5906 Mag Release - Reversible?

[blujax01]

As a lefty I find it cumbersome to release the magazine. I either have to use my middle finger or my off-hand.
It looks as if the cutout in the frame is the same from either side. Is this button reversible and if so, how difficult is it to change?

Thanks,

~ Alan

[Swabby]

The photos attached may help you see what is going on underneath your magazine release. The left side and right side are two specifically different shaped holes. Therefore, you cannot just swap sides of the mag release within the frame. The left side is not cut for the part that locks into the mag and the right side is not drilled for the spring. I do not know of any aftermarket mag release that would work in this case. The magazines do, however, have the mag release slots cut into both sides. So, maybe there is something out there that I am not aware of being a righty.

[Fastbolt]

At some point S&W started machining some of their double column magazine 3rd gen full-size guns so the mag catches could be reversed. (I think it was later in production of the 5903/06 & 4003/06 TSW series?) The full-size 9/40 frames were machined with the small hole required for the mag catch nut's plunger & spring located on the right side of the frame (although "reversed" from it's orientation on the left side) and the same mag catch assembly could be switched from one side to the other (and adjusted, via plunger height, as needed).

The single column magazine 10/.45 frames, when machined to accept them, required a special "left handed" mag catch (which used with the existing nut, plunger & spring of the stock right-handed mag catch). For example, the current 4566TSW can be switched using the optional left-hand mag catch body, but the current compact 4513TSW I was issued isn't machined to accept it.

Naturally, the magazines used in guns with "left-handed" oriented mag catches required the ambi cuts so they could be used in the guns with the mag catches on the right side of the grip frame.

I found it a bit interesting that when we started receiving new TSW's that either had the ability to switch the mag catches over to the right side, or could be used with left-handed catches, none of our left-handed shooters appeared interested in having their duty guns modified to "left-handed" mag catches. Apparently they'd become accustomed to using their "right-handed" oriented catches.

[blujax01]

Mine is a TSW and looks like it is keyholed on both sides. BUT - while the 10 round mags are slotted on both sides, my 15 round is only slotted on the right side. If I can reverse the catch, I will not be able to use the hi cap mag.

I've gotten pretty good with the middle-finger-punch method. Guess I'll leave well enough alone.

Thanks for letting me know what to look for, guys. I do love this place!

[Swabby]

Ahhh! Thank you, for I have learned something as well. I do not have a TSW model (yet) and I did not know they machined both sides "ambi". It would make sense that the spring/plunger hole would have to go elsewhere on the "weak" side, or else it would be a straight hole through the entire frame. I guess the keyhole on both sides is not a big deal, since the grip covers the one not being used. The photo I took was of the standard 4003 frame I currently have stripped for a project. I did not realize the TSW's were machined in that manner. Sorry if I misled anyone, but I think you pretty much noticed the machining in my photo was not the same as on your frame. So, I change my answer to "yes" I suppose it can be done without much effort. Just don't lose the micro-spring and plunger during disassembly. Good luck.

[handgunner356]

I've always found it easier to use my trigger finger for the mag release.