Do I have a 45 Super Smith?

[Noveldoc]

Interesting thing happened with my new to me Smith 4506-1. Noted the recoil spring was so stiff it almost took 2 guys to rack the slide. Then checked and found the extractor spring was very stiff also, much more than stock.

Could it be the Texas cop who carried this pistol before me did a .45 Super conversion? Sure would be fun to launch some 230 RNs down range at 1000+ fps.

Of course, going to have my gunsmith check it out before I try that. In the meantime have installed a Wolff factory stock 14 lb recoil spring to shoot regular 45.

Anybody know about this round, the conversion and/or how I might tell for sure if it was done?

Tom

 

[Chuck Perry]

Ace Custom was the only company I know of that did 4506 Super conversions. The below is from their website.

SMITH & WESSON .45 AUTOS

We now offer 45uper® conversions on Smith & Wesson .45 Autos. The models include: 645, 745, 4506, 4566, 4586. (4 1/4" models must be limited to the 45Super® tactical loads.)
We DO NOT do conversions on the 4516 or its variants.

SC-1A: The 45Super® conversion on a S&W auto includes:

Modified slide stop
Heavy duty extractor spring
Install extra power magazine spring
Action job
Installation and fitting of 45Super® rated recoil guide rod system
Jewel outside barrel chamber, sides of hammer & trigger
Modified extractor
Heavy duty firing pin spring

I think the recoil guide rod system had a rod that wore a shock buffer. Does your gun show the jeweling mentioned above?

 

[bigfatdave]

Perhaps Ace Custom could tell you if they had worked on that particular firearm?
I would think a gunsmith would keep records for liability purposes ... but I'm not sure if they do, and I'm not sure if they'd share. But it would be a quick thing to call and ask, they might be able to answer your question immediately and for free.