Smith & Wesson 629 Performance Center Competitor - Worth It?

[IVC]

An older thread, but...

The problem with the current S&W Performance Center is that it's not. It used to be a finely-tuned gun out of the custom shop, now it's just a gun that has a great potential, but will shine only after you have it done by a competent gunsmith. Or, you might get lucky out of the box, but that's getting rare these days.

Years back I got a 627PC that was great out of the box, and that was the last PC that I would consider a "true PC." Since then, I have probably bought at least ten PC S&W-s and they all had heavy triggers and not something I would consider "special" or "tuned." However, a 627 V-Comp that I got a few years back has by far the best trigger *after* being tuned and it's a pleasure to shoot. It just had to get "the works," which adds quite a bit to the cost. Don't get me wrong, it's worth it, but you have to be ready to see the actual gun as just the starting point.

[DArBad]

An older thread, but...

The problem with the current S&W Performance Center is that it's not. It used to be a finely-tuned gun out of the custom shop, now it's just a gun that has a great potential, but will shine only after you have it done by a competent gunsmith. Or, you might get lucky out of the box, but that's getting rare these days.

Years back I got a 627PC that was great out of the box, and that was the last PC that I would consider a "true PC." Since then, I have probably bought at least ten PC S&W-s and they all had heavy triggers and not something I would consider "special" or "tuned." However, a 627 V-Comp that I got a few years back has by far the best trigger *after* being tuned and it's a pleasure to shoot. It just had to get "the works," which adds quite a bit to the cost. Don't get me wrong, it's worth it, but you have to be ready to see the actual gun as just the starting point.

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.

I remember back around mid 1990s when the Performance Center models were on most gun magazines of the day. Paul Libenbaugh or something like that was the director and he and his team " were determined " to turn out superlative products.

So I guess....all good things comes to an end eventually.

[plinker202020]

Been following this thread with interest. Wonder what OP decided on.

I passed on it. The expense and some of the advice on this thread, combined with utter inability to find ammo, swayed me to leave it.

[FNGGlock]

A while ago I was looking at Henry Model X levers in either 44 or 357. Most Calgunners recommended to go the 357 route. I was not overly concerned about ammo prices since I figured I won't shoot it that much.

Let's just say I followed their advice and got a 357 Model X. Sure glad I did, as I ended up with a 686 Deluxe later, and then a very sweet 27-2 landed in the family as well. Was able to get 357 ammo, where 44 is almost impossible. In addition also ended up shooting this caliber a lot more than anticipated. Both are super accurate and a lot of fun to shoot.

Perhaps a 627 or 686 Performance center is another option to look at.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

OP, if you're set on having a .44 Magnum after passing on the 629 PCC, you might want to keep an eye out for a Ruger Super Redhawk or Dan Wesson 44. I have both; the grip stud (as opposed to the S&W perimeter grip frame) with Hogue rubber grips and weight of either tames full-house 240 grain JHP loads to something softer than most .357 in a S&W. Not to say that the S&W is bad - my 8" 629 wouldn't like that - but I can shoot the Ruger or Dan Wesson all day and either shouldn't cost you near as much as that 629.

[wamphyri13]

Finding and affording .44 Mag or .44 Special isn't really that hard.
First, you are going to need a DeLorean.........

[mtenenhaus]

Wonder if my better half would notice if i got a DeLorean...I would look pretty darn good in that car.

[Ace Ventura]

44 mag is a hoot. I enjoy shooting my Ruger Super Redhawk with a 9.5 inch barrel as it is beast of a gun and accurate. I usually average 3-5 cylinders per range trip. I also have a S&W 629PC Hunter 44 mag 7.5 inch on the way with a comp and I'm excited to compare the shooting experience to with my Redhawk.

[norcalAF]

.44 Mag is a hoot to shoot! That being said, I'm good for one or two cylinders, then it's back to .44 spl for me. I'm 62 now and have some arthritis in my strong side wrist so I avoid anything high recoil. Pachmayers or Hogues definitely help..... But...if you're young, and your wrists are good. Go for it! The 629 is awesome! Someone mentioned the Colt Anaconda! If it was in the same price range I'd wait for it to get approved and go for the Anaconda!

out of my 9.5 inch super redhawk, .44 Mag is quite mild!

[BajaJames83]

Another option is a 627 in 357 mag. Ammo is cheaper and easier to find.
I love my 627 v comp 8 shot 357.

Now if you reload you can load 38 specials for the price of 9mm and 357 for just a little more