Smith and Wesson 4506--Thoughts and Experiences?

4

4570Tom

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Mar 18, 2010
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The LGS has a S&W 4506 in the gun case, and I had a chance to handle it the other day. For those who either have or had one, what are your thoughts and experiences regarding this pistol?
 
I've owned mine since 1988. It's OK. It is a solid gun, that functions well, but it is a little crude/cumbersome. S&W stopped production of these guns quite some time ago, and support isn't too good, though they don't break very often. I think you can still find mags somewhere, but they aren't as easy to come by as a 1911 mag.

Every now and then, when I think my normal shooter, a 1911 Government Model, is a little big, heavy, and cumbersome, I pull out the S&W 4506 to help me remember how sleek and comfortable the 1911 is in comparison.

I'm not looking to sell my 4506 on the forum, but I'm always interested to hear what folks are selling/paying for them these days, as I really need to move mine on to somebody that would appreciate it more than I do.
 
I've owned two, over the years, but neither stayed very long...I've owned both a 645 and a 4506

The first thing that stands out is that it is large and heavy. I thought the DA trigger was mushy, but the SA was quite shootable. It is an older design and the take down process always irritated me.

The SIG 220ST took the place of the 4506 as my DA/SA .45ACP
 
35 years ago I bought my Berretta 92 INOX. A week later a buddy (in an attempt to out do me) bought a S&W 1006. 35 years later I still have my Beretta 92 INOX... and I am still jealous of his S&W 1006! I really loved shooting his 1006! I assume the 4506 is very similar to the 1006, just in 45acp instead of 10mm?
 
Had a 4566 and a 645. Preferred the 645 as the later guns have an achilles heel in their grip modules. The mainspring is retained by the plastic grip and they tend to crack around the pin at the base. S&W revised the plastic and the improved modules are identified by a small round divot on the grip base, but Im still not confident in the fix. The 645 used an aluminum backstrap and I think that was a superior design.

The magazines went through several generations of plastic followers, changing color from yellow to orange/red, black, and blue. The yellow ones are notorious for cracking. The original 645 mags were all steel.

Overall, its a big, chunky, reliable .45 with a so/so trigger, very high bore axis, and a couple iffy parts. Way too heavy to carry except in a duty holster and a boat anchor even then. Ok for nightstand use- the weight mitigates recoil.

I would still have the 645 if I had kept any .45s.
 
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A buddy carried a 645 as a duty gun. I carried a 1911. His gun made the 1911 seem positively petite. I had a short affair with a Sig P220. Probably a better carry gun.

Never had an issue with the gun. His lower back? Not so sure.

I love the looks. The lines. And, it would make a dandy impromptu impact weapon.

If you like it, get it. Solid gun. Might check on the price of spare mags though.
 
4570Tom said:
The LGS has a S&W 4506 in the gun case, and I had a chance to handle it the other day. For those who either have or had one, what are your thoughts and experiences regarding this pistol?
Click to expand...
Which itineration? …. Is it an early true 4506 (no dash) or a 4506-1, … or a still later 4506 rev 2, 3, or 4?

Does it have two or three lasered lines on the left-side of the frame?

Is it an ex-L.E. ‘trade-in’ 4506?

Box and papers?

How many mags with the gun? (Good condition 45XX-series mags with black followers (last upgrade) are now running $50+ USD).

Need a whole lot more info here, big shooter.
 
4506 or 4506-1. There are other variants with different last two numbers. Either way if you like it grab it at the right price. Just remember mags are expensive. I picked up it's sister the 10mm 1066 not long ago in good condition with 6 extra mags for a very fair price. I love shooting that heavy old pistol. They are not made for edc but for a home defense weapon no problem...
 
I’m a fan of any 3rd S&W. I have a 4506 as well as 4516. Both shoot great. The 4506 is accurate, well built, and reliable. It’s a good gun. All steel, so, yeah, a bit heavy but not much worse than a 1911. Same frame as my 1006, about which I would say the same things, accurate, well built, reliable.

Some of the mags aren’t as reliable as others, and I would have to dig into my notes, but there was a mag revision at some point, with different colored followers, and those later mags work well.

