S&W Model 4006TSW CHP Upgrades - The Way Forward

[Model]

While researching the Model 4006TSW CHP, I took notice of a few changes that were implemented by S&W for this specific model that were seemingly missing from previous versions/iterations of the 4006TSW:

- Use of a MIM trigger
- Use of a MIM hammer
- Use of a bobbed hammer

No doubt that these were either a direct result of cost savings and/or specific requests by the CHP, but I'd like to know if the following are possible to implement on the Model 4006TSW CHP:

1) Replace the bobbed hammer with a non-MIM full hammer;

2) Replace the trigger with a non-MIM (forged or otherwise) trigger;

And...

3) Are there any other MIM parts on the Model 4006TSW CHP that I am forgetting? And can those parts be replaced with non-MIM equivalents?

4) What are some of the more popular or well regarded night sight options for the Model 4006TSW CHP?

To be sure, I am not saying that MIM parts are bad, they aren't, and they do have their place when properly designed and implemented in a firearm. However, for me, I love what the 4006TSW CHP version offers (integral rail and decocker only), and I would like to retro the pistol to when it was made using forged parts "back in the day".

 

[JohnHL]

Welcome to the Forum!

The 4006TSW CHP is very popular around here.

The trigger, hammer, and sear are MIM parts, as they have been on every 4006TSW ever produced.

Yes, they can be replaced with forged parts, but only if you use a bobbed forged hammer.

During testing for the first 4006, S&W discovered the forged full hammers were rebounding and striking the underside of the slide in a vulnerable area, causing cracks.

This was because of the forged full hammer's weight.

In an effort to bring the pistol to market, S&W substituted a forged lightened competition hammer which was expensive to produce.

They then went to a forged hammer with a hole drilled through it, and then finally the MIM full hammer which was light enough to avoid the problem.

Like I said, the bobbed forged hammer is light enough.

If you do it, I think you will discover the trigger pull will not be as smooth, as that was a typical problem for the forged parts.

Lots of Members are drawn to the idea of replacing MIM parts with forged and if that's what you want, it's your gun as they say.

The only night sight option of which I am aware are the Trijicons.

John

 

[jsbethel]

The forged spurred hammer and trigger from a 411 should work in your project.

 

[4T5GUY]

You didn’t mention anything about the trigger play spring?

The 4006TSWCHP’s specifically did not have a trigger play spring.

Nothing wrong with not having one, just as nothing wrong with any of the other CHP original specific parts.

I can appreciate you wanting to do what you want, and appreciate more that you’re willing and ready to change things out. Save all the original parts and have fun getting to where you are happy.

Jim

 

[JohnHL]

The forged spurred hammer and trigger from a 411 should work in your project.

Yes, that is the lightened competition (Performance Center) hammer S&W fell back on when the flash chromed forged spur hammer was found wanting.

The PC hammer had a hollowed out spine. (I could make a joke here about politicians, but I am already waiting out an infraction .)

If you recall at the time, it was the fashion at S&W to put flash chromed hammers and triggers on the stainless pistols.

The "two-tone/tactical" look came later.

The hammer mass problem precluded the forged flash chromed spur hammer's use and that is why you will never see an original equipment 4006 with a flash chromed spur hammer.

Also suitable for use would be the forged spur hammer with a hole drilled through as was used on the 4006 and 411 after the PC hammer and before the MIM.

BTW, those lightened hammers had faster lock times than the full weight forged spur hammers, but then the MIM hammer combined dimensional consistency with smoothness and lightness and gave all the MIM hammer models faster lock times.

John

 

[adrianolsen]

So, I can write a book about all the things that make the TSW,but I'm not. There are good and bad about MIM. Personally, it is ****. Had to many broken on all 3. Hammer hooks, sears, triggers. It was S&W decision to go with MIM. But, it did stop hammers from breaking decocker bodies.

 

[Model]

Holy cow, lots of good info here. Thank you! It would seem to me, based on your guys' replies, that there is a point of diminishing returns in what I am trying to accomplish with my 4006TSW CHP.

I've been taught (however wrong?) that MIM is bad, and that forged parts are nearly almost universally preferred. However, until now, I was not aware of the WHY behind the use of (some) MIM in the 4006, namely in the breaking of decocker bodies.

Which brings me back to diminishing returns. Seems as there's no point in futzing around with a perfectly working pistol just because it has MIM parts, as I would not be benefiting from going forged (other than an increase in reliability in some areas, decocker body notwithstanding) correct?

 

[TAROMAN]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
YMMV

 

[adrianolsen]

So, the decocker bodies and slide stops are not MIM, they're cast and colored black. Beware, slide stops tend not to fit right. Either dragging on the frame or too far away from it not allowing the follower to engage

 

[toddstang]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
YMMV

I want to join the MIM hating crowd but I've yet to have anything that I own with a MIM part break yet.
No safe queens in my house!