S&W 4506, Opinons?
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Walt Sherrill
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Re: 5906...
If you stumble across one that came from the S&W Peformance Center, they are something special, and generally worth any "premium" charge.
If you stumble across one that came from the S&W Peformance Center, they are something special, and generally worth any "premium" charge.
Quote:
I don't know about the others, but mine would not load Wolf to save my neck.
Why would you load Wolf to save your neck?
It's a saying, and I tried to run Wolf through to compete in a competition. Being fresh out of college and on a budget, I bought and used Wolf ammo. My 1911 has been flawless with it, but the Smith failed to load every shot.
I don't know about the others, but mine would not load Wolf to save my neck.
Why would you load Wolf to save your neck?
It's a saying, and I tried to run Wolf through to compete in a competition. Being fresh out of college and on a budget, I bought and used Wolf ammo. My 1911 has been flawless with it, but the Smith failed to load every shot.
Wow. Until this thread I'd never read anything negative about the 4506......other than some folks complaining that it was a little heavy.
I have around fourteen years experience behind the 4506-1. One of my last duty guns as a matter of fact. Only time I didn't qualify with a score of 100 while shooting it was due to my carelessness.
Accurate? Yep, all the way out to 50 yards. Reliable? Bet your life reliable. I did and I'm still here.
The 4506 and subsequent 4506-1 is a good looking gun with a great trigger that only got sweeter with use. Too bad the company calling itself S&W doesn't know how to make a good looking gun with a great trigger anymore.
Buy the 4506 with confidence. You will be glad you did.
TJ
I have around fourteen years experience behind the 4506-1. One of my last duty guns as a matter of fact. Only time I didn't qualify with a score of 100 while shooting it was due to my carelessness.
Accurate? Yep, all the way out to 50 yards. Reliable? Bet your life reliable. I did and I'm still here.
The 4506 and subsequent 4506-1 is a good looking gun with a great trigger that only got sweeter with use. Too bad the company calling itself S&W doesn't know how to make a good looking gun with a great trigger anymore.
Buy the 4506 with confidence. You will be glad you did.
TJOnward Allusion
Member
Solid like a big rock and weighs as much as a one, too. For $400, buy it, shoot it, and if you really hate it - sell it for a profit. It's a 3rd gen Smith semi-auto and it isn't a 1911. You can't compare the triggers. It's not that kind of gun.
New Generation...
I am from what is called the new generation, I was mostly raised on polymers and couldnt afford (or refused to pay the high price of) a quality 1911. I had a friend whom I work with say he had a 4506-1 for sale I didnt currently own a .45 at the time so I done my research and bought it for a reasonable price.....BIG MISTAKE!!!
Now I am hooked, I love it. I am a big guy at 6'8 so the weight doesnt effect me, it was solid, it didnt feel cheap it felt like a gun should. Accuracy was spot on too I hit everything I pointed at and smooth as aged whiskey like it just rolled with every shot... it immediatly got promoted to my nightstand and winter carry gun. Now I always have one eye out for those third generations I am currently looking for, as others have commented on, that elusive 4516-1 for summer carry but evidently nobody wants to sell theirs
, and I dont blame them cuz ain't nobody getting my 4506-1
.
good luck
I am from what is called the new generation, I was mostly raised on polymers and couldnt afford (or refused to pay the high price of) a quality 1911. I had a friend whom I work with say he had a 4506-1 for sale I didnt currently own a .45 at the time so I done my research and bought it for a reasonable price.....BIG MISTAKE!!!
Now I am hooked, I love it. I am a big guy at 6'8 so the weight doesnt effect me, it was solid, it didnt feel cheap it felt like a gun should. Accuracy was spot on too I hit everything I pointed at and smooth as aged whiskey like it just rolled with every shot... it immediatly got promoted to my nightstand and winter carry gun. Now I always have one eye out for those third generations I am currently looking for, as others have commented on, that elusive 4516-1 for summer carry but evidently nobody wants to sell theirs
, and I dont blame them cuz ain't nobody getting my 4506-1.good luck
RightCoastBiased
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I am glad to hear so many good experiences with the 4506.
It is back on my list as a contender. Thanks!
It is back on my list as a contender. Thanks!
IdahoLT1
Member
CDNN has 5906s for $299. Supposed to be good quality police trade ins with department markings.
MachIVshooter
Member
Again, they're only about 3 ounces heavier than a 1911.
The third gens are about the best value on the used market right now.
Of course, I'm not about to let any of mine go.
hemiram
Member
I never thought about the S&W guns too much until a friend bought a 5906, and after I bought one of the Bud's 4586's, I got hooked, and now I have a 5906-1, a 4506-1, the 4586, and recently a 4006 TSW. All of them, except the 4586 are in excellent cosmetic condition, the 4586 has seen some contact with a sidewalk or something, but it's fine mechanically. Shoots amazingly well. I will soon start looking for a 6906 to complete the set. Maybe a 1006 too, even though I'm not a fan of the cartridge.
