Description
This Experimental Smith & Wesson Model 3566 Performance Center – Serial XPX0020 is a rare gem, an experimental semi-automatic pistol that bears the mark of the renowned Smith & Wesson Performance Center. Crafted around the unique .356 TSW cartridge, this pistol was a bold attempt to bridge the power factors in IPSC competitive shooting. The .356 TSW, a cartridge that offered reduced recoil compared to the .45 ACP, was a victim of rule changes in competitive shooting.
These changes required a minimum bore diameter of .40 for a significant power factor, rendering the .356 TSW obsolete. However, this pistol’s unique features, design, and history make it fascinating for any firearms enthusiast.
This particular model, potentially a one-off, showcases numerous custom modifications from the Performance Center. Its lightened slide, fitted with a muzzle brake, has had the rear sight milled off and the safety hole plugged. The frame features checkering on the front, backstraps for enhanced grip, and an integrated magazine well for faster reloads, allowing quicker and more efficient magazine changes. A frame-mounted safety, custom beavertail, and a “gas pedal” thumb rest behind the slide release highlight its ergonomic, competition-focused design.
The pistol also has a side-mounted optics bracket holding a Tasco ProPoint red dot sight, emphasizing its use as a high-performance competition firearm.
With its unique design and chambering in the short-lived .356 TSW cartridge, this Smith & Wesson Model 3566 Performance Center is not just a firearm; it’s a rare piece of history. Its scarcity marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of competitive shooting, making it a privilege for any firearms enthusiast to own.
