I've been gone from the forum for a while, but this thread caught my eye straight away when I checked in today. I've been interested to see some experience info. with stainless Smith .45s, so I'm delighted to see this discussion. I have a 4596, which I carried as a duty weapon for 12 years. In that time the weapon was, and still is, astonishingly reliable. I also own two 1911s and a Glock 30 and like them all very much, but I would still --- without hesitation --- select my 4596 as the one to bring to the party.