S&W 4506-1 V/S 4506-1

[Onty]

Just found on one German website two different pistols S&W 4506-1. My knowledge about those pistols is nil, I would appreciate help.

This one has both, trigger and hammer stainless, or chrome plated:




This one has both, trigger and hammer black (blue):



Is any significant difference between two of them? If so, which one would be preferable?
Are blue parts made using MIM process? There is a dimple in hammer.
Also, looks like that blue hammer spur (bottom pistol) protrudes bit more than a bright one (top pistol. Is that normal on bottom one, or hammer is pulled on the first notch (if there is one)?

Thanks

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Correct, the blued (blackened phosphate, actually) parts are MIM'd as opposed to flash-chromed forgings.

I've had both, and generally prefered the earlier style, but its wasn't a huge difference. One advantage of the later guns is they used an improved compound for the polymer grip module- the earlier ones would crack at the retaining pin hole. The early guns may, of course have the improved grip retrofitted to them- there is a small dimple on the base to identify the improved grip.

Magazine followers were also an issue with these guns. The yellow and orange plastic examples were prone to cracking. Black and blue followers are good-to-go. The best mags are all-steel 645s if you can find them.

 

[Onty]

Correct, the blued (blackened phosphate, actually) parts are MIM'd as opposed to flash-chromed forgings.

I've had both, and generally prefered the earlier style, but its wasn't a huge difference. One advantage of the later guns is they used an improved compound for the polymer grip module- the earlier ones would crack at the retaining pin hole. The early guns may, of course have the improved grip retrofitted to them- there is a small dimple on the base to identify the improved grip.

Magazine followers were also an issue with these guns. The yellow and orange plastic examples were prone to cracking. Black and blue followers are good-to-go. The best mags are all-steel 645s if you can find them.

Thanks for valuable info!

As for "a small dimple on the base to identify the improved grip", would be possible to take a snapshot of that area so I will know where to look for?

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

The dimple is between the access hole and the magwell.

 

[Onty]

Great! Is that dimple visible when just clip/magazine is removed from the pistol, without taking a grip from it?

I appreciate your efforts!

 

[Steve762us]

Great! Is that dimple visible when just clip/magazine is removed from the pistol, without taking a grip from it?

I appreciate your efforts!

It's exposed and visible, regardless of magazine presence.

S&W still provided replacement grip, as of a year or two ago.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

There are tons of new-old-stock grip modules available on the web from various vendors too.