S&W 4566, $399 - Thoughts?

[nebraska_farmer]

I'm looking to buy my first handgun and decided I want something in 45 ACP. I've been casually reading up on 1911s among others chambered for this round over the last few weeks and decided I'm going to buy a gun this weekend. I went to a local shop and the guy had four used Smith & Wesson 4566s for $399 a piece, and they all appeared to be in good condition. These were the only ones I was interested in, he didn't have much of a selection in my sub $600 price range. I searched the forums but surprisingly there aren't a lot of topics on this particular model; those threads I did come across mention great accuracy and good reliability. According to Google this gun is popular in law enforcement and personal carry; while I don't plan on carrying any time soon, I may in the future. For now I'm just looking for a gun to have around the apartment and target shoot once a month.

Thoughts?

 

[jaysouth]

That is a great price on a fantatic pistol. For your intended purpose, this is as good as you can get at that price.

Either buy that or look for a polymer Smith and Wesson M&P .45. You can get one on the internet for slightly under $500. If you ever get into carry, you will thank me for steering you to the M&P.

 

[Sky]

If you want a .45 IMO it is a good weapon. Also check out CDNN. They have been carrying the 5906 and it's little brother for less than $325 but in 9mm. I really do like my 45 but do to cost of ammo I find myself shooting tens times more 9mm. Just a thought.

 

[Cemo]

My 4576, a similar model but with a frame mounted decocker, has been dead nuts reliable since 1991.

 

[W.E.G.]

Good value in a .45 if you don't mind the "crunchenticker" design.

So many different flavors of substantially the same gun that there has developed a good-sized group of "collectors." Many ex-police who are nostalgic for the old days, old ways.

I got a few myself.

They made us carry this when I was on the dept.


Badly wanted one of these at the time.

 

[huntsman]

S&W 4566, $399 - Thoughts?

I got one and I like it, around here they go for $400.-500. but I saw one on gunrunner go cheaper, mine is pre-MIM

 

[jackpinesavages]

3rd Gen. Smiths are hard to beat-the 45xx and 10xx are 2 of my favorite series. Look at all 4 and pick the one with least wear.

 

[BigDaddyNEB]

Where in NE did you find these??

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Grab it before someone else does! If you're going to carry it all day, use the money you saved on a good carry system, because - being a solid chunk of stainless steel - its weight might wear on you.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Great deal, great gun.

But as Haranguer said, if it is to be a CCW, find a good rig. They're not light. I have a 4516 that I carry sometimes, it's basically the same, but shorter grip (-1 round) and bobbed hammer. You definitely notice it's weight.

 

[agtman]

Agree with MachIVshooter.

Got a similar hot deal on my 4566, which was a lightly used, but very dirty, L.E. trade-in. Carried a lot, shot only at quals-time.

So I cleaned it up, shot it a while, and then had it hard-chromed.

Very accurate, never a hitch, and it looks like a new frickin' gun.



These Smith 3rd Gens are something to jump on if priced right.

 

[Airburst]

Get yourself a nice leather holster and you can carry that gun comfortably. That is the key when thinking about all-steel handguns as CCW.

 

[Doc Savage]

Just picked up a 4563 TSW today myself. $400 out the door. Night sights are gone though. I like it. Have a 6906 and like the 3rd gen Smiths. Been wanting something a little bigger and local shop had a few in. There were two of these in the case. This one was a little nicer looking and came with Hogue grips which are what I have on the 6906. It must fit my hand better.

Robert

 

[DesertVet]

I carried a Smith & Wesson 4566 in 45 Auto for a short time as a Law Enforcement duty weapon when I worked for another Agency then I do now.
My experience was it was a neat looking pistol that I REALLY wanted to like BUT none of the Officers could shoot them all that accurately!
This included some pretty exerienced & proficient pistol shooters!
One of the ONLY guns I have traded off..
I am curious if other LEOs or Agencies have experienced accuracy problems with the S&W 4566????
Shoot it first if you can before final purchase?
That way you will be able to determine if it will work for you?

 

[Sauer Grapes]

I bought a pair of gen3 Smiths. 5906 and a 4506, two of my favorite pistols! 399.00 seems like a very good price.
My 4506 will shoot rings around most of my other handguns. Mine will shoot one ragged hole @ 50' if I do my part.

 

[lloveless]

I had a 4506 when in LE. Shot just fine. Carried in a good holster OWB strong side. Sometimes in a shoulder holster. Wish I still had it.
ll

 

[Doc Savage]

Well got the 4563 out to the range today. I was quite suprised. Put a nice ragged hole about and inch to an inch and a half 1 inch left of the center at 10 yards (9 ring and outside of bull on the targets I was using). Good enough for me considering this is my first time shooting a 45. Shot a better group and closer to the bull than I typically do with my 9mm (can't get past low and left with it, but at least in the 7 ring good enough for self defense). I was amazed that the recoil felt similar to my 6906. Had a .40 for awhile, and it was much harsher than the 9mm to me. This is quite nice.

Robert