General questions about S&W 4006 and 4506

[joab]

I know this is a barn door closing after the cow escapes situation but I am looking for some general info on two guns I bought today. Well,, one bouhgt and one on lay a way

4006
What does anyone with experience think of this gun in general?
What is the real difference between this and the 4003?

I sold a member here a 4043 awhile back and have been trying to find a suitable replacement ever since.
The things I did not particularly like about the gun was the alloy frame and DAO
The 4006 is all steel and DA/SA.

4506 .45 acp goodness in a SA/DA configuration.
Same question as to general impressions of the gun
Will it fit in a typical 1911 holster?
Are there any known design defects?

 

[Coronach]

The 4506 will not fit a 1911 holster, at least none that I know of.

As to design defects, it has no weaknesses of which I am aware, other than certain general failings of the overall design:

The trigger, as issued, is not that great. The SA is ok, with a LOT of overtravel. The reset takes some getting used to. The DA is like dragging a dufflebag down a gravel road; long, heavy and gritty.

The gun is big and heavy. I think it points like a howitzer.

The barrel axis is pretty high, so it can be flippy.

The general ergonomics must have come from Area 51, because the gun does not seem to be designed around human hands.

Now. That said, the gun is a freakin' tank. It is exceedingly reliable. The weight soaks up recoil. It is accurate. I've heard you can tweak the trigger quite a bit. Regardless, if you can live with the ergonomics, it will serve you well.

Mike

 

[Logan5]

I can't speak to the .40's, but I'm fairly familiar with the 4506.

It's a big auto, which can make it tougher to conceal, especially in hot weather. It won't fit in anything leather or kydex molded for a 1911, not even close. Were you thinking of the Bianchi military holster or something? I think you can still get a Galco Miami Classic for one, just thanks to Don Johnson, but otherwise leather for an out of production S&W 3rd gen auto can be a bit of a scavenger hunt.
There's nothing really wrong with them in a design sense that I can think of, aside from being aware of the different generations of magazines (the whole red/yellow/black follower thing).

 

[Mr Kablammo]

I have a 4506 that likes the S & B brand ammo, and WWB. It does not like Am Eagle, Fiochi, or PMC. I think the hook on the extractor is a bit shallow. But it is durned accurate, sturdy, and manly gun. I was shooting with a friend and his HK USP, 45. IMO, the S & W left nothing on the table to the HK. The trigger in mine is smooth pulling and pleasant. At $500-600 these guns are seriously underpriced. I can't imagine why someone would spend $1,000+ on some semi-custom 1911 when a 4506 is available for much less. I have no ergonomic issues. There are two styles of grip available. Check the major makers (galco, safariland, bianchi) for holsters or go custom with the usual suspects. IMO, the 4506 is a keeper.

 

[mdao]

But it is durned accurate, sturdy, and manly gun.

I think that about sums it up right there. If I ever run out of ammo and had to pistol whip someone, I'll wish that I had a 4506 in my hands...

 

[Tom Fury]

4506 Holsters

I'm on my third, and I really like it Tough, reliable, Something very martial about the way it looks. Current gun is a police trade which had had a Novak sort if rear sight cut done for Trilux night sight. Replaced with Novak Officers rear sight. Also has 4516 bobbed hammer (since decocker on slide). I had a San Antonio PD trade gun that had been slicked by a police armorer which was very sweet, very accurate. (Miss that one!)

I have the hooked triggerguard, which makes leather a problem; These will fit in anything made for Colt Double Eagle (How many manufacturers solved that problem) and there are holsters oop out there: Bianchi made an Avenger for it, DeSantis a Speed Scabbard, Minuteman a Speed Scabbard. You might convince yourself its' OK in something for the Beretta 92 or CZ 75.

Bianchi one size fts all will work.

Ross Leather still makes one for the gun with round triggerguard, patterned after a Sparks Road Runner.

If you have round trigger guard, open toed or belt slide for the 4516 or 4506 will of course, work if you don't mind the overhang. I know those are still out there. One on ebay now...

Then there is the custom option; expensive (but competitive with say Galco)and involves waiting, but about the only way to get one for the hooked guns.

I have an Alessi DOJ and another of his similar to a Galco concealeable, I also believe Bulman leather would make one.

I know Milt Sparks used to make a roadrunner for it; I had them make me an old style roadrunner a year or so ago for a Commander, suppose they might still be persuaded to make one for 4506; they didn't charge me extra for custom make up.

Some helpful options I hope.
4516 slide works on mine too...
Cheers, TF

 

[joab]

Thanks for the replies

A one size fits all or a belt slide will probably work because I doubt I will ever carry the gun, I have had to stop carrying 1911s because of a prematurely aging back. I just like to have holsters for all my guns.

The trigger felt good in the store but I know that that is not the true tell.

I went there specifically looking for the 4006 but wanted the 45 when I saw it.
The dimensions looked similar to a 1911 and the weight felt good even a little light. But then I had been shooting and fondling a two pound FEG GKK for two days. I think a howitzer would have felt light after that