The user end of the Model 952 is shown here. The hammer is the type used on the old Model 52.

It ends up as a barrel suspended between the two threads (one on each end), which relieves stress. Additionally, the barrel-cylinder gap, which is critical for accuracy-- especially on these high-powered revolvers--is set with a feeler gauge at the shop. The barrel and shroud are actually secured with such precision that the compensator is locked on the front shoulder of the shroud, relieving all stress and tension on the host barrel.

Now begs the question: Are interchangeable barrels coming down the line? Again Kelly seemed to pick his words carefully and told me, "Not at this time," the reason being that the barrel-and-cylinder gap is too critical. If we "allow shooters using a gun with such a high-pressure cartridge like the .460 or .500 to set this gap, the likelihood of damaging the gun [possible barrel splitting] is very high because of flame cutting on the inner topstrap of the gun." There is just too much pressure and power for the average gun enthusiast to be changing barrels in the field, especially if he cannot find his feeler gauge or might have left it at home.

From here we took a hyper jump to the other services that the Center will offer to those interested in enhancing their own personal gun or perhaps an older gun purchased years back. I had a Model 25 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt that I had sent in for this story, and they took care of my requests handily. The gun originally had a blue finish, and I wanted it changed to a matte nickel. They upgraded the sights, tuned the trigger and added new grips. Now I have a new gun at a far lower price than if I bought another gun with only half of the custom features I wanted in the first place.

Right now the Center has five different packages to suit just about every request. There is one for the Third Generation guns that includes polishing the ramp, tuning the action, installing new magazine springs and test firing. If you have a revolver, you can have a trigger stop installed, the charge holes chamfered for easy loading, the rebound spring and hammer stud boss polished, all lockwork surfaces checked and the hammer and trigger contact areas stoned.

Performance Center gunsmith Jacek Janocha is shown here assembling the barrel on a Model 500. At this point he is taking the shroud and placing it on the gun. The feeler gauge has been positioned on the frame just in front of the cylinder.

For those with slightly deeper pockets, the Revolver Custom Carry Package includes more detailed work on your favorite S&W revolver, to include a bobbed hammer on double-action only and other items too numerous to mention. There is a Restoration Package for guns made since 1958 that is impressive, especially if your personal sidearm has suffered through years of holster and shooting wear. They will reblue, renickel or repolish the stainless, install new lockwork; and replace the stud as needed. Finally, for those wanting to enhance their S&W Model 1911s, there are many services available, and its best to call for specific information on that gun.

The Smith & Wesson Performance Center is a fine operation dedicated to producing the best revolvers and automatics money can buy. They are meticulous in their work, the product is perfect, and they just cannot seem to produce enough of them. Oh, yes. My favorite? You guessed it: that good-looking Model 952.

CAPTION A: Three representative guns from the S&W Performance Center; from left to right: the Model 945 Two-Tone in .45 ACP, the author's customized Model 25 .45 Colt and the Model 952 chambered for the 9mm Luger.