[Devonai]

In the spirit of Conan O'Brien, I thought I'd try installing the slide and barrel assembly of my 457 onto the frame of my 4506.

I examined the internals carefully, and after I determined that they looked compatible, I tried the reassembly. It seems to work well. The safety, decocker, and magazine disconnect all work. The result is similar to a two-tone 4566 except with a bobbed hammer and right-hand-only safety/decocker lever.

I have not tried it live fire, nor do I have the particular desire to do so. If I want to carry a full-size pistol, I'll carry the 4506, and if I want a compact, I'll carry the 457. However, I do wonder if the Frankenpistol would work well in that configuration.

Anybody ever try this, or something similar with S&W autoloaders? I'm sure S&W would tell me not to do it, but beyond their predicable CYA, I can't help but wonder.

[4013TSW]

It would work. As a matter of fact S&W did the very same thing in 1990 called the 4596. It mated a 4516 slide and barrel to the 4506 frame. I have done this with my 9mm's where I put a 6906 slide on a 5906 frame. It makes for some fun combos.