Smith & Wesson PC 986 9mm PERFORMANCE CENTER

Performance Center guns originate from standard designs or are created from the ground up. From hand-cutting and fitting to fine-tuning for precision, these firearms are top performers. Products from the Performance Center are the ultimate expression of old-world craftsmanship blended with modern technology. Features: • Trigger Overtravel Stop • Custom 2.5-inch Barrel with Recessed Precision Crown • Moon Clips Included • Bossed Mainspring • PC Tuned Action • Unfluted Cylinder

Smith & Wesson PC 986 9mm — Precision-Engineered Performance Center Revolver in 9mm

The Smith & Wesson PC 986 9mm is part of Smith & Wesson’s elite Performance Center (PC) lineup, designed for enhanced precision, refined tuning, and superior build quality compared to standard production revolvers. Chambered in 9mm and engineered with Performance Center upgrades, it represents a rare blend of revolver craftsmanship and modern cartridge efficiency.

What Is the Smith & Wesson PC 986 9mm?

The Smith & Wesson Performance Center 986 is a stainless steel, double-action/single-action revolver chambered in 9×19mm.

Key defining features include:

Performance Center hand-fitting and tuning
9mm chambering (unusual for revolvers, typically semi-auto cartridge)
Stainless steel frame and cylinder construction
7-shot cylinder capacity
Smoothened trigger system (PC tuning)
Designed for accuracy-focused shooting

It is built for shooters who want revolver reliability paired with modern ammunition convenience.

Why 9mm in a Revolver?

One of the most searched aspects of the Smith & Wesson PC 986 9mm is its use of a semi-automatic cartridge.

Advantages include:

Wide availability of 9mm ammunition
Lower recoil compared to larger revolver calibers
Cost-effective training and range use
Efficient Performance Center timing and tuning

Because 9mm is rimless, the PC 986 uses moon clips for reliable extraction and cycling.

Moon Clip System Explained

The PC 986 uses moon clips, which:

Hold multiple 9mm cartridges together
Allow fast loading and extraction
Improve reliability of rimless ammunition in revolvers
Enable quicker reloads compared to traditional revolvers

This system is a key reason the 986 stands out in the revolver category.

Performance Center Enhancements

As a Performance Center model, the PC 986 includes factory upgrades such as:

Hand-tuned trigger system for smoother pull
Improved timing and cylinder alignment
Enhanced internal polishing
Precision barrel fitting
Refined action work for consistency

These enhancements improve both accuracy and shooting experience.

Accuracy and Shooting Performance

The Smith & Wesson PC 986 is designed for precision-oriented shooting:

Excellent barrel-to-cylinder alignment
Reduced trigger friction due to PC tuning
Stable stainless steel frame reduces flex
Consistent sight alignment for target work

It is commonly used in:

Range shooting
Competitive revolver shooting disciplines
Precision training environments

Recoil and Handling Characteristics

Despite being a revolver, the PC 986 in 9mm offers:

Moderate recoil (lighter than .357 Magnum revolvers)
Smooth double-action trigger stroke
Stable stainless steel weight distribution
Controlled muzzle rise

This makes it more accessible to shooters transitioning from semi-automatics.

Ergonomics and Design

The PC 986 is designed with classic revolver ergonomics enhanced by modern machining:

Contoured grips for recoil absorption
Balanced stainless steel frame
Clean cylinder rotation and lockup
Performance Center polished action

The result is a revolver that feels both traditional and refined.

Build Quality and Materials

The PC 986 features:

Full stainless steel construction
Precision-machined cylinder and barrel
High-polish Performance Center finishing
Durable internal components designed for longevity

This makes it resistant to wear and corrosion under regular use.

Reliability of the PC 986

The revolver design itself is inherently reliable, and the PC 986 enhances that with:

Reduced mechanical complexity compared to semi-autos
Strong cylinder lockup system
Consistent ignition with quality ammunition
Moon clip-assisted extraction reliability

It is widely regarded as a dependable range and performance revolver.

Magazine / Ammunition System (Moon Clips)

Unlike semi-automatic pistols, the PC 986 uses:

9mm cartridges
Stainless steel or polymer moon clips

Benefits include:

Faster reloads
Simultaneous extraction of spent casings
Secure cartridge alignment

Concealment and Carry Use

While not a micro-pistol, the PC 986 can be used for:

Belt holster carry
Range and field use
Backup revolver roles (less common due to size)

Its stainless frame makes it more suitable for structured carry setups than deep concealment.

Who the Smith & Wesson PC 986 Is Best For

This revolver is ideal for:

Revolver enthusiasts seeking modern chambering
Target shooters wanting precision tuning
Collectors interested in Performance Center models
Shooters who prefer 9mm ammunition consistency
Users transitioning from semi-auto to revolver platforms