S&W 4046TSW

[JohnHL]

I don't know if any Brinks 4046TSW models were delivered without the rail, although I have not seen any.

Brinks DID issue the earlier 4046 (NON-TSW) model and it did NOT have a rail.

John

 

[JohnHL]

BTW, because of the extended slide on the NON-TSW models, the hammer is more pre-staged and consequently has a shorter trigger pull than the TSW models without an extended slide and a lesser hammer pre-staging.

John

 

[raygixxer89]

I don't know if any Brinks 4046TSW models were delivered without the rail, although I have not seen any.

Brinks DID issue the earlier 4046 (NON-TSW) model and it did NOT have a rail.

John

Maybe that's what I got. I remember the Brinks logo but don't remember if it had the TSW or rail.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I have a Brinks 5946TSW . Wondering if that's all they bought was DAO S&W's . If so , I wonder why .

 

[raygixxer89]

I don't know if any Brinks 4046TSW models were delivered without the rail, although I have not seen any.

Brinks DID issue the earlier 4046 (NON-TSW) model and it did NOT have a rail.

John

Thanks. I can't remember if it was a TSW or not. From reading the other post, I;m sure mine is the non TSW since it has the nice pre-staged trigger.

 

[xfarfuldog]

Brinks always had a close relationship with S&W. I do not believe the 4046 was specifically made for Brinks. It was just the model they ordered. The revolver last used was a model 64. It was purchased in 4" and 2" models. After a certain point all revolvers were ordered from S&W as DA only. At my branch we tried to keep the DA/SA revolvers and turn in the DA's. Later all revolvers had to be turned in to Dallas. Each branch paid for their own revolvers ordered from Brinks. Many Brinks managers were upset about not getting any money back for the revolvers. Branches paid for the revolvers and the new M&P's. So all Brinks guns are now DA only.

All of the revolvers were sent back to Dallas and then to S&W. When Brinks changed to the FN's all the M&P's were sent to FN or their distributor. Even the used ammo went to FN.

Some states (maybe Mich and Fla) would not allow private security to carry a police caliber 40's. Brinks issued the 9 mm 5946 for those states.

 

[just plain joe]

A feature that made the the 4046 and the 5946 attractive to law enforcement agencies was the double-action only feature. It necessitated that only one trigger press be learned.

Many LE agencies can't/won't spend time and money (ammo) on training. Speaking for myself, the DA/SA pistol requires initial training and sustainment training to be safe and effective. You have a heavier initial double-action trigger press and for subsequent shots, a lighter single-action press. Hence, two different trigger presses. When on the range, I had officers remark that their second, i.e, single action press, broke somewhat unexpectedly.

This long, heavy initial double-action trigger press made the DA/SA semi-automatic pistol attractive to administrators who were concerned about negligent discharges. For me, this is an example of substituting a mechanical device so as not to increase training costs. Sigh. Failure to train is training to fail.

Others may know more though.

Jm2c

JPJ

 

[kmk008]

Does anyone have both a 4006TSW and 4046TSW to compare trigger pulls for me in double action?

I own both and I'm shocked that the 4006TSW (~2001 vintage) feels way smoother and lighter in DA than the 4046TSW (~2005). How is anyone else's experience with that?

I feel like I might need to take the whole thing apart and see if there are some burrs or more gunk deeper in the gun.

 

[Dave Baird]

I do have both and agree, I prefer the DA trigger on the 4006. I did smooth all contact points on both pistols, but maybe it's just a stronger spring in the 4046, but it is still harder to manage, IMO.

 

[JohnHL]

The 4006TSW and the 4046TSW use the same mainspring (hammer spring), and the trigger/hammer geometry (leverage) is equivalent.

I have both and have converted both back and forth.

The TSW DAO model triggers feel heavier than the DA/SA (TDA) models because when you begin the trigger press on the DAO models, the mainspring is already partially compressed so you are pushing against a heavier force.

As you continue pulling the trigger the forces equal out.

John

 

[Jon651]

I've had my Brinks 4046TSW for several years now and I agree that there are ZERO reasons not to get this pistol at that price! Mine was filthy as well, but some elbow grease and a set of Hogues that I had lying around waiting for an opportunity turned it into a nice looking - and great shooting - pistol.

 

[Redcoat3340]

My 4006CHP is my bedside gun (in memory of my now gone best friend who was a CHiP). I couldn't say no to one of the Brinks 4046s...and then found a 410 at a very attractive price.
As someone who wears a belt and suspenders I put that 410 slide on the 4046 and now have a nice smooth, longish, DAO trigger and the added safety of a -- safety if I want it.
But that 4046 is a heavy carry, and I find myself toting a .40 SW99 compact more often than not.

And there is no reason on god's green earth not to have both.

