Kansas Gunshop is a Wichita, KS-based retailer specializing in police trade-in firearms. The Smith & Wesson 5946TSW Tactical 9mm Police Trade-ins (Good Condition) is a robust, all-stainless 9mm pistol known for its reliability and TSW rail. These are in good condition, available for $425.0.
Reviewed by Derek, Owner & FFL Holder at Kansas Gunshop. Kansas-licensed FFL dealer since 2008, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Last updated: April 2026
What are the specifications of the S&W 5946TSW?
| Product Type | Semi-Automatic Pistol |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless Steel Frame and Slide |
| Manufacturing | Smith & Wesson |
| Finish | Matte Stainless |
| Hardness/Quality | Duty-Grade, built for law enforcement use |
| Compatibility | 9mm Luger ammunition, S&W 5900-series magazines |
| Installation/Usage | Standard pistol operation, field strips for cleaning |
| Weight | Approximately 38 oz (unloaded) |
| Dimensions | Overall Length: 7.75 inches; Barrel Length: 4 inches |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Condition | Good (Police Trade-in) |
| SKU | S&W5946TSW-PT |
What are the key features of the Smith & Wesson 5946TSW Tactical?
- Double Action Only (DAO) Trigger: Consistent trigger pull from first shot to last, a common feature for police duty weapons prioritizing simplicity and safety under stress.
- All Stainless Steel Construction: Offers significant durability and corrosion resistance, contributing to a longer service life and a solid feel in hand.
- Tactical Accessory Rail (TSW): Allows for the attachment of lights or lasers, enhancing the pistol’s utility for low-light situations or target acquisition. This was a significant upgrade from earlier 3rd Gen models.
- Fixed Sights: Durable and robust, designed for duty use. While not adjustable, they are typically sighted for standard combat distances.
- No Manual Safety: The DAO trigger and lack of an external hammer mean a simpler, more streamlined operation, often preferred by agencies for its consistent manual of arms.
- Police Trade-in Provenance: These firearms have seen service, meaning they’ve been vetted for reliability in demanding environments. They carry a history of real-world use.
- 9mm Caliber: A widely available and effective cartridge, balancing recoil, capacity, and terminal ballistics.
Who is the S&W 5946TSW Tactical 9mm for?
The Smith & Wesson 5946TSW Tactical 9mm Police Trade-ins are a solid choice for several types of shooters:
Buy it if:
- You appreciate the robust, all-metal construction of classic S&W semi-autos.
- You’re looking for a reliable, no-frills duty-grade pistol for home defense or range use.
- You want a piece of law enforcement history that’s still perfectly functional.
- You prefer a Double Action Only (DAO) trigger for its consistent pull and perceived safety.
- You’re on a budget but still want a durable, reputable 9mm handgun.
- You’re a collector of third-generation Smith & Wesson pistols.
Skip it if:
- You prefer a lighter, polymer-framed pistol for concealed carry (consider our compact pistol selection).
- You want a striker-fired trigger with a short, crisp reset.
- You require adjustable sights or optics compatibility without modification.
- You are sensitive to heavier firearms; the all-steel construction adds weight.
- You prefer a manual safety or a single-action/double-action (DA/SA) trigger system.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this police trade-in?
Pros:
- ✅ Durability: All-stainless steel construction means this pistol is built to last through heavy use and adverse conditions.
- ✅ Reliability: Proven track record as a police duty weapon; these pistols are known for going bang when called upon.
- ✅ Value: A well-made, duty-grade firearm at a price point significantly below new production pistols of similar quality.
- ✅ Low Recoil: The weight of the steel frame helps mitigate felt recoil, making it comfortable to shoot.
- ✅ Tactical Rail: The TSW rail adds modern utility for lights or lasers, a feature not found on earlier 3rd Gen models.
- ✅ Simple Operation: DAO trigger and no external safety levers make for a straightforward manual of arms.
Cons:
- ❌ Weight: The all-steel construction makes it heavier than most modern polymer pistols, which can be a factor for extended carry.
- ❌ Trigger Pull: The DAO trigger pull is long and heavier than many modern striker-fired or SA/DA triggers, requiring practice to master (see our training pistols for practice options).
- ❌ Condition Varies: As a police trade-in, expect cosmetic wear like holster marks and dings. Functionality is good, but it won’t look new.
How does the S&W 5946TSW compare to other pistols?
| Feature | Smith & Wesson 5946TSW Tactical (Police Trade-in) | Hi-Point C9 (New) | Sig Sauer P226 (New) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | All Stainless Steel | Polymer Frame, Zamak Slide | Alloy Frame, Stainless Steel Slide |
| Quality | Duty-grade, proven reliability, good condition (used) | Budget-grade, functional, new | Premium duty-grade, new |
| Compatibility | S&W 5900-series magazines, 9mm Luger | Hi-Point C9 specific magazines, 9mm Luger | Sig P226 magazines, 9mm Luger |
| Shipping | From Wichita, KS (FFL required) | From retailer (FFL required) | From retailer (FFL required) |
| Lifespan/Durability | Very High (built for heavy use, long service life remaining) | Moderate (designed for casual use, limited heavy use) | Very High (designed for heavy duty use) |
| Price | ~$425.0 | ~$180-220 | ~$1000-1200+ |
Frequently Asked Questions about the S&W 5946TSW Tactical 9mm Police Trade-ins
What does “Police Trade-in (Good Condition)” mean?
“Police Trade-in” indicates the firearm was previously issued to a law enforcement agency and has been traded in for newer equipment. “Good Condition” means it’s functionally sound and safe to operate, though it will show cosmetic wear like holster marks, scratches, or dings consistent with police duty use. It will not be pristine.
Is the S&W 5946TSW a good choice for concealed carry?
While possible, the all-steel construction makes the 5946TSW relatively heavy and bulky compared to modern polymer-framed compact or subcompact pistols. It might be better suited for open carry, home defense, or range use.
What kind of magazines does the 5946TSW use?
The Smith & Wesson 5946TSW uses standard S&W 5900-series double-stack 9mm magazines. These are generally available, though sometimes harder to find than those for more current production firearms.
Does this pistol have a manual safety?
No, the 5946TSW is a Double Action Only (DAO) pistol and does not feature a manual safety lever. The long, consistent trigger pull is designed to provide a measure of safety.
What is the difference between the 5946 and 5946TSW?
The primary difference is the “TSW” designation, which stands for “Tactical Smith & Wesson.” This indicates the pistol includes a factory-integrated accessory rail on the dust cover for mounting lights or lasers, a feature not present on the standard 5946 models.
Where can I buy handguns online?
You can buy handguns online, including the Smith & Wesson 5946TSW Tactical 9mm Police Trade-ins, right here at Kansas Gunshop (kansas-gunshop.com). We ship to your local FFL dealer for transfer.
Do these police trade-ins come with a warranty?
As police trade-in firearms, these do not typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Kansas Gunshop guarantees the condition as described and offers a 30-day return policy if you are not satisfied with the firearm upon inspection at your transferring FFL.
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Last updated: April 2026
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