S&w 4506

[sigma 40ve]

Hello,

Need some input on the S&W 4506. I am considering getting one, but need some honest input, before making up my mind, as to purchase or not. I have a chance to get a LE trade-in that is in VG condition for $350.

 

[Fed168]

It's a big gun. They will feed just about anything, work through anything and keep going. Decently accurate, too. The downsides: controls are a tad out of reach for those with small paws, it's big, and the trigger could use some work.

 

[del4]

Ditto, smith autos are more accurate than most people give them credit for. They are very reliable. The triggers on smith autos are worse than any other major gun brand.

 

[The Reverend]

My current fav .45

is a S&W 4506 and is probably one of the finest handguns I have ever owned (that would include SIG "P" series, Beretta, and Ruger).

Yes it is a big handgun, but if you have experience with other full size pistols with 5" barrels, then you can probably get a good idea what a 4506 is like. no it is not overly big, nor is it difficult to manipulate when using. Again if you can manipulate the controls on a Beretta 92, you can probably work the safety and slide stop in a similar fashion.

As far as trigger comments go, it is a fairly common thing to hear that S&W auto triggers are rough, gritty, or the like. I have owned a few S&W in 9mm and currently have a 4506-1 and a 4516-2 the triggers for all of them were excellent, on par with my P226. Even my 915 that I owned some years ago had a good trigger.

Accuracy and reliability are very good. My particular piece has the adjustable sights and with these I have been able to "zero" the gun to my particular defence load... a great feature! None of my S&W's have so much as hicupped as long as I do my part. My 915 FTFed once when I was messing around and probably limp wristed the gun during firing.

Durability has long been a quality that the 3rd generation of S&Ws are known for. I do not expect to wear either of my current guns out, and as long as I replace springs, keep clean, and properly lube the guns will be passed down to future folks.

For too long the S&W line of autos have been the recepients of negative commentaries. Far be it from me to make accusations, but the truth of the matter is that you hear a rumor often enough, you eventually begin to believe it. S&W makes very good autos in the 3rd gen line up, and for a 4506 in very good condition for $350, I would say that you have found a good deal and to snatch it up.

God Bless!

 

[mainmech48]

I bought one of the 4586 LEA trade-ins a while back. my first and only (so far) S&W semi-auto.

I paid the same price that you're looking at, and think that I got a good bargain. It's been 100% reliable, accepably accurate for a "service" sidearm, and has the easiest DAO trigger to adapt to that I've ever used.

They are somewhat "big", but that's not an issue for me. It's not any harder to conceal than a GM, IMO.

Aftermarket and factory replacement parts, accessories, and services for the Smiths are plentiful.

If you like the way it looks and feels to you, $350 would be a genuine deal for a high-quality .45 multi-tasker.

FWIW, my only bitch is the plastic magazine followers. They seem to wear pretty quickly. Factory replacements are cheap, but I wish that someone made Delrin or steel alternatives.

 

[stans]

My 4506 is a very early 4506, actually mis-marked as a 645. I find the grip to be a little on the big side. Mine has been reliable, but shoots 4 to 5 inch groups at 25 yards. I rate this gun as fair, but far from legendary accuracy often touted by gun writers about the 4506.

 

[agtman]

The S&W 4506s & 4566s that I've shot were all accurate and reliable guns. In general, the large-frame 3rd Generation Smith autos (45XX & 10XX-series) were mostly problem-free, the occasional lemon aside.

The one you're considering is probably one of those ex-cop pistols that was "carried a lot but shot very little," except at or near qualification time. Best to field strip it and do a look-see on the inside, if possible. There's probably some holster wear, and if it's sporting old night sights you might want to replace those if they're fading.

Both S&W and Brownell's still have lots of parts for the 45XX-series guns, including your choice between 2 factory derilin grips (straight or arched backstrap). If those aren't to your liking, Hogue sells a nice soft rubber grip that fits both the 4506 & 10mm 1006 pistols. Bar-Sto, I believe, still sells "match grade" barrels for the 4506, if at some point you want to upgrade from the factory tube.

HTH.

 

[Fed168]

Be sure to get the rear sight that has a set screw, if you replace it.

 

[Coronach]

PRO:

Exceedingly reliable.

Combat accurate.

Very robust.

Heavy, which soaks up recoil.

CON:

Heavy, which is...well, heavy.

Rather largish. It dwarfs, for instance, a BHP.

Ergonomics designed by trolls, for trolls.

The trigger pull is akin to dragging a duffle bag down a dirt road: long, tiring and gritty.

-Mike

 

[ny32182]

I have a 1006. The trigger is a tad gritty, but other than that, I love everything about it.

It is probably the last gun I would ever sell, especially considering its discontinued status. I paid WAY more than $350.