American Rifleman TV Preview—March 2, 2016: S&W Performance Center

Published on March 2, 2016
Duration: 2:40

This episode of American Rifleman TV highlights the Smith & Wesson Performance Center, a 'factory within a factory' that produces custom-shop quality firearms at a more accessible price point. The segment contrasts their production methods, utilizing advanced CNC machinery alongside meticulous hand-fitting, with traditional one-off custom builds. It also previews other segments featuring the Winchester XPR bolt-action rifle and the unique Calico pistol.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Performance Center is a specialized division that produces firearms with custom shop features at a more accessible price. They utilize advanced CNC machinery for precision parts and integrate meticulous hand-fitting for optimal quality, manufacturing in batches of 500-2500 units to balance cost and craftsmanship.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to American Rifleman TV
  2. 00:06Smith & Wesson Performance Center Overview
  3. 00:16Preview: Winchester XPR Rifle
  4. 00:20Preview: Calico Pistol
  5. 00:38Performance Center Features and Customization
  6. 00:48Production Scale vs. One-Off Builds
  7. 01:11History of the Performance Center
  8. 01:27Product Range: Hunting, Competition, Carry
  9. 01:38Technical Aspects: CNC Machining
  10. 01:57Assembly and Hand Fitting Process
  11. 02:17Value Proposition of Performance Center Firearms
  12. 02:30Watch Full Episode Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Smith & Wesson Performance Center?

The Smith & Wesson Performance Center is a specialized division that functions as a 'factory within a factory.' It focuses on producing firearms with custom shop-level features and quality, but at a more accessible price point than traditional one-off custom builds.

How does the Performance Center achieve custom quality at a lower cost?

The Performance Center achieves this by manufacturing firearms in larger batches, typically 500 to 2500 units at a time, rather than single custom builds. This scale allows them to reduce costs while still incorporating high-end features and meticulous craftsmanship.

What manufacturing techniques are used at the Performance Center?

The Performance Center employs state-of-the-art CNC equipment, including four-axis and five-axis machines, for precise parts production. However, they also integrate significant hand-fitting processes to ensure optimal fit and function, such as the spherical bushing fit on barrels.

What types of firearms are produced by the Smith & Wesson Performance Center?

The Performance Center produces a diverse range of firearms, catering to various shooting disciplines and needs. Their offerings include specialized hunting rifles, high-performance competition pistols, and reliable carry guns, showcasing their broad expertise.

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