Pat, the performance center has quite a few upgrades like fiber optic sights vs 3 dot sights on the shield plus. The performance center has a upgraded trigger, upgraded guide rod and recoil spring wich increases reliability and helps reduce recoil. Also has a ported barrel and slide wich helps disperse the gas from a fired round to help with recoil. Lastly it has a upgraded grip with more texture. So pretty much it has a few upgrades to make it more comfortable to shoot and will be more accurate. Personally I'd go with the performance center. Hope this helps.

Hi Pat and welcome. The Performance Center Smith and Wesson M and P 9mm has higher visibility Fiber Optic Sights and the non PC has standare 3-Dot White Sights. The Performance Center model has PC tuned action. "Tuned action" is a full polish and honing of the complete lockworks and replacing all of the springs with performance match grade springs. This equates to better internal components and a better feeling/shooting firearm. Well worth the additional cost in my opinion. Cheers and stay safe!

Hi Pat, the Performance Center model has fiber optic sights while the regular model has the standard 3-dot sights. Some Performance Center models also have the ported barrel and slide. And lastly, the most important part, each Performance Center model has PC tuned action. "Tuned action" is a full polish and honing of the complete lockworks and replacing all of the springs with performance match grade springs. They're made from a better grade of steel with better rebound than a standard steel spring has. This tune-up will greatly improve the triggers feel and response, and it will also improve the accuracy of the pistol. Stay safe & have a great day!