The Smith & Wesson Model 986 Performance Center is a 9mm SA/DA revolver with a 7-round unfluted cylinder, a 2.5-inch barrel, and stainless steel construction throughout. It ships with moon clips. 
 

Key Specifications 

• SKU: 178700964 
• UPC: 022188868036 
• Brand: Smith & Wesson 
• Model Name: Model 986 Performance Center 
• Caliber: 9MM Luger (9x19 Para) 
• Action Type: Single/Double Action (SA/DA) 
• Capacity: 7 Rounds 
• Barrel Length: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) 
• Overall Length: 7.5 inches 
• Weight: 2 lbs (31.7 oz / 898.7 g) 
• Sights: Red Ramp Front & Adjustable Rear 
• Grip Material: Finger Grooved Custom Wood 
• Finish Material: Stainless Steel 
   

Detailed Features 

• Trigger Overtravel Stop: Prevents the trigger from traveling past its functional range, which tightens shot-to-shot consistency. 
   
• Custom Barrel with Recessed Precision Crown: The recessed crown protects the rifling at the muzzle and minimizes bullet disturbance on exit. 
   
• Moon Clips Included: All 7 rounds load at once via moon clip, making reloads faster than traditional loose rounds. 
   
• PC Tuned Action: The Performance Center action is hand-tuned for a smoother trigger pull than standard revolvers. 
   
• Unfluted Cylinder: No flutes cut into the cylinder walls, adds material mass and a distinctive look. 
   
• Bossed Mainspring: Improves ignition reliability and contributes to the refined trigger feel. 
   

Usage 

The 986 PC is a 9mm revolver, which means you can shoot the same ammunition as most semi-autos while keeping the mechanical simplicity of a wheel gun. Moon clips load all 7 rounds simultaneously, making reloads competitive at speed events. The 2.5-inch barrel keeps it compact enough for home defense carry. The Performance Center action tuning is the main reason to choose this over a standard revolver. It's noticeably smoother out of the box.

The S&W 986 PC is one of the more discussed 9mm revolvers on the market, and user feedback reflects that niche appeal.

Precision and accuracy draw the most consistent praise. The Performance Center tuning translates to tighter groups, and shooters note tight shot groupings at various distances. The stainless construction gets credit for durability and low maintenance requirements, and the heft (31.7 oz) makes it feel substantial in hand. The smooth trigger pull is cited frequently, with most users finding the PC action meaningfully better than a stock revolver. The 9mm caliber draws specific positive mentions for cost-effective practice rounds while retaining the revolver platform. The aesthetics (polished finish, custom wood grips, unfluted cylinder) appeal to shooters who appreciate firearms as precision objects.

On the negative side: 31.7 oz and the revolver form factor mean it's less suited to all-day concealed carry than a compact semi-auto. Price is the most common objection; most buyers accept it given the quality, but it's noted as a premium purchase. The 7-round capacity is a practical trade-off compared to semi-autos, and some users acknowledge this openly while still valuing the platform for its reliability and trigger quality.