PaperScraper
Member
It goes bang and eats what you feed it....
Though I dunno about the $400.00 ticket on it. There is a 10th Anniversary edition with Bomar Sight on it with 6 mags at our range going for $400.00 and it looks new. The trigger is great by the way...
You mentioned the SR1911, I'd go with that myself.
Polymer isn't a personal taste of mine. I've seen a few Glocks blow up in peoples hands which they will always do before a Metal Firearm no matter what anyone says. After all it's simple Psychics.
Though I dunno about the $400.00 ticket on it. There is a 10th Anniversary edition with Bomar Sight on it with 6 mags at our range going for $400.00 and it looks new. The trigger is great by the way...
You mentioned the SR1911, I'd go with that myself.
Polymer isn't a personal taste of mine. I've seen a few Glocks blow up in peoples hands which they will always do before a Metal Firearm no matter what anyone says. After all it's simple Psychics.
SwampWolf
Member
Add me to the list of people who have enough experience to appreciate Smith Third Generation pistols. Accurate enough, reliable as the sun rising in the East, stoutly made, fine workmanship and materials and a good fit for most people, egonomically speaking. Because these pistols have been vastly under-rated and are now discontinued, used ones in good condition are very affordable...for now. 
Yesterday afternoon I went to the new county courthouse to retrieve some documents.
Outside, I saw a plain clothes detective with a 4506-1 in an OWB holster. I knew he was a detective by virtue of the locally obligatory polo shirt and 511 pants.......well.....that and the star on his belt.
A silver haired older fellow. I commented on his choice of sidearm advising that I'd carried a similar 4506 as my last duty gun. He said he wouldn't have anything else in his holster. "Reliable and accurate. This one is a 50 yard gun." he told me.
I asked if the M&P 45 that one of the local sheriffs departments got free from S&W wouldn't be better to carry. He sneered and told me "you couldn't give me one of those plastic pistols." I asked why? He shook his head, then smiled and stubbed out his cigarette. "Bad experience with tuperware as a child." he said.
Outside, I saw a plain clothes detective with a 4506-1 in an OWB holster. I knew he was a detective by virtue of the locally obligatory polo shirt and 511 pants.......well.....that and the star on his belt.
A silver haired older fellow. I commented on his choice of sidearm advising that I'd carried a similar 4506 as my last duty gun. He said he wouldn't have anything else in his holster. "Reliable and accurate. This one is a 50 yard gun." he told me.
I asked if the M&P 45 that one of the local sheriffs departments got free from S&W wouldn't be better to carry. He sneered and told me "you couldn't give me one of those plastic pistols." I asked why? He shook his head, then smiled and stubbed out his cigarette. "Bad experience with tuperware as a child." he said.
VA27
Member
I bought one of the first ones and the trigger was looooooong. The trigger had to be pulled to almost touching the frame before it fired. The DAO was much better in that respect, but it's still a bigger gun than it needs to be.
RightCoastBiased
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I handled a 4006 and something else I don't remember the model number of at cabela's tonight. I found them too big for my hands. I figure a 4506 would not be any better. A let down for sure. But maybe I'll buy one for a safe gun one day. I still love the way they look.
I have and use several S&W gen 3 handguns in my NRA basic pistol courses 5906, 4006, 4516, 4506, 1006 as well as 1911s and Glocks and Sigs. Can you guess which Semi pistols my students keep shooting and loving? I have used (at work) and carried a gen 3 Smith for almost 30 years now, currently a 1066 rides at my side. If you can find a handgun that fits your hand and wallet buy it.
MachIVshooter
Member
Handle one first. The 10XX and 45XX are single stack, and feel quite different. The are also flat and arched grips for them. The flat ones make them scarcely bulkier than a 1911. There's still the long DA trigger reach, though.
1goodshot
Member
You can always turn it into a 45 super if you want something different.
I've had a 4506 for almost 20 years now. Its a fine gun. The finish is absolutely outstanding. Build quality is fantastic, its as accurate as anything else I own. Its got a nice, integrated feed ramp that loads anything I've ever fed it. If you're a "trigger stickler", you'd definitely like a 1911 better. If you're not particular and a DA/SA trigger doesn't bother you, you can't go wrong. Magazine capacity is the same as a 1911.
Its a great gun, you can't go wrong.
Its a great gun, you can't go wrong.
carbuncle
Member
My opinion is, I want one to go along with my 5906 and 6906. Great guns, reliable, accurate and very fun shooters.
RightCoastBiased
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Actually got hands on a 4506-1 today, felt nice in hand. I really dig this gun, but I am not digging the $650 price tag!
