Insanely Rare S&W Pistol to Hunt 1990's Pirates in Japan

Published on July 11, 2025
Duration: 41:35

This video explores the incredibly rare Smith & Wesson Performance Center 5906, originally designed for Japanese anti-piracy units. It highlights the unique standoff device, its functionality in close-quarters combat, and the exceptional craftsmanship of the Performance Center models. The hosts express a strong appreciation for the gun's historical significance, build quality, and shooting characteristics, even comparing it favorably to custom 1911s.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Performance Center 5906, a rare pistol designed for Japanese anti-piracy units, features a unique standoff device to ensure reliable firing in close-quarters combat by preventing the slide from going out of battery when pressed against a target.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Rare S&W 5906 PC
  2. 02:00Welcome and Guest Introduction
  3. 04:08The Rarity of the 5906 Performance Center
  4. 06:14Understanding the Smith & Wesson Performance Center
  5. 09:54On the Range: 5906 PC vs. 5946
  6. 10:36Smith & Wesson Numbering System Explained
  7. 13:15Shooting Impressions: Third Gen S&W
  8. 17:23Sponsor Segment: National Armory
  9. 18:26The Japanese Contract and its History
  10. 21:39The Japanese SST Unit and Their Needs
  11. 23:29Ken Hackathorn's 5906 PC
  12. 23:58Aesthetic and Build Quality
  13. 24:25Tom Gordon and the Standoff Device Design
  14. 25:00Technical Specifications and Features
  15. 27:06The Complete Package: What Came with the Gun
  16. 28:31Functionality of the Standoff Device
  17. 33:39Demonstrating the Standoff Device in Action
  18. 35:32Scenario: CQB on a Ship
  19. 37:44Conclusion and Final Thoughts
  20. 41:18Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Smith & Wesson 5906 Performance Center so rare?

This specific variant of the 5906 Performance Center was produced under a limited contract for the Japanese Special Security Team (SST), with only about 100 units ever made. Its unique features, like the standoff device, and its specialized purpose contribute to its extreme rarity.

What is the purpose of the standoff device on the 5906 Performance Center?

The standoff device, designed by Tom Gordon, prevents the firearm's slide from going out of battery when pressed directly against a target. This is crucial in close-quarters combat, such as ship boarding, where the gun might be pushed into an opponent, ensuring it can still fire.

How did the Smith & Wesson Performance Center differ from standard production models?

The Performance Center focused on enhancing standard Smith & Wesson firearms with custom shop techniques. This included using oversized parts, hand-fitting components for a tighter slide-to-frame fit, accurizing barrels, and improving triggers, resulting in a higher quality and more precise firearm.

What was the historical context for the 5906 Performance Center's development?

The pistol was developed for Japanese anti-piracy units in the 1990s. Post-war Japan faced significant piracy issues, and their coast guard units, akin to special forces, required specialized equipment like this handgun for ship boarding and close-quarters engagements.

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