S&W 4586. Underappreciated & unknown

[Checkman]

My father was an Idaho State Trooper for 21 years (73-94). When he retired they presented him with the 4586 as a retirement gift. ISP transitioned to the 4586 from the S&W Model 65 revolver in 1991. This particular pistol was issued to him brand new in 91. Twenty years ago (wow. Has it really been that long?) when I first shot this model I didn't like it. Didn't like the DA trigger and didn't like the ergonomics of the pistol. But as the years have gone by I've become a better shot and I've developed an appreciation for the 3rd Gen S&W autos. Now I really like this pistol. It's very accurate and the trigger job is the equal of some of my better DA revolvers. In some cases it's superior. Funny how time changes things.

Sorry about the picture quality. My wife is using our better camera so I had to make do with our old Kodak. Anyway I know there are fans of 45 autos and S&W autos here on THR. The 4586 doesn't seem to be as well known. So here is one that is a little different.

 

[Bovice]

Looks like a shortened DAO 4506. Does it use the same mags? It's in good shape, nice gun.

 

[F-111 John]

Forgive the ignorant questions: I see no safety, so I assume it was DAO?

I really like the ISP shield on the slide. Laser etched or silkscreened?

 

[MarshallDodge]

Nice piece.

I had a 4506 and 5906 until I started carrying concealed and found them to be a little bulky. The 4586 was nice because they trimmed off some of the fat.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I see no safety, so I assume it was DAO?

They were a dedicated DAO model, that is why the slide has been extended to the rear to shield the hammer spur

 

[henrifirstman]

Man. That is sweet.
I love me some 3rd gen autos.

 

[Checkman]

Yes it is Double Action Only. In June 1990 dad was on the firearms selection committee for Idaho State Police. The Sig Sauer P220 was the number one choice, but the cost was too much for the state. The 4506 was the second choice. However S&W also had a prototype of the 4586 at the testing. The troopers also liked the 4586 and it was felt that the DAO trigger would be easier for the troopers who were used to the Model 65 double action trigger. Smith gave the state a really good deal for the 4586 and ISP issued the 4586 until 2002 (approximately), when it switched to the Glock 20 and the Glock 22 for troopers with smaller hands.

The ISP emblem on the slide is laser engraved.

It will use the same mags as the 4506 and the 2nd Generation 645/745.

 

[Checkman]

Some higher quality photos. Finally got hold of our better camera.

 

[Fremmer]

Love the 3rd gen guns, but not the dao.
The pistol is certainly more accurate in sa, but they chose that gun because the dao trigger is longer and heavy like a revolver? Do you know which pistol was selected to replace the dao smith?

 

[Checkman]

Sure do. The Glock 21 with the Glock 22 for those officers with smaller hands.I can't say with 100% certainty that ISP is still issuing those two Glocks. But that was what replaced the 4586.

 

[Fremmer]

Man that's a good looking pistol!

 

[Checkman]

Thanks. It's a good shooter as well.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Nice!

I'd pick up a 4586 at the right price, though I prefer TDA models. I have a 4506, a 4516-1 and a CS-45.

Though a little on the heavy side for carry, the 4516 stoked with my handloaded 240 gr. .45 Super loads makes a formidable defensive piece. The over-built steel 3rd gens will digest heavy +P and Super loads just fine with no ill effects.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

I will have to get one! FINE Looking Pistol!