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Old 11-03-2009, 05:26 PM
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Default Advantages of TSW over Standard

I have been looking for a 45 for just plinking/home defense. Are the TSW models really that much greater than the standard models? I have seen both posted, and besides the rail, I can't tell any other differences. TIA
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Old 11-03-2009, 07:19 PM
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It's my understanding that the TSW versions were made to be somewhat higher quality and a bit more refined than their predecessors. Similar to the many of the differences between the standard and Police/Wingmaster Remington shotguns.

Of course, that may just be S&W's marketing tactics talking.

There are some noticable differences besides the accessory rail, though. The frame rails are different (more robust, with tighter tolerances), and they feature a delayed-unlocking firing system, both of which supposedly gives them a slight edge in accuracy and reliability.

Last edited by RogueJSK; 11-03-2009 at 07:24 PM.
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Old 11-03-2009, 07:31 PM
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In addition the things already mentioned, they also have more agressive checkering of the front strap and a beefier frame.
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Old 11-03-2009, 08:47 PM
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The slides and frames are also hand matched for tighter tolerances, with assembly number etched on the inside. The rails are also full length, in the box style, to include the dust cover.
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Old 11-04-2009, 08:46 AM
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So with the choice of both a standard and TSW model in very similiar condition, the TSW would seem to be a much better choice overall.
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Old 11-04-2009, 09:23 AM
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I wouldn't necessarily say *much* better. If all else is the same (condition, price, etc.) then sure, go with the TSW. But I wouldn't hesitate to snag a standard 3rd Gen at a lower price or in better condition. Both will still be supremely reliable and as accurate as your shooting skills allow.
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Old 11-04-2009, 09:35 AM
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Quote:
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So with the choice of both a standard and TSW model in very similiar condition, the TSW would seem to be a much better choice overall.

The TSW represents a better "design" overall, but pistols need to be evaulated on an individual basis. I've got pre-TSW pistols with an incredibly tight lock-up, and I've handled some TSW trade-ins with mismatched slides and a sloppy fit.
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Old 11-04-2009, 09:58 AM
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Well, the 2 I am looking at the standard is basically new, the TSW has an unknown round count but in good condition. Both have box, papers, and mags, but the standard model is about $25 more. The things I notice different on the TSW are the decocker only and bobbed hammer. Whereas, the standard is almost identical to my 5906.
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Old 11-04-2009, 03:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RogueJSK View Post
I wouldn't necessarily say *much* better. If all else is the same (condition, price, etc.) then sure, go with the TSW. But I wouldn't hesitate to snag a standard 3rd Gen at a lower price or in better condition. Both will still be supremely reliable and as accurate as your shooting skills allow.
+1 on that. My 4566 non tsw has never had any issues and it's more accurate than it's owner. And I'm not overly crazy about the rail, looks like a scab-on. (Because it is)
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Old 11-04-2009, 04:29 PM
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I'm up in the air about the rail, originally thought it would be a nice addition if I wanted to add a flashlight for home-defense, but that is why I have my 5906 with Crimson Trace lasergrips. The big differences in the 2 I am looking at, is the "decocker only" and the bobbed hammer on the TSW. Just not very familiar with either one of those features, am used to the decocker/safety on my 5906 and having a spurred hammer. I can see where the bobbed hammer would be nice for concealed carry, but I have tried carrying my 5906, and think that a large carry piece like these full-frame S&W is not for me.
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Old 11-09-2009, 09:54 PM
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My sole TSW (pre-rail) was much smoother and tighter than similar models I've examined. However, it had the MIM hammer, trigger, etc... which for me is less than exciting. Believe you have to go case by case.
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Old 03-28-2010, 02:38 PM
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Doesn't the TSW guns come with a barrel bushing for accuracy?
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Old 03-28-2010, 03:08 PM
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Standard 4506's or 4566/63 tsw models dont come with a spring loaded decocker or a bobbed hammer.Some melonite 4566's had spring loaded dc's,and 4513tsw had bobbed hammers. So Im not sure what model your dealing with unless it is some type of special order,only the PC guns came with a briley type bushing unless, someone sent the gun in for some special work, of course with SW there is always the possibility of a special run of something,so maybe thats it,a spring loaded D/C is easily changed out for a regular version, good luck, /Bob
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Old 03-28-2010, 07:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by novalty View Post
I'm up in the air about the rail, originally thought it would be a nice addition if I wanted to add a flashlight for home-defense, but that is why I have my 5906 with Crimson Trace lasergrips. The big differences in the 2 I am looking at, is the "decocker only" and the bobbed hammer on the TSW. Just not very familiar with either one of those features, am used to the decocker/safety on my 5906 and having a spurred hammer. I can see where the bobbed hammer would be nice for concealed carry, but I have tried carrying my 5906, and think that a large carry piece like these full-frame S&W is not for me.
I am carrying my 4003TSW right now. It is a light as my Steyr M40 and almost as light as my G19.
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Old 12-15-2010, 01:41 AM
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My only complaint is that a TSW gun with a rail will not fit in a non-rail gun holster.
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Old 12-15-2010, 03:15 AM
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Isn't there a difference in how the hammer is cocked in DA too?
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Old 12-15-2010, 09:13 AM
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If looking at a TSW, check the electro pencil marking on the frame, slide, and barrel to be sure they still match. This "fitting" is one of the major advantages of the TSW.
Disregard all this. I checked again and while there are some apparent assembly #'s on the inside of the slide, they aren't what I thought they were.

Last edited by epj; 12-15-2010 at 03:03 PM. Reason: New info
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Old 12-15-2010, 01:58 PM
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Since I own....or have owned numerous examples of both TSW 45's and non.....or pre TSW's I'll share my experiences.

