POTD: Smith & Wesson Model 3566 – Victim of Changing Rules
Sam.S 09.13.24
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! In 1994, Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 3566, a double-stack, single-action pistol designed for USPSA Limited division competition. The Performance Center crafted six custom versions for the company’s shooting team, featuring extended barrels, brass bushings, 20-round magazines, and refined triggers. These pistols, chambered in .356 TSW, offered 9mm capacity with Major power factor potential. However, in February 1995, USPSA revised its rules, requiring a minimum .40 inch bullet diameter for Major power factor. This change effectively eliminated the .356 TSW from Major contention, despite its promising performance. The timing sparked debate: Was Smith & Wesson unfairly targeted, or had they attempted to exploit a loophole in the rules? Regardless of intent, the .356 TSW cartridge became obsolete for its primary purpose almost immediately after its introduction. The Model 3566, once poised to dominate Limited division, fell victim to changing regulations, leaving behind a legacy of “what could have been” in competitive shooting circles.
“Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 3566Type: PistolGauge: 356 TSWBarrel: 5 inch roundFinish: black/stainless steelGrip: plasticIncludes matching factory case, manual, cleaning tools, two extra magazines, and an extra 9 mm barrel and recoil spring. Provenance: The Jon Maxwell Collection”
Lot 204: Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 3566 Pistol – Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 3566 Semi-Automatic Pistol with Case. (n.d.-g). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved September 13, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/2088/204/smith-wesson-performance-center-model-3566-pistol.
