Hello,

Take the title of my post as being friendly hyperbole. I think any auto with S&W on it is tops.

I have a 4506, but it ain't the only S&W auto I own, and I'm always looking to expand my modest collection. Lately I've been on a 2nd Gen. Kick, but that's a topic for another time.

I say the 4506 is tops because I would be willing to put it up against the reigning .45 design of all time-the 1911-regardless of who made it.

My pockets aren't as deep as others, but I've managed by hook and crook to own a Wilson (admittedly one of their Y2K Budget versions) and a Baer.

Wonderful guns both, but when I can buy a 4506 for 1/3 the price, it's a no-brainer.

I appreciate S&W autos of all kinds, but the 4506 occupies a special place for me.

Anyone agree or disagree?

Best,

Heekma

Any gun a person can afford and that works well is a good gun. The 4506 has been a nice choice for many. If I found one in good shape at a reasonable price, I would buy it. Sure, I like the 1911 better but I am always up for buying another gun.

Agreed! The 4506-1 is in my mind the best S&W 3rd Gen that was ever made, followed V-E-R-Y closely by the 39XX series. But I carried a 4506-1 in my duty holster for a number of years, so we have a special relationship. I used to tell people the 4506-1 was the only duty gun I ever carried that provided the same intimidation level as a pump shotgun.

I prefer the 645. I love the wood grip panels on mine, the high-polished slide and frame, the incredible accuracy and reliability. Don't get me wrong, I just picked up another 4506 and while I have yet to shoot it, it has a lousy, crunchy single action trigger pull, as opposed to a very smooth, light single action pull on the 645. Gotta go with the 645. JMHO.

4566 is better.

Not simply because I own it, but unlike my old 4506 it can be carried concealed IWB without inquiries regarding my libido. ;-)

4566 is better? BETTER?

Blasphemy! Ha!

I joke, I kid...the 4566 is high on my priority list. I passed one up at the last show. Won't do that next time.

Best,

Heekma

HA to all of ya!! 4516-1

Come one now guys, everyone knows the 4566 and 4516 are just cut down 4506's. They are all just reduced versions of the same gun. They should have just called the 4566 the 4506 Lite and the 4516 the 4506 Jr.

Love my 645. Fits me like a glove, and is beautiful to look at. Shoots anything you feed it. accurate too. What more could you ask for?

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Acts 20:32

Model 39.

'Nuff said.

Personally I have never felt the desire to own a 4506, though I do have a fair number of S&W autoloaders.

I am a HUGE fan of the 1006 and 1076. Though I suppose you are just going to call the 1076 a cut down 4506 in a different caliber with a decocker.


One of my all time favorite target guns is my 845. In fact I was shooting it just last Sunday. It is one of the most accurate pistols to come out of S&W


Though the Model 52 does beat it out in both accuracy and classic S&W lines.



In terms of Greatest S&W Auto of all time, I would probably give that vote to the Model 559. Probably one of the most durable blued steel centerfire automatics to come out of the factory.

I could hear a chorus of angels singing when I scrolled down over that beauty! What a stunner

Same here. That's a beauty.

Maybe you should have said the greatest 45 instead of the greatest auto. I'd love to have a 4506 but wouldn't trade my 5906 for it.

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Why duck?? It's a 9mm!

That's a very good point. I'll make an amendment tonight.

I was just feeling a little wound up last night, but didn't want to come across as a blowhard, just having a little fun.

Best,

Heekma

This fellow knows from whence he speaks!! I have given praise and accolades to the 4506 more times than one on this forum and others as well. Purchased in September 1990, it is the only auto pistol, regardless the caliber, that has never failed in any way. No FTF, FTE FTRTB-nothing. Whatever you put in it's magazine it would eat it gladly. Even the notorious Flying Ashtray from decades ago that gave so many pistols a fit would be gobbled up by my 4506.

This pistol has earned the right to rest easy under my pillow for years and currently resides there with it's magazine filled with, you guessed it-the 200 gr Flying Ashtray.(Corbon version at 1050 fps). After reading many times about Mas Ayoob's praises on this pistol I decided to get one and it was the best investment I ever made for a dependable 45. There may be equals but none surpass it.

