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

001 HP15CC W Cover 01
001 HP15CC W Cover 01

Review: Hi-Point HP-15 Carbine

In 2025, Hi-Point Firearms surprised the firearm community with the news that it would offer a complete line of HP-15 carbines and pistols. Since then, the company has expanded their offerings.

New for 2026: Springfield Armory Saint Victor .300 BLK 9.5” Pistol

Springfield Armory’s Saint Victor family now has a pistol in .300 BLK.

Preview: Lee Precision 7 mm Backcountry Reloading Dies

Lee Precision is now backing Federal’s 7 mm Backcountry cartridge with an all-inclusive kit, along with load data to reload once-fired Federal Premium cases.

Rimfire Resurgence Trend?

With suppressor sales booming, are shooters rediscovering their love of rimfire firearms?

New for 2026: Mossberg 990 Magpul and 990 SPX Aftershock

Mossberg steps up its 990 game with a new Magpul shotgun and SPX firearm.

New for 2026: Gemtech Nebula 5.7 Direct-Thread Suppressor

Gemtech’s Nebula is a 5.7x28 mm-specific sound suppressor.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.