If the price is right, and you like it, add it. It‘s a good gun
 
JDeere said:
4506 or 4506-1. There are other variants with different last two numbers. Either way if you like it grab it at the right price. Just remember mags are expensive. I picked up it's sister the 10mm 1066 not long ago in good condition with 6 extra mags for a very fair price. I love shooting that heavy old pistol. They are not made for edc but for a home defense weapon no problem.
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I have a 1066 in my EDC rotation. With the right holster, it’s certainly no worse to carry concealed than the same size ‘Commander’ (4.25”) 1911.

On the mags, yeah, a 10XX-series pistol with 6 mags is a heck of a good deal! In decent condition, those 10XX mags are fetching right on $80-$90, and if they’re in excellent condition with white followers, it’s a $100.00 or more per.
 
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My 4506 is the one on the very top left. It is an early model. Right below it is the 4516.

Below are the 10 mm, and then a 4046.

On the right side are all the 9 mm.

Like I said, I’m a fan of that generation.

Edit: I pulled down the photo, sorry, but I just realized that I probably shouldn’t post pictures like the one I had. Don’t want to highlight myself like that, even though I think this forum is great, it’s out there for anyone to see.

So, the 3rd gen collection is good, and my 4506 is an early model.
 
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S.Crockett said:
I have a 1066 in my EDC rotation. With the right holster, it’s certainly no worse to carry concealed than the same size ‘Commander’ (4.25”) 1911.

On the mags, yeah, a 10XX-series pistol with 6 mags is a heck of a good! In decent condition, those 10XX mags are fetching right on $80-$90, and if they’re in excellent condition with white followers, it’s a $100.00 or more per.
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I know it can be done and have done it. Carried a Commander in .45 for years. I carry my XTen or 686 in the woods. I may have to round up a holster for this one...
 
I had one because of Sonny Crockett. Traded it off years ago when S&W said they no longer support those types of guns.
 
I had a star crossed one. The good news, it would feed absolutely anything, including sized cases. It shot well, and it was a tank. I had a 645.
The star crossed part; ringed a barrel with a squib load. Got a new barrel from Smith, but traded the gun, which was promptly stolen from the shop. The perps tossed it in the river, while chased by the cops. It was retrieved with a magnet, returned to the shop, and reputedly was stolen again.
Sorta sorry it's gone, though I much prefer the 1911.
JERRY said:
I had one because of Sonny Crockett. Traded it off years ago when S&W said they no longer support those types of guns.
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Yep, Jerry, that factored into my thinking. Have the complete Miami Vice on CD, and enjoy seeing the big Smith, along with other cool weapons, and cars.
Moon
 
My S&W 3rd generation pistol is fine. Comparable to the Ruger P-series. It goes bang just fine and is more accurate than I am. Kinda large and the trigger isn't amazing, but there's nothing wrong with it.
 
I had a 645 and a 4506. My 645 was not as reliable as my 4506. I sold both of them. I really regretted selling the 4506. A few years later I saw a very nice 4506-1 in a gunshop and knew it was coming home with me. It is honestly my favorite .45. I have a couple of 1911s and Sig P220 but none of them are as enjoyable as the 4506. I would buy a spare guide rod if that is what they are called. They like to fly when you disassemble and reassemble. Someone used to make solid stainless replacements in a machine shop and sell them. They may have been in this group. I have bought new magazine followers and a new grip. They are very inexpensive. You can get the grip straight or with a swell.
 
I don't have it anymore, but I had a 4506 for many years. I like big heavy guns, and it fit into that category. I would take any 3rd gen S&W pistol over any 1911.
 
hemiram said:
I don't have it anymore, but I had a 4506 for many years. I like big heavy guns, and it fit into that category. I would take any 3rd gen S&W pistol over any 1911
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I have a pack of really nice-shooting 1911s and all are reliable but I have to agree with this. My S&W 4506, 4566, and 2nd Gen 645 are my favorite .45acps.

The 4566 is in the carry rotation, and the 645 is my primary range gun for running drills and testing handloads. Not one issue with any of them.

By the way, the color purple …. is inherently accurate. :D;)

IMG_1315.jpeg
 
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