Then shoot an S&W SW1911 against the Baer or Wilson and see if the price difference is justified for you.

heekma, don't ya just love those old stainless "boat anchors"?

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Why duck?? It's a 9mm!

I don't know. I think model 52 or 952 might have something to said about that. At the same caliber, 945.

Yes, I to have to agree that the 4506 is the best semi auto Smith has ever produced. I own 3 of them, an early 4506 with hooked trigger guard, an early 4506-1 with steel hammer and trigger, 4506-1 with mim hammer and trigger. They would probably be the last 3 guns to ever leave my collection.

Oh, I like that. Now that I own a 4506 Lite, I can agree that the 4506 is the greatest S&W auto of all time.

I'm currently agonizing over the "4506 Jr." as to whether I need another 45 but, it is in super shape. Never owned one but considering it.

ColColt- I'll be the little demon on one shoulder that says "yes you need another .45,especially the 4516-1 because it's as accurate and reliable as it's bigger brothers and more reliable and accurate than it's 1911 enemies of the same size" and I'll be the angel on the other shoulder that says.."agreed". When I bought my 4516-1 and installed a spurred hammer I was in love.This little gun is just an amazing piece of machinery and has very laughable recoil-something no $1000+ 1911 shorty can touch..all of this is my opinion of course but someone will step up to agree I'm sure

Welllll now.... I agree on the virtues of the 4506, 4506-1 and even the 4566. As l see other posts here that mention the 9mm and 10mm 3rd gens, l see no reference to the 40s... so please allow me to include at least the 4006 and the 4013TSW... IMHO, it's just hard to beat a Smith 3rd gen in any caliber! The biggest challenge is deciding what's your preferred caliber. On the other hand, why not just take your time and get one of each!

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Isaiah 55:8-9
Phil. 4:13

Just had my 4506 at the range tonight. What an awesome machine!!

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

I've always wanted a 4506. Now I find out that I have one...the 4506 Lite, very cool. Love my 4566 and if I had to vote right now it would be the winner. But I also love the 457, 3913, CS9, 6906, 411, 469...well, you get the idea.

That's how I feel about it too! If only I could find a 5906 in good shape now to go with my 1006, 4006, 4506, and 4506-1...

If there is a comparable design that is as reliable as the 3rd Gen pistols have been I guess it would be the HK. However, although I have had zero problems with the USP-C 45, I wouldn't trade my 4506 for one. The S&W has proven itself over and over again and I've not had another auto so reliable-likely as not I won't over the long haul.

I don't know all the specifics as to why this grand generation of pistols were discontinued but it has saddened a lot of us.

I posted this somewhere else today about a Colt Commander MKIV series 70 .45 from 1977. I have the chance to buy it but... after reading this post would I be better off investing in another SW? maybe the 1006? I have the 59, 5906, 4506-1 and am buying a 39-2. I love the 4506 and 5906. As I said I have the opportunity to pick up the Colt LNIB...but should spend the $1K Anyone here familiar with it?
Mike

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

Personally, I prefer the looks of the 4505 over the 4506.

Attached Images

4505r.jpg (225.5 KB, 21 views)

Oh, yeah! Get some....

I've had Commanders and full size Government models and I've had 3rd Gen S&W's. If you like to tinker with pistols to get them to run right, go with the Commander. If you like loading up a half dozen magazine and going to the range to shoot , buy the 4506 or 5906. Words of wisdom and of experience.

Granted... the 4506 is a great gun, but credit where credit is due needs to also be given and recognize what the 2nd gens contributed in making the 3rd gens what they are today.

The 645/745, and the limited edition 845 rendition of team S&W Tom Campbell's "super gun"... all paved the path to what the 4506 is today.

I love my 3rd gens, but I also like to beat the drum about the 2nd gens getting over looked for what they've contributed to the success of the pistols we're so enamored with.

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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

Wow, that is nice, I think I just had an accident in my Depends....

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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

That was great.

I'd rather have a 645

No need debating the nuances of which is better and what its better for... buy 1 of everything

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor