I have now owned 3 3rd generation 45's fell in love with them on the first one I bought which was a 4506-1 "Too cold" I sold didnt care for the blue trigger and hammer. Next was "Too hot" I picked up a 4506 square trigger guard and chrome trigger and hammer and I love the gun. It is a nightstand gun since it is really kinda big to carry plus it is flawless and comes with the original box and papers etc, so I hate to scratch it up blah blah blah. But now the third it "Was juuust right." Yesterday I traded for my first 4566 and it feels perfect right length, very well balanced I really like it b ut it has the blued hammer and trigger (-1). So I have decided to get rid of either the 4506 or the 4566 each has its own perks. I like the originality of the 4506 with box papers no scratches etc. but the 4566 has character not beat up by police use but used enough to where I would pack it daily.

Any advice on my delima?

I have considered switching the hammer and triggers but it would really take some of the value and originality away from the 4506...hate to do that.

Yes I HAVE to get rid of one to get a S&W 357 BUG with rosewood grips to match the rosewood grips on the 4506 or 4566 I am going to buy for whichever I decide to keep.

Thanks guys.

I'm not sure what you don't like about the blued hammer and trigger. Is it because they might be MIM? Or is it because you don't care for the aesthetics of the color? If it's the former I can assure you the MIM parts on 3rd Gen Smiths are about as rock solid as MIM gets. If it's the latter you could either swap parts or just have your parts refinished. Very few people assess the value of a S&W 3rd Gen based on the originality of the hammer and trigger (as long as they are S&W parts).

But if the 4566 is just right, it seems like that's the gun you need to keep.

The blued hammers and triggers have a tendency for rust to "pop-up" fairly quicly after it gets wet if not oiled and cleaned. I dont always have time to wipe it down I dont have to worry about that with one that is all stainless or chromed. Thats why I like the hammer and trigger on the 4506.

Let's see some pics of what you may get rid of for assessment and your cost..

Here are the pictures to help with the decisions.

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I say install the flash chromed hammer and trigger on the 4566, put the blued set back into the 4506 and then put it up for sale (if you have to, keeping both is a better option). You love the 4566 and you prefer the flash chromed parts. Win-Win. I really don't see the 4506's value taking a big hit because of the blued parts.

My two cents-pick up a steel hammer/trigger and install them on the 4566. Leave the original, low miles with box 4506 alone with its original factory installed parts.

Make that 4 cents as I concur with sniper47.

Yes, just let us know when the 4506 goes up for sale.