Performance Center-tuned action The unfluted cylinder, chromed trigger, over-travel-stop, custom teardrop hammer and HI VIZ fiber optic front sight provides this revolver with modern style and superb ergonomics. The 500 S&W Magnum comes with a Performance Center embossed gun rug.
New Performance Center Mid-Frame Revolvers
The 2017 Model 586 L-Comp revolver comes with an integrated compensator for faster target acquisition on follow-up shots and reduced recoil. Chambered in .357 Mag. and .38 Spl. +P, this conceal-carry revolver has a three-inch, ported barrel and Tritium front night. The 586 has a Performance Center trigger and trigger stop as well as a teardrop hammer. The action is tuned by the Performance Center gunsmiths.
Consumers looking for a carry gun might be interested in the compact 9mm Model 986 revolver (sku 10227.) The 2017 version features a seven-round, CNC-machined, titanium cylinder with a Performance Center-tuned action. The 2.5-inch barrel has a recessed precision crown making the revolver easy to conceal. The chromed custom teardrop hammer, trigger and trigger stop add style and function, making this a great option for consumers and professionals.
Calibers USA 