I was intently waiting for the CMP to release more 1911's when reality hit - they would be $800 an up, same as those on the open market. And hearing one AZ senator's plan to scrap all 100,000 didn't set well, as that would certainly complicate matters. I moved on in search of a .45 I could afford and shoot now. I'm not getting any younger.
So I started researching and looking into S&W 3Gen guns, and there are quite a few models out there. In direct comparison to the 1911, the 4506 is the closest, weighing 1 oz more. Keep that in mind when you read of someone who declares they carry a 1911 - for all intents and purposes, a 1911 isn't described as a "tank," "heavy," or too much for concealed carry. But the innerwebz will tell you the S&W is. Go figure.
Now take into consideration whether it has an alloy frame (5904) and don't forget the significant difference in construction needed for 45 vs 9mm. A 3Gen can be significantly lighter than a 1911 or full sized .357. It's the ammo that can make up the difference. Plenty of people carry all steel guns - ask the average HK P7 owner. At one time, all steel was the norm, an alloy framed gun the rare lightweight, and the generation from the 1950's to the 80's never gave it much thought. It was the increasing belt load out of cops stuck with more gear - and soldiers - which forced the move to lighter weight pistols.
So now we get the advantage of buying LEO trade ins at half the cost of new while the taxpayers finance the search for ever more lighter guns - which largely has proven problematic, as the double stack ammo capacity and carrying to reloads has completely wiped out any weight savings. It's the consumer carrying CCW crowd who is focused on that, and why polymer pocket pistols are popular. For the most part, tho, they aren't .45. More like .32, .380, and 9mm. Move up in calibers and you have to accept more weight, which isn't complained about. It's given reasoned thought and taken care of. I would no more attempt to drop my 4566 in my pocket than I would $75 in quarters. It belongs in the proper holster, with an adequate belt, in pants suitable for an adult male. Which is where the comparison seems to get cloudy, as I read more and more trying to wear basketball shorts to their job with no pockets at all. There is a lot of lifestyle choice in clothing wear now and some of it is just not compatible with firearms carry - so they blame the gun, not their pants.
As things cool down carrying a 4566TSW in a Safariland 1090 shoulder holster under a coat wont be too heavy. I've carried 1911's and M9's on duty in the past, you do it for two weeks and you get used to it. Add a level III vest to the M9 and the gun isn't the problem, especially in August. In Georgia. Some people make too much about gun weight.
Definitely buy the 3Gen guns as now is their lowest current pricing and few are aware of their value. Some rare variants are bidding up past $1000 but that is comparable to new stainless 1911's on the market. It's no worse than HK P7s - but the S&W's can be had for as low as $250 in a LEO trade in, still. You just have to pay attention to the most likely sellers.