Posted: 4/28/2008 8:35:17 AM EDT
| I just bought one for $365 and was wondering does anyone know of anything about the background of the TSW (Tactical Smith and Wesson) pistols. I heard a rumor they were designed to be better than standard Smiths and Wesson Pistols but I am still new to Smiths. I did want a M9 but I kept looking at the 5903. Maybe it was because I have watched Hot Fuzz 4 times in 2 weeks. |
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The original TSW's were the pre-rail 3913 TSW's. They were assembled by the Performance Center. They aren't "custom" but tend to be better fitted, have a better trigger, and in the case of the 3913, the frame is shortened so the mag fits flush, though you loose a round. They sold quite well, and S&W realized that they could sell other versions of their autos if they were marked "tactical" and threw in a couple extras, and by moving production to the normal production line, costs were lower and volume higher. So they made a series of "TSW"s and have settled on using the standard gun as a base, adding a rail, night-sights, and a couple other things. They're actually great values because they give you useful features from the factory, and aside from the markings, there isn't much that you don't need either. They have made various "TSW" models in many calibers and frame-types. For example, if you just wanted a 5903, you have a great gun. If you wanted a 5903 with a rail and night sights, you get the TSW and have it from the factory. Good options if you want to go one way or the other. As I said, the original TSW's are nice guns, but they aren't custom or anything, so you're not lossing out with the current TSW's. In fact the rail/nightsights is probably more useful, though I like my pre-rail 3913TSW. Since I have a couple 5906's and a 5904 (alloy frame, blue), I've been really considering getting a 5903 TSW because you can get them at a great price in great condition, and it would be the perfect night fighting companion for my 5904. |