 

[kmk008]

The 4006TSW and the 4046TSW use the same mainspring (hammer spring), and the trigger/hammer geometry (leverage) is equivalent.

I have both and have converted both back and forth.

The TSW DAO model triggers feel heavier than the DA/SA (TDA) models because when you begin the trigger press on the DAO models, the mainspring is already partially compressed so you are pushing against a heavier force.

As you continue pulling the trigger the forces equal out.

John

Alright bringing up the trigger question again. Does anyone know if Brinks put heavier mainsprings in or something? I ask because I just picked up a non-TSW 5946 that has the most amazing double action trigger I've felt. The 4046TSW feels so much heavier that despite it being smooth it's tough to master.

So my thoughts/theories:

Did TSW guns have a stronger spring? Did Brinks put in a heavier spring? Did Brinks just never shoot these things and the 5946 is worn in?

Curious as always..

 

[JohnHL]

Alright bringing up the trigger question again. Does anyone know if Brinks put heavier mainsprings in or something? I ask because I just picked up a non-TSW 5946 that has the most amazing double action trigger I've felt. The 4046TSW feels so much heavier that despite it being smooth it's tough to master.

So my thoughts/theories:

Did TSW guns have a stronger spring? Did Brinks put in a heavier spring? Did Brinks just never shoot these things and the 5946 is worn in?

Curious as always..

I share your curiosity.

I don't know if Brinks specified a non-standard mainspring for any of its pistols.

The standard service replacement spring from S&W is the #103620000 for all the full size 9mm/40s&w models.

Wolff Gun Springs says that is a 20lb. spring.

HOWEVER...

It has been reported that early DAO models were equipped (from S&W) with a lighter mainspring.

Indeed, on their website, Wolff reports that: "***Some 4046's have a 16 lb. factory hammer spring."

SO...

Could your 5946 have come from the factory with a lighter spring?

Quite possibly.

Could your pistols have different levels of "wear", resulting in different trigger pulls?

Without pulling the springs from the guns and testing them, it's hard to say.

The TSW models certainly have a longer DAO trigger pull due to the design of the TSW with its lesser "pre-staged" hammer.

On top of that, Wolff sells mainsprings with weights between 16 and 23 lbs., and without knowing the complete history of both guns, it's impossible to know if anybody changed anything.

A simple experiment...

As both guns take the same "size" mainspring, and lacking the ability to test their weight ratings (it's relatively easy to fashion a spring tester), swap the mainsprings between pistols and try to notice any changes.

I'm anxious to hear your report.

John

 

[kmk008]

I share your curiosity.

As both guns take the same "size" mainspring, and lacking the ability to test their weight ratings (it's relatively easy to fashion a spring tester), swap the mainsprings between pistols and try to notice any changes.

I'm anxious to hear your report.

John

I swapped the mainsprings and based on the high precision measurement of my finger, I'm convinced that it's just the difference in the geometry of the TSW not precocking the hammer as far. The non-TSW xx46 series stops at a point that gives you a bit better leverage when pulling the trigger.

 

[veeklog1]

I have the CHP 4006 TSW and it is an awesome shooter; I just got a used 5926 that I will be sending to S&W Performance Center (along with my 4506-1) for complete 3rd Generation action job and bead blast the entire gun. Looking to buy both S&W 5946 and 4046 TSW if I can find both after I get a new Glock 26 Gen 5 to replace my Glock 26 Gen 3 as my secondary weapon for work.

BTW: anyone know what parts are needed to convert a 5946/4046 to a 5906/4006? I have a complete safety assembly with plunger and springs and a DA/SA hammer and mainspring assembly. What else is needed?

 

[JohnHL]

I have the CHP 4006 TSW and it is an awesome shooter; I just got a used 5926 that I will be sending to S&W Performance Center (along with my 4506-1) for complete 3rd Generation action job and bead blast the entire gun. Looking to buy both S&W 5946 and 4046 TSW if I can find both after I get a new Glock 26 Gen 5 to replace my Glock 26 Gen 3 as my secondary weapon for work.

BTW: anyone know what parts are needed to convert a 5946/4046 to a 5906/4006? I have a complete safety assembly with plunger and springs and a DA/SA hammer and mainspring assembly. What else is needed?

If you wish to convert a 5946/4046TSW to a 5906/4006TSW, you will need a trigger, a hammer, a manual safety/decock assy., and a sear release lever.

If you wish to convert a base model 5946/4046 to a base model 5906/4006 you will need a milling machine, a TIG welder, a hand-held grinder, grinding and polishing stones, an assortment of files, sand paper, bead blaster, trigger, hammer, manual safety/decock assy., sear release lever, sear release lever spring, various other small tools and fixtures, and a whole lot of skill and effort.

John