The build on the TSW's - with the full length frame rails - is an improvement over the standard models IMO.

That said - I prefer the non TSW S&W 45's for carry/range guns.

First - I despise that idiotic rail. I've had it removed off every TSW pistol I own. Even if one subscribes to the theory that hanging lights off handguns is a good idea - I do not - there are very few lights made that go on that S&W TSW rail.

Second - I do not find the 45 TSW's to be noticeably more accurate than the non TSW 45's. My most accurate S&W 45 is my 4516-3, closely followed by my PC Shorty 45, and my NON TSW 4566 with laser etched markings. All three being more inherently accurate than I am capable of wringing out of them.

ALL my TSW 45's shot low. Yes, you can order lower front sights to correct this - what a hassle. My non TSW 45's do not shoot low with 230 grain 45. They hit POA strait out of the box.

Third - I do not like the tacky "Tactical" banner laser etched on the slides. Looks ridiculous and cheap, to me.

So I suggest you try a pre TSW 4566, and then a 4566TSW and see if the differences make any difference TO YOU. Good luck! Regards 18DAI.
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Old 12-15-2010, 02:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RogueJSK View Post
There are some noticable differences besides the accessory rail, though. The frame rails are different (more robust, with tighter tolerances), and they feature a delayed-unlocking firing system, both of which supposedly gives them a slight edge in accuracy and reliability.
What is a "delayed-unlocking firing system?"
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Old 12-15-2010, 03:05 PM
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Of the two you have to choose from, I'd forget the $25 difference and get the one that's talking to you. I have both in 9mm and I can't tell a difference in accuracy, or my lack of it.

As for general accuracy, it's hard to fault any 3G S&W. With a pistol rest my 3913 LS and 4516-1 are just amazing; almost same hole kind of amazing. But, I can't do that on my own. Too old, too twitchy and a bad eye.

As for rail vs. non-rail, I can't feel the difference. As for judging aesthetics, my taste buds were shoot off in the war. But I carry a pistol that says Lady Smith and my tighty whities fit just fine!
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Old 12-15-2010, 05:50 PM
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Quote:
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Of the two you have to choose from, I'd forget the $25 difference and get the one that's talking to you. I have both in 9mm and I can't tell a difference in accuracy, or my lack of it.
This thread I started last year, and have since bought and sold the 4566TSW. It was added to the thread index for reference on the comparison of TSW versus non-TSW models.
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Old 12-15-2010, 06:36 PM
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If looking at a TSW, check the electro pencil marking on the frame, slide, and barrel to be sure they still match. This "fitting" is one of the major advantages of the TSW.
Disregard all this. I checked again and while there are some apparent assembly #'s on the inside of the slide, they aren't what I thought they were.
I have a 3953TSW. Will you elaborate on where the markings are located? I can't find any markings on the slide or frame. Thanks!
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Old 12-15-2010, 11:16 PM
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I have a 3953TSW. Will you elaborate on where the markings are located? I can't find any markings on the slide or frame. Thanks!
Sorry, as I edited the post, please disregard. My 5906 non-TSW has some matching marks on all the major pieces, but they are probably from an armory. My 4566TSW has some numbers stamped on the inside of the frame, but after looking further they aren't what I thought they were. Just a confused old man...........
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Old 01-01-2011, 03:21 PM
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Someone needs to post a photographic comparison for those of us that aren't good readers.
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Old 01-01-2011, 07:14 PM
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...and for those of us that are just photo lovers
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Old 01-02-2011, 03:48 PM
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Anyone know how to post a PDF file? I got one from a fellow member that talks about the TSW differences, but I cant get a PDF loaded.
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Old 01-02-2011, 08:17 PM
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Are you happy to see me or is that a LadySmith in your pocket? I must admit I am not man enough to carry one, I do love my non TSW 3913 though.
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Old 07-31-2013, 09:57 AM
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Quote:
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First - I despise that idiotic rail. I've had it removed off every TSW pistol I own. Even if one subscribes to the theory that hanging lights off handguns is a good idea - I do not - there are very few lights made that go on that S&W TSW rail.
Yeah, that's gonna have to go off my 5906, too.

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ALL my TSW 45's shot low. Yes, you can order lower front sights to correct this - what a hassle. My non TSW 45's do not shoot low with 230 grain 45. They hit POA strait out of the box.
Interesting. I'm seeing this quite pronounced in my 3913TSW, and to a lesser extent with the 5906TSW. I'd been taking it for granted it was me... Hhmmm.
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Old 07-31-2013, 10:27 AM
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Interesting. I'm seeing this quite pronounced in my 3913TSW, and to a lesser extent with the 5906TSW. I'd been taking it for granted it was me... Hhmmm.
That makes two of us. I thought it was me, but I guess not. I'll have to take both of my 3913's to the range and do a comparison.
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Old 07-31-2013, 11:16 AM
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That said - I prefer the non TSW S&W 45's for carry/range guns.
What a difference three years can make!

Isn't your favorite carry gun now a 4513TSW?

.
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Old 07-31-2013, 11:34 AM
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Yes Lost Lake, the 4513TSW V1, 6-round mag, without rail, IS currently my favorite carry gun. And since the addition of Novak Low Mount Night sights, it shoots to POA with 230 grain ammunition.

But they didn't make an eqivalent light weight, aluminum frame, compact 45 in the standard production line. Only the slightly larger 457 which was part of the value line pistols

The standard production 4566 in my holster is STILL my duty gun, carried daily, and I've no intention of switching out to a 4566TSW.........unless I find a fairly priced WVSP melonite 4566TSW......with decock only and spurless hammer...........nah...maybe not.

Really can't beat a 4566 standard or TSW for a mid size 45 duty gun. Regards 18DAI
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