Performance Center® by Smith & Wesson® Introduces Two New SW1911 Pistol Models

(November 7, 2012) — Smith & Wesson Corp. today announced that two new models have been added to the Performance Center’s line of high performance 1911 pistols. Machined to exacting tolerances and custom built by highly skilled craftsmen, the new Performance Center SW1911 models provide feature specific options for both competition and personal defense needs.

At the foundation of each pistol is a package of custom features and the high standards held by the Performance Center for quality and innovation. Available in a traditional stainless steel model with a 5-inch barrel or in Smith & Wesson’s patented scandium alloy frame with a 4.25-inch barrel, the new models combine custom handwork with the venerable 1911 platform. Reliable, accurate, and expertly engineered, the Performance Center Custom SW1911 and Performance Center Round Butt SW1911 continue the Company’s longstanding line of precision built firearms.

Performance Center Custom SW1911

SW1911 PC Custom

Designed as a specialized option for competition orientated shooters, the Performance Center Custom SW1911 is crafted from the finest components under the skilled hands of master gunsmiths. Manufactured with a stainless steel slide and frame, the custom pistol is standard with a 5-inch barrel and hand-fitted features available only from Smith & Wesson. Chambered in .45 ACP, the pistol shares exclusive custom made Performance Center features with its hand-cut chamber, hand-polished feed ramp, hand-tuned action job and hand-lapped frame and slide rails for increased reliability and accuracy.

Built to the highest specifications, the Performance Center SW1911 is standard with a precision crown muzzle, oversized external extractor and an ambidextrous frame safety. Professional shooters will appreciate the pistol’s competition-based features including a match grade trigger with over travel stop, speed configuration hammer and crisp 3.5 to 4 pound trigger pull. For improved handling, the 1911 pistol has been fitted with blue G10 custom grips featuring 30 lines-per-inch checkering. On the frame of the pistol, the Performance Center has helped reduce overall weight with slide ported lightening cuts, which also give a distinctive look to this classic design.

On top of the slide, an adjustable rear sight and black post front sight aid in precise alignment during competition. Other Performance Center features include a match-grade throated barrel and a Briley spherical bushing for improved accuracy. A glass bead finish, traditional grip safety, plus an 8+1 magazine capacity round out the features of this custom 1911 package from Smith & Wesson. The Performance Center Custom SW1911 measures 8.7 inches in overall length and has an empty weight of 40.5 ounces.

Performance Center Round Butt SW1911

SW1911 PC Round Butt

Sharing the same handcrafted and customized features of its full-size brethren, the Performance Center Round Butt SW1911 combines the Company’s patented scandium alloy metallurgy with a commander-length frame. Measuring 7.95 inches in overall length the round butt SW1911 offers a reduced weight of 29.6 ounces. Ideal for concealed carry or recreation shooting, the Performance Center SW1911 is standard with a scandium frame mated with a stainless steel slide and barrel. As with all 1911 pistols offered from the custom shop, the new model has been hand fitted and assembled with the highest quality components and meticulous attention to detail. Customized features of this specialized design include a Performance Center action job, throated barrel, polished feed ramp and a precision crowned muzzle with a Briley spherical barrel bushing.

The Performance Center Round Butt SW1911 shares other common features of the 5-inch model including a competition match trigger with over travel stop, competition speed hammer and orange G10 custom grips. The pistol’s two-tone finish and slide ported lightening cuts add a distinguished look to this long-standing platform, while its ambidextrous controls and smooth operating features elevate performance. On top of the slide, the Performance Center has enhanced sight alignment with a black post front sight and an adjustable rear sight. Available with an 8+1 magazine capacity, the new commander length pistol provides yet another quality option in Smith & Wesson’s robust line of 1911 configurations.

For more information on the two new SW1911 models for the Performance Center, visit www.smith-wesson.com .

About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality firearms, related products and training to the consumer, law enforcement, and military markets. The company’s brands include Smith & Wesson, M&P and Thompson/Center Arms. Smith & Wesson facilities are located in Massachusetts and Maine. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com