Description
You don’t come across something like this every day. This isn’t just a Smith & Wesson Model 5904—it’s a rare, custom-built prototype straight from the early days of the Smith & Wesson Performance Center. Back when the Performance Center launched in 1990, it was all about pushing the limits of what a competition pistol could be. This gun proves it.
Shipped on February 24, 1992, this prototype was developed with the input of Judy Woolley, a respected name in competitive shooting circles. And that’s not just a passing connection—Woolley worked directly with the team, offering real feedback that helped shape the design. You’re not just holding a prototype here. You’re holding her legacy.
Let’s talk specs for a moment: it’s chambered in 9mm and fitted with a 4.5-inch barrel topped with a compensator—ideal for dialing down recoil and keeping sights on target. Accuracy? Let’s just say it was built to win matches.
The pistol features a satin-finished scope mount and classic two-piece walnut grips that offer a secure hold without sacrificing style. There’s a safety mounted on the frame—exactly where seasoned shooters like it—and the action has been finely tuned by Performance Center gunsmiths. Whether you’re in single-action or double-action mode, the trigger breaks clean and smooth, like you’d expect from a hand-tuned competition gun.
But here’s the thing: this isn’t just about performance. It’s about provenance. This Model 5904 Prototype is tied to a pivotal moment in Smith & Wesson’s evolution and the career of one of the sport’s greats. For collectors, it’s more than a firearm—it’s a story. A snapshot of when innovation met precision, and when Judy Woolley’s influence helped shape the tools of champions.