S&W 3566: An IPSC Game-Changer that Didn’t

Published on April 18, 2019
Duration: 13:45

This video delves into the history and technical specifications of the Smith & Wesson Model 3566, a firearm developed for IPSC competition that ultimately failed to gain traction due to political maneuvering within the sport's governing bodies. Expert Ian McCollum details the cartridge's design, its intended role in achieving Major power factor, and the rule changes that led to its downfall. The S&W 3566 is now a rare collector's item, highlighting a fascinating intersection of firearm innovation and competitive shooting politics.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Model 3566, chambered in .356 TSW, was an innovative competition pistol designed to achieve Major power factor with high capacity. However, it was ultimately disqualified from USPSA/IPSC competition due to rule changes mandating a minimum bullet diameter of .400 inches for Major power factor.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the S&W 3566
  2. 01:21IPSC Power Factor and the .38 Super
  3. 03:01The Rise of Limited Division
  4. 05:42Development of the .356 TSW Cartridge
  5. 08:01Political Downfall and Rule Changes
  6. 10:22Comparison with .357 Sig and Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the S&W 3566 designed for?

The Smith & Wesson Model 3566 was developed for IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) competition, specifically aiming to compete in the Limited Division by utilizing the .356 TSW cartridge to achieve a Major power factor.

Why did the .356 TSW cartridge and S&W 3566 fail in competition?

Despite meeting initial criteria, the USPSA Board of Directors voted against authorizing the 3566. They subsequently changed the rules to require a minimum bullet diameter of .400 inches for Major power factor, effectively ending the .356 TSW's viability in competition.

What were the key features of the S&W 3566?

The S&W 3566, chambered in .356 TSW, was a Performance Center tuned pistol featuring adjustable sights, an oversized competition magwell, and a match trigger, designed for high-level practical shooting.

How did the .356 TSW compare to other competition cartridges?

The .356 TSW was designed to achieve Major power factor in a 9mm-sized platform, offering a 15-round capacity advantage over .45 ACP and a unique performance profile compared to cartridges like the .357 Sig.

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