Two '90s Stainless Metallic Fantastics, which would you carry?

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Probably the 4506-1. When these older smith auto 9's and 45's were everywhere along with Ruger P85's and P89's I was too young to take advantage. I was with my uncle when he bought a 5906 in the gun shop for $275. I used to see these smiths everywhere, tons of them at gun shows but it was 20-25+ years ago. Don't ever see them anymore, always hoped to stumble upon one.

They had soul. Not like alot of the guns today. I miss the old guns.
 
I'm always intrigued by the variety of available S&W 4506 models considering the short production run they had. Fixed sights, adjustable sights, arched backstrap, flat backstrap, etc.

I have a 4506 from the late 80's and a 6" 686 from the early 80's, so I have a similar pair. I'd probably take the 4506 as I prefer the round.

I recall this American Handgunner article from Mike Venturino on "The Best Ever Revolver Cartridge" where he picks the .45 Auto.

https://americanhandgunner.com/handguns/the-best-ever-revolver-cartridge/
 
If I am required to pick from these, the auto for sure. I actually did carry a 5946 for years and years, shot it extremely well. It is why I have no Glocks; I looked at my performance at practice and IDPA days and found that even with my airsoft training giving 10x the trigger time for Glock I was better with the S&W.

(Also similarly have a 19 in the cage, just for fun. Have carried maybe a dozen times, mostly when to and from the range I just don't change. But 6 at a time as a belt gun? Naw.)

With full access to my gun cage: I never ever carry it. Today I can strap a light and RDS on, and shoot even better — and shoot at all with my bad eyes. I like the 59xx too much to cut into it and bolt things on, so thats all on the M&P. As much as that is different and plastic it's got the soul of the 59 series in there, as I shoot it the same, whereas many other guns I have shot I do not.
 
I'll vote 4506 if you have a holster that supports it. Hopefully it is as nice for follow up shots as my 5906, that trigger reset is a dream! The 90's S&W auto loaders were great in my opinion.
 
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625-5 made in '98 or the 4506-1 made in '94?

Both are Stainless.
Both are chambered in.45 ACP.
Both have 5" Barrels.
Both are Awesome Guns from Big Blue.

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If CCW, I agree, 639 or similar
Those are too heavy, I'll stick with stainless steel fantastic 639.
If outdoors, no-brainer; 625. But 45 AR, loaded with bullet 255 grains using 2400 powder, 1029 fps, see http://smith-wessonforum.com/138309974-post3.html . If I remembered correctly there is excellent article about reloading 45AR in Handloader #254, August 2008.
 
I choose the 625 for a wheel gun and a Glock 30 in an auto.

Sorry ...... I like reliable autos.
 
I'd take the 3rd generation S&W. Those guns are solid. I am trying to sell a like new 5906 now. I'm getting away from the 9mm. Going to go strictly with 357 magnum revolvers. 45 colt ammo is expensive unless you reload.
 
The G30 is a wonderful package and a true sleeper in the Glock lineup.

They are nice and very easy to carry but I wish so bad they had stuck with a full 19 length grip, even keeping the fat frame/mag instead of the annoying hybrid subcompact/compact frame. I'd still have one of it was that size.

Heck then they could have made one the size of the actual Glock 30 and called it a subcompact.
 
As a revolver guy, there's no question for me.

I do wonder if I am the only guy who has flashbacks whenever he sees an early S&W auto.
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They are nice and very easy to carry but I wish so bad they had stuck with a full 19 length grip, even keeping the fat frame/mag instead of the annoying hybrid subcompact/compact frame. I'd still have one of it was that size.

Heck then they could have made one the size of the actual Glock 30 and called it a subcompact.

I don’t disagree with you. I rotate between a G22 and my G30 according to the weather and clothing. Time changes in November and I stop shaving and start packing the G30 until March then I shave the beard and go back to packing the G22. YMMV
 
Too many reliability issues with the 4506. I'd go with the revolver but I wouldn't carry that either. Too big.
 
A 3rd gen SW auto is remarkable to digest almost any fodder, they will even hand cycle empty cases... I heard but did not believe, go try and be slightly impressed...
 
Barr, I can confirm that. My 645 swallowed resized empties with no drama at all (actually, a P365 will too...).
As a diehard Smith guy, embraced the big autos to shoot, Mine was star-crossed; ringed a barrel (my fault), and it was stolen, twice, after it was traded.
Like the lower bore axis of a 1911 much better.
Still have some 25s; great revos.Both are real tanks to carry...try a 325 to solve that.
Moon
 
You robbed me of my sleep. Tossing and turning, wrestling with the choice. Then it came to me-that's why they make coins with two sides to them!
 
625, but one in .45 colt. If you are going to carry a .45 acp semiauto, and I often do, carry a 1911.
 
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