I am looking at a 4006 TSW with a "TDU" serial prefix . The owner says it was a police trade, but I am used to seeing "CHP" serials for "California Highway Patrol" guns. Does anyone know what the "TDU" is for? It is a legit police gun?

Welcome to the forum.....

The "TDU" serial prefix is part of the unique alpha-numeric number for that particular gun. It has nothing to do with the fact that it may or may not have been purchased by a police department....or whether it was a police issue. The TDU serial number alpha prefix dates the gun to around 1989.

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

1989? Seems early for a 4006TSW.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

The CHP was not the only police force to issue 4006TSW's, so it's very possible that this pistol is an LEO trade in even without the CHP prefix. Many of the 4006TSW's I have seen on the used market have been LEO trade ins, including the one I have with a riveted-on black rail. Even if this pistol has the later integrated (milled into the frame) rail, it's still possible it was not from the CHP but another agency.

The TDU prefix will not indicate that it's a LEO gun, though I have seen many later LEO S&W TSW's with prefixes starting with a 'T.' I believe my LEO 4566TSW is a TDU prefix, and I've seen many BAY prefixes for LEO guns as well.

My understanding is that S&W randomly used these prefixes over the years, so while it may have been used earlier in '89, it does not mean it wasn't brought back much later.

Some LEO guns will have an extra inventory number engraved on the pistol somewhere, or you could call S&W with the full serial # and they might be able to tell you for sure. Personally, if the seller says this 4006TSW is an LEO trade-in, I would be inclined to believe him.

Wow. Thanks for the info guys!

I think I am going to pull the trigger on the deal. (pun intended)

go for it big daddy

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S&W BG380, S&W 915 9mm