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

Shot
Shot

An Independence Day Celebration of the Armed Citizen

Independence Day is a celebration of armed defiance to tyranny—and of the citizen’s right to defend their lives.

When Minutes Counted: The 1776 Battle of Moores Creek Bridge

Shortly before the Declaration of Independence was signed, a small but pivotal battle took place near the port city of Wilmington, N.C. The February 27, 1776, Battle of Moores Creek Bridge was the first Revolutionary War battle to be fought in the Old North State.

I Carry: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior in a PHLster Floodlight 2 Holster

In our latest "I Carry" video, we take a closer look at Kimber's latest double-stack, 2011-style handgun, the 1911 DS Warrior, and pair it with a SureFire X300 Ultra weapon light and a PHLster holster.

The Armed Citizen® July 3, 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.

Truly American Apparel: NAA's Magnum Mini Belt Buckles

In 2026, folks are celebrating all things American. And is there anything more American than a gun belt buckle?

CVA Recalls All Paramount Muzzleloading Rifles

CVA has issued a safety recall notice for all CVA Paramount muzzleloading rifles, including Paramount, Paramount HTR, Paramount Pro, and Paramount Pro V2. The bulletin pertains to all production years of these models.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.