Video—ARTV: Inside the Smith & Wesson Performance Center

by
posted on August 20, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Smith & Wesson opened its Performance Center in 1989 in order to create custom race guns, eventually expanding to a variety of guns ranging from hunting rifles to carry guns. What makes S&W Performance Center firearms unique is that although many of the firearms might contain special features that are typically found only in "one off" custom guns, the manufacturer produces them in large enough quantities to keep them affordable and available to everyone. Many Performance Center guns—like the Ported M&P Shield—originate from standard designs and are then customized and tuned for precision, while others are created from the ground up to include hand cutting and fitting. Overall, Smith & Wesson prides itself not only on its products but also its employees, with some of its workers being the third generation of their family to work for the company. Check out this segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV to learn more about Smith & Wesson's Performance Center.











Additional Reading:
NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Smith & Wesson Performance Center Ported M&P9L with Red Dot Sight
NRA Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson Performance Center Ported M&P9 Shield


Latest

SAAMI approves 25 Win. RPM and 8.6 BLK
SAAMI approves 25 Win. RPM and 8.6 BLK

SAAMI Accepts and Standardizes Two New Cartridges

Both 8.6 Blackout and .25 Winchester RPM are now SAAMI-approved cartridges.

Preview: Inforce ARC 650 LR-M

Measuring 5.6 inches long with a 1.4-inch bezel, the Inforce 650 LR-M is built for hard use within a 6061-T6 aluminum body that is then Type III hardcoat anodized for added durability and abrasion resistance.

A vz. 61 Skorpion For Less: The Titus Arms TA61

This TA61 version of the famous Czech vz. 61 Skorpion is affordably priced, thanks to a polymer lower receiver developed by Titus Arms.

New for 2026: Inglis Manufacturing 2035 Pistol

Inglis Manufacturing has introduced the 2035, its updated take on the storied Hi Power.

I Carry: Smith & Wesson Model 432 UC Revolver in a DeSantis Holster

In this week's episode of "I Carry," we have a Smith & Wesson Model 432 UC revolver carried in a DeSantis Holsters Super Fly pocket holster along with a Cold Steel Frenzy pocket knife.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 13, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.