Convert S&W 4506 from DA/SA to SA

[foxdog]

I have seen comments that converting a 4506 (and possibly other da/sa 3rd gen pistols) to allow them to be carried cocked and locked is a simple modification that has the decocker doing everything it normally does except drop the hammer.

Does anyone have any information about this?

 

[MP-5]

I believe Mas Ayood's gunsmith buddy Rick Devoid used to do these conversions. I think he is still around.

Tarnhelm Supply Co., Inc.
431 High Street
Boscawen, NH, 03303
(603) 796-2551 FAX (603) 796-2918
FFL#:6-02-013-01-2D-01178
[email protected]

 

[JohnHL]

I have seen comments that converting a 4506 (and possibly other da/sa 3rd gen pistols) to allow them to be carried cocked and locked is a simple modification that has the decocker doing everything it normally does except drop the hammer.

Does anyone have any information about this?

By the simple expedient of modifying the sear release lever by grinding/filing away the "foot", the manual safety lever will no longer drop the hammer upon application.

This will transform the operation of any S&W TDA (DA/SA) pistol to that of a double action revolver, including that the hammer must be lowered manually by pulling the trigger and controlling the hammer's fall with the thumb.

Double action operation will remain, but the pistol can now be carried "cocked and locked".

As the aforementioned sear release lever is a fitted part, it would be advisable to retain the original sear release lever in its unmodified form (in the event the pistol is to be returned to original condition) and modify a replacement sear release lever or use the corresponding item from a DAO (Double Action Only) pistol that is manufactured without the "foot".

I have performed this conversion on a number of pistols, but I have always returned them to original condition as the utility of this conversion has not proven useful to me.

John

 

[mikerjf]

Question: Could you simply remove the sear release lever? (Probably by replacing it with a similar-thickness small washer?)

Note that with the safety on, the firing pin is blocked by the safety body, so you should be able to just pull the trigger SA to drop the hammer. (If you’re the trusting type!)

 

[JohnHL]

Question: Could you simply remove the sear release lever? (Probably by replacing it with a similar-thickness small washer?)

Note that with the safety on, the firing pin is blocked by the safety body, so you should be able to just pull the trigger SA to drop the hammer. (If you’re the trusting type!)

If the sear release lever is replaced by a "small washer", then the trigger disconnect feature would be disabled and "trigger decocking" would be possible.

John