Last edited:
Greetings,
This is my first post here, and I am glad it is about a topic that I love........................my 4506. I carried mine as a duty gun for almost 11 years. Three years before retirement due to accreditation compliance, we were forced to change over to department issued plastic poppers (Glock 40).
Upon getting the 4506 new, the getting to know each other period was a little rough at first. My hands are large enough for the gun, and initial control was not too bad. Most of the initial trouble was related to my being left handed. The range instructor tried talking me into getting something different because as a range instructor and S&W armorer, he had noticed the problems this model presented to South paws. These are not big problems, but none the less they have to be overcome to properly utilize the weapon.
I have noticed that several members commented about the control. What I was told was generally a weaker wristed person can compensate with proper (better) stance and grip. All I know is that this was the gun I wanted to carry, and I would do whatever it took to qualify with it. As others have stated, it is heavier, and did kind of create a little imbalance with the duty belt. My biggest gripe was that being a South paw, I would pay the price when sitting down in the squad seat, and forgetting to move a little more to the right before shutting the door. But then again that also happened at times with the Popper.
If I had to do it all over again, the 4506 would still be my choice. I feel that it is a very accurate gun. I was never Top Gun, but I did witness what this gun is capable of doing in skilled hands. I was not at the bottom as far as accuracy goes, but the assistant range instructor told me that I had a slight handicap that would take a lot of range time to compensate. After several years of wondering why I was never consistent with my grouping, he discovered that I am right eye dominate even though I am left handed. Things greatly improved with the re-training and his patience.
The 4506 is a great gun for the right kind of person. I would not hesitate to pay $400.00 for a used one in good condition. The Glock which I was allowed to take with me upon retirement will never have another round discharged from it. This may sound like a waste to some people, but upon the retirement in August of the person responsible for selecting this plastic parasite, he will be receiving it as a retirement gift mounted to a plaque by a stylish brass bolt for which a hole will be milled through the slide and receiver.
Thanks for allowing me to join this great site.
This is my first post here, and I am glad it is about a topic that I love........................my 4506. I carried mine as a duty gun for almost 11 years. Three years before retirement due to accreditation compliance, we were forced to change over to department issued plastic poppers (Glock 40).
Upon getting the 4506 new, the getting to know each other period was a little rough at first. My hands are large enough for the gun, and initial control was not too bad. Most of the initial trouble was related to my being left handed. The range instructor tried talking me into getting something different because as a range instructor and S&W armorer, he had noticed the problems this model presented to South paws. These are not big problems, but none the less they have to be overcome to properly utilize the weapon.
I have noticed that several members commented about the control. What I was told was generally a weaker wristed person can compensate with proper (better) stance and grip. All I know is that this was the gun I wanted to carry, and I would do whatever it took to qualify with it. As others have stated, it is heavier, and did kind of create a little imbalance with the duty belt. My biggest gripe was that being a South paw, I would pay the price when sitting down in the squad seat, and forgetting to move a little more to the right before shutting the door. But then again that also happened at times with the Popper.
If I had to do it all over again, the 4506 would still be my choice. I feel that it is a very accurate gun. I was never Top Gun, but I did witness what this gun is capable of doing in skilled hands. I was not at the bottom as far as accuracy goes, but the assistant range instructor told me that I had a slight handicap that would take a lot of range time to compensate. After several years of wondering why I was never consistent with my grouping, he discovered that I am right eye dominate even though I am left handed. Things greatly improved with the re-training and his patience.
The 4506 is a great gun for the right kind of person. I would not hesitate to pay $400.00 for a used one in good condition. The Glock which I was allowed to take with me upon retirement will never have another round discharged from it. This may sound like a waste to some people, but upon the retirement in August of the person responsible for selecting this plastic parasite, he will be receiving it as a retirement gift mounted to a plaque by a stylish brass bolt for which a hole will be milled through the slide and receiver.
Thanks for allowing me to join this great site.
Lucky 7
Member
Going into it knowing and wanting a TDA, the 45xx series is pretty great. Big sure, heavy (great for recoil), more accurate than most shooters, and the DA pull and reset are tops. Determine your needs and wants before going ahead with a purchase and get some trigger time on the candidates.
Was recently looking for a CCW and came across a 4516. Having had the 4506-1 years ago I almost went with it. Ended up with a 92FS Compact because I already have a dozen mags for it's big brother.
Good luck!
Regards,
Lucky
Was recently looking for a CCW and came across a 4516. Having had the 4506-1 years ago I almost went with it. Ended up with a 92FS Compact because I already have a dozen mags for it's big brother.
Good luck!
Regards,
Lucky
jackpinesavages
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3rd Gen. Smiths
Buy the $400 3rd Gen.s Smiths everytime: 45xx series, 10xx series, you name it. "They don't make em like they used to."
Buy the $400 3rd Gen.s Smiths everytime: 45xx series, 10xx series, you name it. "They don't make em like they used to."
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