I’ve had my 4506 for over 20 years and about the only complaint I have is the hump back grip. When I bought the gun the flat back grip was not available then and I guess I continued to tell myself the grip was not that bad. Well as one gets older I guess our tolerance to things that are uncomfortable fades away so I recently purchased the Hogue soft rubber grips to go on it. Once they were installed, wow are those things big… I have large hands and have no trouble gripping it ok but it now feels like a 2x4. My personal preference for how an automatic pistol should feel is the 1911 with the flat main-spring housing or the Browning Hi-power. My question is the S&W flat back grips more like a 1911 and if so, what is a good source for purchasing them. I would really like to have a good set of wood grips for it but I don’t want the grip width to be any wider. Are they any other options?

Thanks,
VIM

They are still available. Midway normally has them in stock, Smith & Wesson Factory Grips Straight S&W 4563TSW, 4566TSW, 4583TSW, 4586TSW, 1006, 1066, 1086, 4505, 4506, 4546, 4566, 4567, 4586, 4596 - MidwayUSA but I just checked and they are out of stock until 8/1/2010. I have bought the grips direct from Smith & Wesson, and would suggest you call their Customer Service department. E-gun parts has them in stock, but they are a little more expensive and I am never quite sure of their pedigree.

I would also get an extra grip pin.

I have the strait factory grips on my 4506, and they do provide for a firm grasp and look like they belong.

Good luck,

JSS

I immediately swap out the factory delrin curved back grips with the flat ones when I buy Smith 3rd Gens. My 4506-1 sports the flat grips and I think they are much closer to the ergonomics of the 1911 than they curved grips are. If grippiness become a factor 2-3" of bicycle inner tube will provide all the tact you need for cheap (and w/o adding thickness).

Thanks for the information guy’s; I do like the looks of the factory straight back grip the best. Now all I have to do is locate a good set…

Thanks,

Vim