4513TSW frame difference?

[mikerjf]

On the 4513TSW (with the 6r mags, the one with the "notched grip"), is the notch simply cut out of a "standard" frame, or does it have extra metal above the notch?

A pic of a 4513TSW minus the grips would answer this, but I can't find one. A good pic up the magwell would probably work too.

 

[4T5GUY]

Both frames are the basically the same EXCEPT for the "notch" of the magwell. Obviously the dust cover area, front grip checkering and grip tangs are different.

The "railed" top end fits on the pre-railed lower and seems like it would function. The pre-rail top end only just starts going on the "railed" lower. (At least in my case.)

Jim

 

[JohnHL]

A close inspection of the "cut-off" 3913/4513 TSW grips reveals that, much like the pistols themselves, the grips are cut down versions of the regular sized grips and are not molded that way.

John

 

[mikerjf]

So the 6 round guns actually have less metal horizontally at the bottom of the grip? Must be enough I guess…

Just pondering cutting myself a "notchgrip" 457, since I've always liked the TSW's but never found one.

 

[rosewood]

Although, I like the feel and purchase of the extended finger groove, the short/notched grip is much more sleeker looking.

 

[4T5GUY]

So the 6 round guns actually have less metal horizontally at the bottom of the grip?

Not sure what you mean. Yes the Pre-Rail magwell has less surface area forward than the non "notched", (seven round,) examples. That is the only area of less material because it's been removed. The frame magwells are otherwise all the same thickness throughout.

Jim

 

[GaryS]

Having a mix of rail and none rail TSW guns, I can state that the tolerances on the rail version are tighter. Also having some non TSW guns now or in the past, both TSW versions have tighter tolerances than none TSW versions.

IIRC, the rail TSW frames and rails were machined as a pair, but the non rail TSWs were not done that way.

Both frames are the basically the same EXCEPT for the "notch" of the magwell. Obviously the dust cover area, front grip checkering and grip tangs are different.

The "railed" top end fits on the pre-railed lower and seems like it would function. The pre-rail top end only just starts going on the "railed" lower. (At least in my case.)

Jim

 

[mikerjf]

4T5GUY - Yes, the magwell is the same thickness; think of its 'height'.

Looking at your picture (looking inside the magwell) the gun at the far left appears to have less material height inside than the gun at the far right.

Put another way, trimming the butt decreases the dimension between the butt edge and the "magazine window" (the side cutout). My question was really whether S&W made the magazine window smaller on the notch-butt guns. Looks like they left it the same and just trimmed a standard frame.

 

[4T5GUY]

Put another way, trimming the butt decreases the dimension between the butt edge and the "magazine window" (the side cutout).

Got it now, my apologies. I was mostly being lazy.

Here ya go then.

Also in confirmation of what Gary said about the 2nd run of TSW's, (not Pre-Rails,) the frames and slides were/are co-witnessed and stayed together throughout.

Jim

 

[mikerjf]

That frame pic nails it - thank you!

 

[mikerjf]

Hokay, having gotten the 4513TSW grips/mag and traced out the necessary cut, it looks like the metal left at the bottom is a little thin for my tastes. Clearly the 457 frame has a larger "window" than the 4513's.

So I'm shelving that particular idea. Just wanted to post this for reference by anyone else considering this mod.

 

[rosewood]

Hokay, having gotten the 4513TSW grips/mag and traced out the necessary cut, it looks like the metal left at the bottom is a little thin for my tastes. Clearly the 457 frame has a larger "window" than the 4513's.

So I'm shelving that particular idea. Just wanted to post this for reference by anyone else considering this mod.

I am with you, it looks good, but dang, there ain't much metal left especially for an alloy frame.

Rosewood

 

[squidsix]

You could do this:
I worked up a flush-fitting magazine for the Recon 45
Gives you the same grip length.

 

[mikerjf]

Squidsix, so you cut the notch in the front and back of the mag before bending the new side tabs?

Looks like a great solution-as you say, grip length is the same, plus you don't lose a round.

 

[squidsix]

Correct.
Several hundred rounds thru each and no failures