Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this ULTRA RARE semi-automatic pistol for a penny-start auction; this is the Smith & Wesson 4006 Performance Center Special "Prototype".
According to our research, this Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 4006 .40 S&W Tactical Prototype, serial number XPX0060, is an exceptionally rare early-development example from the Performance Center’s formative years. Bearing the official XPX prototype prefix, only a very small number of these pistols were ever released beyond the factory. This example features a 5¼-inch barrel marked “40 S&W / PERFORMANCE,” stainless steel construction, a factory cut, drilled, and tapped frame with an included and serial-matching scope mount, Novak’s LoMount two-dot rear sight paired with a dovetail dot front, and factory Delrin wraparound grips. Performance Center markings on the frame further underscore its prototype status, placing it among the most elusive and desirable variants of the Model 4006 platform.
Further reinforcing the significance of the XPX series, our research uncovered another documented Performance Center 4006 special example (https://luxuscap.com/product/smith-wesson-model-4006-pc-judy-woolley-91-steel-challenge/), serial number XPX0013, accompanied by a factory letter. That letter confirms that Smith & Wesson established the Performance Center in 1990 to build highly specialized pistols for competitive and advanced applications, and it details features such as an extended barrel, scope mounts, a satin finish, a frame-mounted safety, and a specially tuned action. Together, these documented XPX-prefixed pistols highlight a short-lived, experimental chapter in Smith & Wesson history, making surviving Performance Center 4006 prototypes, such as XPX0060, especially desirable to advanced collectors.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 4006 Performance Center Special "Prototype"
Serial: XPX0060
Date of Manufacture: Early to Mid 1990s
Caliber: .40 S&W
Finish: Stainless
Barrel Length: 5 ¼"
Optics/Sights: Dovetail Blade with Dot Front and Novak's LoMount Two-Dot Rear
Stock/Grips: Delrin Wraparound Straight Back Factory Grip
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked with “SMITH & WESSON / SPRINGFIELD, MA U.S.A.” The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number “XPX0060.” The right side of the frame above the trigger is marked with the Performance Center logo. The barrel is marked “40 S&W / PERFORMANCE.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson Model 4006 is a third-generation, all–stainless steel semi-automatic pistol developed in the late 1980s in response to the growing demand for more powerful service cartridges. Introduced shortly after the debut of the .40 S&W cartridge, the 4006 was engineered to handle the increased pressures and recoil of the new round while maintaining durability and reliability. Built on a robust stainless frame and slide, it operates in traditional double-action/single-action (DA/SA) format with a slide-mounted safety/decocker, reflecting Smith & Wesson’s established law-enforcement–oriented design philosophy of the era.
Model: 4006 Performance Center Special "Prototype"
Serial: XPX0060
Date of Manufacture: Early to Mid 1990s
Caliber: .40 S&W
Finish: Stainless
Barrel Length: 5 ¼"
Optics/Sights: Dovetail Blade with Dot Front and Novak's LoMount Two-Dot Rear
Stock/Grips: Delrin Wraparound Straight Back Factory Grip
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked with “SMITH & WESSON / SPRINGFIELD, MA U.S.A.” The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number “XPX0060.” The right side of the frame above the trigger is marked with the Performance Center logo. The barrel is marked “40 S&W / PERFORMANCE.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson Model 4006 is a third-generation, all–stainless steel semi-automatic pistol developed in the late 1980s in response to the growing demand for more powerful service cartridges. Introduced shortly after the debut of the .40 S&W cartridge, the 4006 was engineered to handle the increased pressures and recoil of the new round while maintaining durability and reliability. Built on a robust stainless frame and slide, it operates in traditional double-action/single-action (DA/SA) format with a slide-mounted safety/decocker, reflecting Smith & Wesson’s established law-enforcement–oriented design philosophy of the era.
Widely adopted by police and government agencies throughout the 1990s, the Model 4006 earned a reputation for ruggedness and long service life, even under demanding duty use. Its weight, often cited as a drawback for concealed carry, proved advantageous in mitigating recoil and improving controllability with the snappier .40 S&W cartridge. Features such as ambidextrous controls, Novak-style sights on later variants, and a reputation for mechanical longevity have helped cement the 4006 as one of the most recognizable .40-caliber service pistols of its time. Today, it remains respected among collectors and shooters as a quintessential example of Smith & Wesson’s third-generation metal-framed service pistols.
Contents:
This example is in Excellent condition overall, showing no evidence of regular consumer use or handling that we can see. Additionally, it will ship with the blue Performance Center case and all other contents as pictured above.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
