Having not shot a Performance Center Version. I would say no. The Victory is very impressive in the standard form. I’m a trigger snob too. While not the best trigger ever it’s trigger is head and shoulders above it’s competitors in the category. My stock barrel is super accurate. I can shoot 1/2” groups at 50 yards off a bench using good Ammo with mine.

 

Does the Performance Center model have exactly the add-ons you would like to have? In my case, it didn't. I have bought the standard model, and added my own enhancements to it. So far, the Tandemkross trigger and Halo and a set of Bullseye thumbrest grips. Before it's all over I will probably add the Tandemkross Thunder Hammer in the future. I kind of like building my own pistol when quality aftermarket parts are available.

 

That's just it. . . I don't know anybody that has a PF model and the only one I've seen in the wild is a used one at my local Cabela's but it's the stainless one. On paper, it looks like the I would like everything - carbon fiber barrel, upgraded trigger, nice grips. . . I think what's really drawing me to the PF model is that **** barrel. Love the look and also the weight savings and that extra 1/2".

 

I think you have just answered your own question. Now you just have to find your new Performance Center Victory that you want.

 

If looks and weight are important to you go for it. As for me and my gun we will go for accuracy.

 

There's a lot that goes into making a gun accurate - barrel quality, length, trigger, weight, ergonomics. . . I think the Victory models check all those boxes. The carbon fiber reduces the weight of what's already a heavy 22 pistol and it looks good to boot.

I'm just looking for some real world commentary from owners to figure out if the extra money is worth the performance boost. I know what I want. I just don't know if it's worth it.

 

Worth it in what way?

Will the carbon fiber barrel and PC upgrade to an already decent pistol "improve it"?
Odds are yes.

Will the upgrades be worth cost?
They are if you are happy with the pistol.

You're the final arbitrator of that question.
Get (or build) what checks your boxes.
Even if it's just grips or a trigger job to a base model.

 

I'm going back and forth over getting a standard Victory model or springing for the carbon fiber Performance Center Victory. I don't do competitions or anything like that. It's going to be for target shooting and probably ringing some steel from time to time. I like accurate guns and have been called a "trigger snob" by some friends. I've gotten used to crisp, light triggers. It's a pretty big jump in cost. Is it worth it?

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

I guess I fall into that trigger snob category as well . . . but I've been called worse.

I bought my S&W Victory when they first came out and did some upgrades to fit my requirements. Here is a rather lengthy documentation of my experience:

S&W Victory - Various Options

I inspected a Performance Center version and felt the trigger was not as good as the one I have. Obviously, the prices have changed in 5 years but for the money feel its a good value.

 

I have three Victory pistols, two standard versions and one target (not performance center) version and none with a carbon fiber barrel. I compete with them and use them for plinking. Mine are straight stock, except some aftermarket grips I put on the one with an optic mounted on it. I am not one to change OEM parts or add-on a lot of stuff to my guns unless I am pretty certain that it will help me improve my shooting. The trigger as it comes from the factory is pretty darned good.

To answer your question, would I pay extra for a Performance Center Victory? Obviously, my answer is no.

 

You guys are making a convincing case to go with a standard Victory and add the aftermarket trigger and grips.

rjferber - Great write-up of what you've done and the results!

 

I added some things to my standard threaded barrel Victory, namely the TK trigger, Thunder Hammer and the DIP ventilated rib pic rail.

First, I really, REALLY like the DIP rail. Link You put the OEM rear sight on this rail so that you have options of iron sights or other optics like red dots and pistol scopes. I normally keep a red dot on my Victory since most range trips involve at least some ringing of steel at 50 yards but it's nice to be able to switch to iron sights when I'm struck with that fancy. The optics return-to-zero very well with little to no adjustment as long as you put them back in the same rail slot. Note that this rail won't work with the Performance Center model. DIP will also change the front fiber optic pipe from green to red at your request.

I installed the TK Victory trigger first and the Thunder Hammer later. If I had it to do over again I would have done the hammer first. The hammer improved the overall feel of the TK trigger enough that I think that's all that might be needed considering how good the OEM Victory trigger felt out of the box. The feel of the trigger reset was especially improved with the hammer.

I originally thought that an aftermarket barrel would be in my future but after shooting groups from a rest using the OEM barrel I decided that any improvements in accuracy would be minimal at best. The DIP ventilated rib rail added enough bling for my rather unsophisticated tastes. Here's a pic, I don't use the muzzle device anymore as it didn't really improve the shooting experience.

 

Well, you guys did it. . . I sprung for a 5.5" Victory with a threaded barrel last night. Also picked up a TK trigger (this was before seeing your post TRBLSHTR) and a few boxes of ammo. Now the waiting begins. . . Shipping from AL to one of my local range in WI. Very excited to get this gun! Thank you for all your comments and input!

 

Congratulations! Now you know you are going to have to post a picture and keep us updated on how it shoots.

 

Picked it up Saturday afternoon and got out to the range on Sunday. I'm impressed with the accuracy, the sights and balance. The trigger is ok but feels a little gritty. Yeah, it's brand new and not worked in yet. I'm still replacing it with a TK. It ate the 3 types of ammo I fed it without issue - Federal Target, Remington Goldens and Herters Target. I went through about 300 rounds with no failures. I almost had to cut my range time short. After about a mag and a half it just stopped shooting. Pull the trigger - nothing. Rack the slide, pull the trigger - nothing. Drop the mag, reinsert, rack the slide, pull the trigger - nothing. Son of a . . . That's when I remembered reading about how touchy the safety is. The safety was engaged enough to keep the gun from firing but not enough to lock the slide. I had to be very careful to keep my thumb away from the safety lever. Very happy with my purchase and thank you all for your comments and insight.

 

The Performance Center Victory model is plagued by Smith and Wessons poor build quality at the factory. A little bit of effort by those assembling these guns would go a long way. Mine has been back at the Springfield factory for three months now with FTF, FTE, and baffle strikes on my direct thread suppressors. I don’t think the bore is concentric on Smith and Wessons first carbon fiber barrel. I had to work on all the magazines to get them to feed. They are a problem!
I kick myself for not sticking with the rimfire king- RUGER!

 

Mine has 0 issues

 

My two have zero issues but with any product there apt to be the occasional duds, it's what the maker does about it that tells the tale.

 

What is the weight difference between the carbon fiber and the fluted barrel?

 

Go to Smith & Wesson's website. You will find full specs for each pistol including weight.