Description
Few firearms represent the early spirit of the Smith & Wesson Performance Center as clearly as this remarkable Smith & Wesson Model 4006 Performance Center Special, a purpose-built competition pistol created during the formative years of the Performance Center and delivered directly to one of the sport’s most accomplished shooters.
Chambered in 9mm, this extraordinary pistol was produced as a special production Performance Center model designed specifically to meet the needs of competitive shooting. Historical documentation confirms the pistol was shipped by Smith & Wesson on March 2, 1991, to renowned champion shooter Judy Woolley at her residence in Plains, Montana. Woolley was a prominent figure in practical shooting and Steel Challenge competition, and Smith & Wesson worked closely with her to develop firearms capable of excelling at the highest levels of competition.
The pistol reflects that mission in every detail.
At its core is the robust third-generation Smith & Wesson 4006 platform, known for its durability and accuracy. The Performance Center enhancements elevate the pistol into a specialized competition tool. The handgun features an extended barrel paired with a B-Square scope mounting system, allowing the installation of an optical sight, here fitted with a period ProPoint electronic sight, a common choice among competition shooters during the early 1990s.
The pistol’s satin-finished stainless steel frame provides both durability and a refined appearance. The frame-mounted safety, extended beavertail grip profile, and carefully tuned action demonstrate the Performance Center’s focus on shooter ergonomics and reliability under competitive conditions.
The action has been specially tuned to deliver an exceptionally smooth trigger pull in both single- and double-action, an essential characteristic for serious competition pistols of the era. Combined with the extended barrel and optical sight system, the platform provided shooters like Woolley with the precision and speed needed to compete at the highest levels.
Equally important is the pistol’s historical documentation. Accompanying the firearm is a letter from the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation, signed by historian Roy Jinks, confirming its identity as a Smith & Wesson Model 4006 Performance Center Special and documenting its shipment directly to Judy Woolley in 1991. Documentation of this nature significantly enhances both the historical interest and collector value of the piece.
Visually, the pistol features classic competition styling from the early 1990s. The stainless steel construction contrasts beautifully with the checkered wooden grip panels, while the mounted optic and custom bracket evoke the golden era of experimental competition handgun design. The B-Square mount itself represents a fascinating chapter in competitive shooting history, when manufacturers and shooters were actively experimenting with optical sights and mounting solutions.
Today, pistols of this type represent a rare intersection of factory Performance Center craftsmanship, competitive shooting heritage, and documented provenance. Examples directly tied to notable shooters, such as Judy Woolley, are seldom encountered, particularly with original documentation confirming their history.
For collectors focused on Performance Center prototypes, competition firearms, or historically significant Smith & Wesson pistols, this piece represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a firearm that embodies the innovation and competitive spirit that helped define the modern era of practical shooting.
