What accessories fit the TSW rails?

[ACEd]

Years ago I was told that the 3rd gen TSW rail geometry predated the standardization of rail geometry and current standard accessories would not properly fit the rails. I never pursued this further, but I got to thinking - Why would LE departments continue to buy pistols with rails if nothing fits the rails?

So the Question boils down to:
Part 1 - Do current standard accessories fit the 3rd Generation TSW rails?
Part 2 - If not, what did LE attach to the rails back in the day?
Part 3 - If current standard accessories dont fit, what is currently available that would fit?

 

[Liftrat]

Speaking from a data base of one ( I have one of the CHP SIM 4006TSWs), current accessories sort of fit. Mine sports a Surefire TLR-8, but it took some "adjusting" to get it right. The edges of the rail, and the slot on mine were OK, but the bottom of the rail had a convex curve to it that prevented the light from seating fully. A few strokes of a file corrected that, at the expense of any historical value.
I hope this answers Parts 1 and possibly 3. As for Part 2, I have no idea. I'm sure the Weaver rail was around at that time (80s & 90s), but it seems, at least on my example, that S&W didn't pay very strict attention to those specs.

 

[jpage]

The TLR-7 light fits my 4013TSW without any issues .......

 

[ACEd]

Thanks for response - that kind of answers Part 1 & 3 - but what about Part 2?

But what Accessories did LE use on the TSW pistols in the 1990-2010 time frame?

 

[BigBoss3006]

Thanks for response - that kind of answers Part 1 & 3 - but what about Part 2?

But what Accessories did LE use on the TSW pistols in the 1990-2010 time frame?

I want to say they used older Insight M3/M3X lights, based on the existing Safariland holsters that would have been available at the time. They are practically identical to the TLR-1 body style. TLR-1 and 2 used to be sold with TSW specific rail keys as well

 

[scottr]

I think all the Streamlights that have interchangeable rail fitments still come with the TSW option. At least the TLR-1and 2.

 

[scottr]

Insight lights.

Streamlight lights.

I think there were some lasers that would fit.

 

[Keysmia]

I have a TLR-7A on my 3913 and it’s fairly snug on the factory bolted on rails. I also have a WVSP 4566 TSW with a TLR-1 HD with the Glock insert and it fits like a glove. Here’s my 3913

 

[MP-5]

This should fit.

 

[adrianolsen]

So, back in the day when CHP started testing the 4006TSW with the riveted rail, it didn't really fit anything, except the s&w flashlight it was made for. So we milled them to fit the 1913 picatinny and stayed with that for the integral rail

 

[ACEd]

So, back in the day when CHP started testing the 4006TSW with the riveted rail, it didn't really fit anything, except the s&w flashlight it was made for. So we milled them to fit the 1913 picatinny and stayed with that for the integral rail

That would make sense to me - tailor to your accessory to sell more of your matching accessories before 1913 Picatinny standard became dominant.

 

[326MOD10]

We had 5903TSW's at one point.

Accessories? What are these accessories you speak of?

The rail just made it pain to find a decent off-duty holster for plain clothes work.

Our Department was transitioning from the 5906 to the Sigma when I started. The Sigma had some firing pin issues and for whatever reason they bought 5903TSWs for those of us who had the Sigma.

We were never allowed to put anything on the rail and in fact had a Chief that for the longest time wouldn't allow weapons lights. Said he didn't want us drawing our pistol to use the light looking for stuff.