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

Westley Richards Monkey Tail Carbine Ihtog 1
Westley Richards Monkey Tail Carbine Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Westley Richards "Monkey Tail" Carbine

In the mid-19th century, Westley Richards, a British firm, developed a breechloading cavalry carbine that, due to its unique mechanism, earned the name "Monkey Tail" carbine.

Preview: WRC Scent Killer No Zone Tote Tamers

Whether hunting, sport shooting or participating in general outdoor activities and sports, you have likely dealt with gear odor.

Updating A Legend: Ruger Makes 10/22 Upgrades Standard

Over the decades, aspects of the Ruger 10/22, from its magazine to its barrel design, have been adopted by other manufacturers. In response, Ruger has announced updates to keep its factory 10/22 on the top of the pile.

NRA Foundation Celebrates $500 Million In Grants Given

Donor support has enabled The NRA Foundation to award more than $500 million in grants nationwide, strengthening community safety, growing youth marksmanship programs, expanding training opportunities and preserving America’s shooting and hunting heritage.

NRA Announces 2026 Golden Bullseye Award Winners

For the 24th year, NRA Media is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 NRA Golden Bullseye Awards, highlighting new, innovative products offered by the firearm, ammunition, and optics industries.

The Armed Citizen® Dec. 29, 2025

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.