The Hazards of Impulse Buying - S&W 4509

[Guns_and_Labs]

I just picked up a S&W 4506, NIB, with night sights, for $200 under list, and now I'm wondering if it was a brilliant example of opportunistic value creation, or just another impulse buy.

I've always been a single action buyer, favoring 1911's. A couple of Glocks, since they're the only 10mm game in town. As a matter of fact, I have no .45 acp's that are not 1911 format. But the salesguy had all the right arguments: not being made any more, best .45 S&W makes, sturdy as a tank, he bought the next to last one, the S&W reps all bought them, etc.

So, any one with a 4506 out there that can ease my conscience? Did I do ok?

 

[Shootcraps]

If you like the gun, then you probably did ok. But you are incorrect on one point.

"A couple of Glocks, since they're the only 10mm game in town. "

Dan Wesson makes an awesome 10mm. I have a Pointman and it's an excellent gun. Check 'em out.

 

[Shear_stress]

Lest I commit the mortal sin of commenting on a gun I have never owned, I have run a few rounds through a series-3 Smith 45 auto (the exact model number eludes me). Compared to a 1911, it was quite bulky, as if designed to soak-up hot 50AE loads or something. Recoil was commensurately light, however, even with what seemed like a high bore axis. The gun was very well put together and its relative rarity (again, compared to 1911s) is an asset for folks like me who like owning things that are a little different. In addition, the series-3 Smith autos look really cool, and, for what it's worth, are said to have a great reputation for quality and accuracy.

All this is a bit beside the point. The most important thing is whether you are happy with the gun. Post a range report and let us know.

 

[JoeHatley]

"Book" price on a truely NIB 4506 is $600. Sounds like a pretty darn good deal ta me...

Joe

 

[Guns_and_Labs]

Dan Wesson makes an awesome 10mm. I have a Pointman and it's an excellent gun. Check 'em out.

Not in CA.

 

[Shootcraps]

Ooops. Sorry. I forgot about that.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

EAA's Witness has a pretty good 10mm, too.

The 4506 is an OK .45, but you've got to like S&W Semi-autos.

 

[Old Dog]

Permit me to ease your conscience. If you indeed got a good deal on a 4506, good on you. With nightsights, double goodonya. Albeit somewhat heavy, with a most un-ergonomic slide-mounted safety, I still harbor a deep fondness for S&W semi-autos, especially the .45 ACP breed (perhaps I watched too many episodes of Miami Vice in the '80s). Mine are all accurate, stone-cold reliable and just plain 'ol fun shooters. I'd happily carry a 4506 on duty if I weren't stuck with the Beretta 92. And, as my wife can attest, I've been a die-hard 1911 guy for only about the past 25 years ...

 

[Croyance]

Why feel bad just because it is not a single action? It is a solid, dependable gun. Other than the Sigma, S&W does not make junk.
If you are in a "only single-actions are good" mindset, nothing said can help you.

Why don't you clean it and take it to the range? If that doesn't settle your doubts, I don't know what will.

 

[CougarRed]

I recently bought a 4566TSW. Love it. With an action job, the trigger is SWEET! So far, it's 100% on feeding, firing and ejecting. Supposed to be one of the most durable and reliable single stack .45s available.

The 4506 is it's big brother. I think you'll be pleased.

About the only thing I changed (besides the action job) is the grips. Put some Hogue rubber grips on, and it feels better in my hand (wider - palm swell, and not slickery like the stock grips).

 

[caz223]

You'll never know what gun you like the best until you collect the whole set.

 

[Guns_and_Labs]

You'll never know what gun you like the best until you collect the whole set.

Now, those are words to live by.

 

[Gixerman1000]

Sounds like you did well to me, the 4506 is smooth shooting, accurate, and reliable.

My 4506-1

 

[MP-5]

Big fan of the Smith 45s. Picked up this one yesterday and it shoots awesome!!! Very accurate and so far, reliable. Not your average Smith 45 however

 

[Guns_and_Labs]

OK, conscience eased. Thanks to all.

Now, for the inevitable customization. I've heard rumor of an improved safety, a bit bigger and easier to thumb off. Has anyone any details?

Also, I'm thinking of converting it to .45 Super. Seems strong enough, and I've always wanted to try it. Any thoughts or experiences?

 

[MP-5]

Ed Brown use to make an oversize safety for the 2nd and 3rd gen. Smiths.
Dont know if this is a discontinued item or not as I haven't seen them in his catalog lately.
I would contact them.
www.edbrown.com

As far as 45 Super....I'd research the project. Many around here including myself believe that the "conversion" to 45 Super is a heavier recoil spring and (depending) and heavier extractor spring since the Super is identical to the ACP's exterior dimensions. I'd do a search on 45 Super on this site as well as (TFL)The Firing Line. There are a few super fans on this forum Here is a site that might be helpful.
Texas Ammo

Ace used to "convert" Steel Smiths and Glocks to the super but they seemed to charge alot for a simple spring change IMO.

Good Luck!

 

[Alan Fud]

Guns_and_Labs, if you're having doubts about the gun and you haven't fired it yet, I'd be willing to take it off your hands for $100 over what you paid for it (provided it's NIB) -- instant profit. PM me if interested and unfired.