Greetings from Eastern NC! I just traded for a virtually unfired 4553 TSW, as new. I don't know much about this pistol, but it has the rail on the front, no decocker/safety, and a semi-bobbed hammer. I'd appreciate anything you can tell me about this pistol, good or bad. Thanks!

Welcome to the Forum!

Your 4553TSW is a DAO (Double Action Only), alloy framed, stainless slide, compact 45.

It is a TSW which were the final and most refined version of a long series of semi-automatic, metal framed production pistols dating back to the early 1950s, before S&W went to plastic.

They are well built and reliable.

I have the TDA (DA/SA) version of your pistol, the 4513TSW.

Another advantage is that both of our pistols can be converted to DAO or TDA with only four parts.

I've done it on mine.

It's a great compact 45.

John

Thanks John! I'll be shooting mine tomorrow, we'll see if I like the DAO trigger.

Does this mean I can convert my MIM hammer/trigger 4566 into a MIM hammer/trigger 4586 clone (precocked like later DAO), or would I be converting it to a flash chromed DAO (long DA pull like earlier DAO)?

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What would Jim Cirillo do?

I have a later 5946 with the black MIM hammer and trigger.
It's my favorite of my 3 3rd gen 59 series pistols.

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What would Jim Cirillo do?

Your 4566 can be converted to the TSW DAO design, which is a pre-cocked action, much like the earlier, flash chromed DAO pistols with the exception of a slightly longer trigger pull (because the TSW DAO does not use an extended rear slide, the hammer is less pre-cocked than the earlier models).

It will have a MIM hammer and trigger (just like the TSW DAO models) after conversion.

It will be something like this:
6906 Conversion to DAO

John

Nice. Thanks for the quick reply, John.
One reason my 5946 is my favorite is due to the reduced trigger reach.

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What would Jim Cirillo do?

Went to the range this morning to shoot a 45acp carbine, two M57 Tokarevs and the 4553. I HATE the trigger pull on the DAO 4553, it's smooth but it's very long and heavy. It doesn't fire until the trigger nearly hits the back of the trigger guard. A lawyer designed that trigger. Is this normal for this pistol?

Yes that is normal, sadly. Some here will tell you the trigger is "revolver like".

I've been shooting revolvers for over 50 years. If I had a revolver with a trigger pull like the DAO guns, I would take it to the gunsmith and have it fixed.

All is not lost. There are a few here who like those DAO guns. And a 4553 is worth a few bucks. I would advise you to place a want to sell or trade ad in the classifieds here.

Get yourself a 4513TSW. the early version with 6-round mag, if you can. That is perfection in a 3rd gen 45 carry gun. Good luck! Regards 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

Just put it out on your front porch....Jeppo will be along to pick it up soon. I'd come get it but already have two

I like the 4553 but honestly rarely carry it. It's still kind of a chunk for 6+1. But, carried a 3914 DAO today. Really like the DAO single stacks.

I may be guilty of describing them as "revolver like." Perhaps, not the most artful description. As a revolver guy, I prefer the DAO pull / resistance more than striker fired or lighter single action. I'll agree with 18DAI but say that a revolver person might be more inclined to like the DAO trigger despite its material differences from a true DA revolver pull.

Yes, the S&W TSW DAO trigger pull is only slightly better than the double action pull on the TDA (DA/SA) pistols.

Its big advantage is that it is "control-free" so therefore much easier manual of arms to master.

If you would like to try it as a DA/SA model (like its twin, the 4513TSW) it is only four parts...

John

I'll consider converting it. I am a classic S&W revolver guy, which I shoot very well, but the 4553 is beyond me. I have big hands but my trigger finger has to travel so far under that heavy pull that it becomes uncomfortable (arthritis).