Description
The Smith & Wesson Model 686-3 Performance Center Prototype isn’t just a revolver—it’s a one-of-one chapter in competitive shooting history. Built and shipped on March 1, 1991, this exceptional .357 Magnum revolver was custom-crafted for legendary shooter Judy Woolley, a name synonymous with precision and excellence on the competitive circuit.
From the moment you pick it up, it’s clear this isn’t a standard production gun. The heavy 6-inch barrel is topped with a precision compensator, designed to tame recoil and keep shots flat and fast. The integrated scope mounts—paired here with a Sightron pistol scope—make it a purpose-built precision tool, tuned for domination at matches like the Bianchi Cup.
And then there’s the magic of the Performance Center’s tuning. The action is glass-smooth, with a buttery double-action pull and a crisp, predictable single-action break. Every mechanical detail was dialed in by Smith & Wesson’s master gunsmiths, producing balance and control that borders on perfection.
But what truly sets this revolver apart is its provenance. This isn’t just a competition gun—it’s a personalized prototype built for one of the sport’s icons. That connection makes it a rare bridge between performance and legacy, blending mechanical artistry with history in motion.
For collectors, historians, or anyone who respects the roots of modern competition shooting, this Smith & Wesson 686-3 Performance Center Prototype isn’t just an acquisition—it’s a story worth telling. A revolver that defines an era when craftsmanship met competition and legends like Judy Woolley made every round count.
