Recently purchased a 5906 in excellent condition. Have only function fired it with a mag or two, but I really like the pistol. Now the shop I frequent has a 5906TSW in excellent condition on which I can make a good trade. My question is what are the differences between the regular 5906 and the TSW version besides the equipment rail? Is the TSW typically measurably more accurate?

Recently purchased a 5906 in excellent condition. Have only function fired it with a mag or two, but I really like the pistol. Now the shop I frequent has a 5906TSW in excellent condition on which I can make a good trade. My question is what are the differences between the regular 5906 and the TSW version besides the equipment rail? Is the TSW typically measurably more accurate?

I hate the equipment rail on the TSW series. It's riverted on and it affects the holster selections. I've heard they are a bit tighter fitted, but if you already have a 5906, I wouldn't trade towards a TSW.

I would say no to the trade (I, too, do not care for the "after-thought" rail). However, if your 5906 is from the early 90s with hard chromed trigger and hammer, then I would say hell no!

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

The TSW's will be quite a bit more accurate than the regular guns. I too don't like the rail, the early TSW's came without a rail and are the ones I look for.

Here is some info on the TSW line of autos. Some of the info is incorrect, in that not all the frames are alloy. I have a 4006TSW and it is an all steel frame weighing 38.5oz, but other info should give you some insight into what S&W did with the tactical series of guns.zorro49
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...24/ai_61861509

I don't know about this TSW thing, but I've found all 17 of my 3rd generation pistols, as well as my one, only and lonely little 2nd generation, shoot about like the 5903 below (when I do my part), and none of them have TSW anywhere in the model number . . . Heck, even the Econo Model 915 does pretty well without TSW on it.

That said, if I could pick up a 99% 4513TSW pre-rail, I would jump on it. Not because it might tighten my groups by a 1/8" or anything, but because it was only made for a year and is hard to come by.

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

I own a s&w 5906 it isn't ejecting the spent shells I think it's the extraction finger but I can't find one for the life of me. I did find one for the 5906tsw anyone know if they are the same or if it will work in my 5906 ?

If you're experiencing failures-to-extract with good factory ammunition (meaning not worn or damaged cases and case rims that may be present on reloads), it might typically be one or more of three things:

The recoil spring is damaged or worn out. (This is the easiest thing to try, as you can replace the recoil spring yourself.)

The extractor hook is chipped or broken.

The extractor spring is worn out and weak.

(Also, if what's really happening is a failure-to-eject, then the ejector tip might be broken off, especially if it's an older production 5906 with the older, short tipped style ejector.)

Repairing any of those problems is something for someone experienced and trained in making such repairs. The extractor isn't considered a "drop in" part. (The ejector and extractor spring are "drop in" parts, but the tension of the extractor spring may have to be adjusted by using a different spring.)

Yes, the same extractor is used in the 5906/5906TSW, and it came in both "plain" stainless and black finish.

Extractors typically need to be filed and fitted to the particular slide, though. Armorers and repair techs use a factory provided Go/No-Go bar gauge to check for fit in a slide.

Extractor tension is checked by armorers and techs using a force dial gauge ($150 tool). While there's an acceptable range for extractor tension, in order to get the tension within the acceptable range in any particular slide, it may be necessary to use a different factory extractor spring than the "standard" spring (there are lighter & heavier optional springs).

Is there a local gunsmith who is familiar with working S&W pistols, who has the parts and tools?

You might try calling S&W, to see if they still use any of their authorized service centers outside of the factory (the website doesn't list any US centers anymore). Unless you're the original owner, the repair will cost and will probably take some time (due to backlog).

Just some thoughts.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer