Questions about a 4513TSW

[linde]

I’m a relative novice when it comes to 3rd generation semi-autos so it’s not surprising I have a few questions about this 4513TSW I picked up yesterday.

1) The serial number is MSF6531 but I don’t see any MXX s/n prefixes listed in the SCSW 4th edition. Is there anything special about the MSF prefix? (As to when it was made, I interpreted the special order code of 8327 as the Julian date for November 24, 1998 which is consistent with the ’97-’99 production period for the non-rail version)

2) What are the advantages of a double recoil spring (one inside the other)? I have two other 3rd gen S&Ws (a 4026 and a 6906) and both have only one recoil spring.

3) Was the 4513TSW included in the grip recall that applied to my (circa 1990) Model 6906? I see what appears to be a factory-placed punch mark on the grip possibly indicating it has been upgraded or . . . more likely . . . by 1998 affected models originally shipped with the revised grip version and the punch mark is simply a carry over so folks like me would know it was good to go.

4) Is the 4513TSW the same as the moniker “Shorty 45”?

I've added a gratuitous photo of my trifecta of 3rd gen semi-autos.

Thanks for your help,

Russ

 

[4T5GUY]

Very nice pistol, but I’m some what partial.

MSF is special cause you have one.
If I remember, (if not I hope I’ll be corrected,) S&W went to to dual in the 4516-2 to address the recoil mass that was or was not an issue with the 4516.
Grip is good to go.
The 4513TSW is not a Shorty 45.

Now I have a question for you. Does yours have night sights? Mine does and I wondered about the number 03 after the fixed sight words on the box.

Jim

 

[Fastbolt]

Congrats!

The serial number of my original 4513TSW starts with "MOD".

I can't remember if I even have my original box, nor what sticker's printed specs listed for mine, but the barrel length of the 4513TSW, 457 & 4516's were 3 3/4", not 3 1/2". Not the first time I've seen mistakes printed on a factory box sticker, though. I sometimes used to wonder if the people editing the content of the printed box stickers actually paid close attention to more than just confirming the serial number.

 

[linde]

. . . Now I have a question for you. Does yours have night sights? Mine does and I wondered about the number 03 after the fixed sight words on the box . . .

Not night sights. The book says the pre-rail 4513TSW came with 3-dot fixed sight but I don't know enough to say if they're the later 3-dot with the Novak Lo-Mount Carry rear sight version. Can you tell from this picture?

Thanks for your helpful answers,

Russ

 

[KSDeputy]

I bought mine new, the serial # starts with MSE. I have never done anything to it, or had anything done, and it looks and works like it is brand new.

 

[18DAI]

Congrats on the 4513TSW. My favorite carry 45 and probably my favorite handgun.

Mine is an MSF prefix. I got it used. It was an LE trade in from the Kalispell Tribal Police. Mine has Novak Night sights and is decock only. I have only ever seen one more example, in the same serial prefix, that was like it. They must have ordered them like that.

The "03" on the box label usually indicates an example made to fill an LE order (50 guns minimum) after the "official" end of production for that model.

Fine little 45. The dual recoil springs reduce felt recoil while ensuring reliability of the sub 4 inch 45. Like Fastbolts, my 4513TSW is much more tolerant of a poor initial grip while firing than my similar CS45. Enjoy yours! Regards 18DAI

 

[Redcoat3340]

Mine's VJJ02XX, has the rail, and is my go-to carry .45. Perfect 4 lb. SA trigger, 9 lbs. in DA.

I had a Shield in 45 and a .45 M&P and both those "new" guns could never measure up to the 4513 so gone they went. The only two other .45s that equal the 4513 are my Smith 1911Esc and a Sig 245. It's a sweet gun.

 

[Fastbolt]

FWIW, while I neither wish it to seem as though I'm in any way disparaging the Shield 45, or want Shield 45 owners to think I'm belittling their choice ...

Having owned this original 4513TSW (before the rail), and having carried and used a late production 4513TSW made after commercial production had stopped ... and having tried a Shield 45 on our range, belonging to another instructor ...

If I had to choose ONE compact-ish .45 to own and carry for the rest of my life, it would remain the 4513TSW.

My CS45 would take second place, which is only a little odd, as I bought my CS45 a little before my 4513TSW and I've run a LOT more rounds through my CS45 (trying harder to like it's thick, chunky grip profile).

I don't think I've gone through a dozen recoil springs for the CS45, but it's getting close.

BTW, the same nested non-captive dual recoils for the 4513 are also used in the 4013TSW and 4040. S&W engineers seemingly found a nice sweet spot for their nested recoil spring rates that worked decently well in their compact .45 & .40's.

 

[Glockman4]

Mine is an MSF prefix as well.

 

[18DAI]

I agree with Fastbolt. I tried all the "popular" compact.....ish 45s when I was looking for a plainclothes/off duty 45. None came close to the 4513TSW in terms of reliability or shootability. It is a soft shooter, comparatively.

And an accurate little 45 too! It will put 7 rounds of Winchester RA45T into a sub 3 inch group at 15 yards as fast as I can roll the trigger.

I also agree on the CS45. I carry mine quite a bit now that it has TercGen grips. Had TercGen not done the grips, I am pretty sure I would have sold it. But it is not that much smaller or lighter than the 4513TSW. But it is easily replaced. Regards 18DAI

 

[BLUEDOT37]

The serial number is MSF6531 but I don’t see any MXX s/n prefixes listed in the SCSW 4th edition.

That was a common prefix for many of the pre-rail models. All of mine are MSExxxx or MSFxxxx. Maybe the 5th edition of the SCSW will update the prefix ranges.

The dual/nested recoil springs were also used in all of the large frame single stack 40's too; 4013, 4014, 4053, 4054.

.

 

[Jeppo]

MSExxxx here too. Bought from a forum member who is following this thread. Sir, I’m taking excellent care of your gun and the 66-1 as well.

 

[TTSH]

I also agree on the CS45. I carry mine quite a bit now that it has TercGen grips. Had TercGen not done the grips, I am pretty sure I would have sold it.

Damn! The most powerful testimonial yet!

Must resist urge to buy TercGen grips...
Must resist urge to buy TercGen grips...
Must resist urge to buy TercGen grips...
Must resist urge to buy TercGen grips...
Must resist...

 

[18DAI]

Order a set TTSH. While that fine young man is still making them! You will be glad you did.

The TercGen grip completely changes the CS45. For the better. Easier to handle and shoot. Points more naturally. Conceals easier. Not that much more felt recoil, for me. But recoil is subjective.

Or.........you could just sell the CS45 and buy a nice 4513TSW. Like the OP has. Regards 18DAI

 

[TTSH]

Order a set TTSH. While that fine young man is still making them! You will be glad you did.

The TercGen grip completely changes the CS45. For the better. Easier to handle and shoot. Points more naturally. Conceals easier. Not that much more felt recoil, for me. But recoil is subjective.

Or.........you could just sell the CS45 and buy a nice 4513TSW. Like the OP has. Regards 18DAI

Oh, I hear you loud and clear 18. I know it would be the smart and right thing to do. But I am not particularly well known for always doing smart or right things. Hardly!!! Unfortunately for me, I'm something of a stubborn contrarian at times.

You must understand that if one set worked well for me, then I'd have to put them on all my CS-Series guns. Where would I get the money for that?

But the bigger problem is that I am hideously old and weak. Sadly, while the rubber grips look like Hell, I believe they do actually help me control the CS40 and the CS45.

And, of course, I only carry the CS40 (of my CS collection) and I only do that very rarely... like almost never. Pocket carry of my plastic Minnie Mouse guns is just too damn easy & convenient. So the TercGen grips would be a waste on me.

But if I ever win the PowerBall Lottery, watch out! I'd be putting Mr. TercGen on speed dial!