Hello to all. I really want a S&W 4506, but they are hard to comeby. Also, how reliable are the earlier SW1911's? I was in my LGS today and they had a used SW1911 for $599.Everything about the pistol still looks pretty good, just needs a good cleaning. The internals look good (they let me field strip the pistol) The SW1911 just looks like a"pre" E-Series model. Mainly, I want a 4506. Thanks

I don't know how the early SW1911's compare to the later "E"s, which are nice guns, but a 1911 is a still a 1911, but a 4506 is something else completely.

Having spent a lot of time lately with my 3rd Gens, tonight I pulled out my 1911 Series 70 to upgrade the barrel link with a new one I bought a while ago, & it's just not in the same league. The Sc-E is nicer than the Series 70, and the 845 is another step, or two, above that. You can get a 1911 anytime. I'd save the $$ & wait for a nice 4506, or 4566, to come along. I think you'd be happier.

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S&W 45s: old vs. new


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Waiting for the break of day

Well, I really wanted a 4506 and bought one. Then it started, two 4516's, two 4013's, 356, 4006, 1066 and 4563. Be careful what you wish for. I also really wanted an N frame 44 and that started something too.

+1 on getting a 4506. I'd even say that now is a good time to get one for an affordable price.

Check out this thread and the seller's email is listed in one of the responses: 4516 and 4506 police trade ins

Try shooting him an email and see if he still has any 4506's left.

Not to disparage a National Icon in any way; IMHO the 4506 is a more versatile handgun. At the present a dozen 4506s are listed on one internet auction site in varying conditions and price levels. From what I have discerned the -1s are the better functioning pieces. The 45 ACP third gens are next on my list; I already have a 1006,6906,3913LS,TSW 4006, Shorty 40 and today I pick up my new to me 4040PD.


Jim in Iowa

I vote for the 4506-1. You can get a 1911 later if the 4506-1 isn't to your liking. (Not likely to happen, but...)

The 4506 is an outstanding pistol by any measure.

I would choose a 4506 over a 1911.

TDA is much more versatile in my opinion.

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Un-Reconstructed Southerner

i chose the 1911 gunsite edition. love it. that said, i love 1911s. i have them in 9mm, .45, and .38 super. i do however carry 2 j's almost every day...

The obvious answer is to get BOTH!

Randy

+1 to Growr! I have a 4506-1, & if you've seen any of my posts about it you know I hold it in high regard. I can't speak to 1911's, as I don't have one. YET! I've been holding off on trying one, in case I just have to have one when I finally do. I need to save up for it. This thread address has already been posted, & I too recommend you checking the guy out to see if he has any 4506's left. I don't think you'll regret it! 4516 and 4506 police trade ins

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Lounge Lizard Extraordinaire

I had a 1911 and found it to be a PITA to field strip with the barrel bushing tool, so I seldom shot it. I launched the recoil spring on more than one occasion. I sold it and bought a 4506-1. Already having a 4566, I wanted a 3rd Gen with a longer barrel. I'm very happy with my decision. I even had money left over for more ammo.

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Inconsistently consistent

I'd try a bit more for the 4506, a really cool gun.

The early SW 1911's are pretty nice though, and a great value. Some had issues with burrs in the bolt face opposite the extractor, and one other spot I can't remember right now. But those are easy to spot and deal with if the price is right. The barrels and internals are too notch though, way under valued.

If stripping the FLGR is a pain with the tool, you can always swap it to a GI guide rod. I haven't had an issue with the FLGR, but I don't use the tool it came with, usually just use a bottom of a mag I have with me.

Have fun, and good luck with the 4506!

Thanks for the post. Originally, I was looking at buying a 1911, but came into the 4506 world. I've been bit. I really want one. I mentioned the SW1911 because of the price, but I want the 4506 more. I think it's because I watched Street Kings for the first time in a while. Lol. Seriously, thanks for input.

The 4506 is a tank.

If they built it with an integral rail and an optional threaded barrel, it could be an "offensive" handgun like the Mark 23.

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Un-Reconstructed Southerner

Having been initially trained on 1911's by Uncle Sugar, I've not ever missed carrying one. Never looked back. I still own two 1911's but they are range only guns.

Unlike 1911's the 4506 is ready to go right out of the box. Bet your life reliability and excellent accuracy.

I've often told the story here about shooting my 4506-1 next to a wealthy guy with a Les Baer 1911. He, and I, shot just as tight groups with the 4506-1 as with the much more expensive Les Baer. He was quite disgusted to learn that my 4506-1 was not only a standard production piece, but an LE trade in too. That cost less than $500.

There are some who whine about the weight of the 4506. Last time I checked, the 4506 usually weighs within one ounce and often the same weight, as an all steel 5 inch 1911. Around 41 ounces. Not an issue with a good belt and holster, for me. But I also lift weights and eat Wheaties.

Make mine a 3rd gen 45XX series pistols. Regards 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

I guess now I'll have to try a 4506, that's the trouble with reading this forum. I always find one more thing I just got to have. I own four .45 ACP 1911's, and after a lifetime of carrying them in the military, I'm addicted to them. My SW1911 Sc is a favorite. Now I've got to try the 4506.

I've been searching everywhere within MA for a 4506-1, my dream handgun. Because of our anti-2A laws, I cannot buy one out of state and have it transferred in. It must already reside in MA with a long MA pedigree or No-Go.

I found this 4506 (No Dash) in state. It's overpriced but the dealer indicated the price was not firm. My biggest concern is the (non-adjustable) sights which are severely worn to the point of being useless.

What is the story on 4506 (No Dash) sights? Can these sights be replaced with a rear adjustable set? Or even a modern non-adjustable set? I have heard the slide might have to be re-cut to do that. True or not?

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Never ever had an issue with any 1911 I own, all 10 of them , maybe I'm just lucky .
Sold my 4506-1 and used the proceeds for a 627-0, not one single regret whatsoever.

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Sure you did

Unless you have a ton of spare money and want to get both, wait for what you really want.

I've owned several third generation S&W pistols and all were 100% reliable, very accurate, easy to service and built to take a large amount of shooting. If you prefer a large traditional double action pistol the 4506 or 4566 along with the SIG P220 are the best there is, no doubt about it.
I no longer own any TDA or DAO autos because I shoot single action only pistols better and prefer cocked and locked carry. I have a S&W 1911 Pro Series, it is a superb 1911. The decision is yours and yours alone.

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Virtue,Liberty & Independence

If you really want a 4506, get a 4506 and don't settle for anything else. If you get something else, you won't really be satisfied - it's not what you really want! Just my experience...

And then there is always the 945-1.... part 4506 (upper), part 1911 (lower)...

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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

For a fun range pistol, either one should be fine. If you plan to shoot it a lot, or use it as a home defense or carry pistol, I would go with the 4506. I own 2 1911s (1943 USGI, and a Colt Commander), and fired a lot of 1911s during my first few years in the Navy. In general, I believe 1911s require more maintenance and attention to function well when used heavily. Quality magazines are a must (I've had best results with Wilson Combat mags), and the extractors can be temperamental on some. Many 1911s (including my 2005 SW1911SC) sometimes pelted my forehead with ejected shells. Although many will say you can safely carry a 1911 cocked and locked, I inadvertently bumped the safety off on my M9 Beretta several times while carrying it openly and concealed in Afghanistan. Because of this, I now am much less interested in carrying a cocked and locked 1911. I sold my 1911SC a few months ago, and replaced it with a 4506-1. The 4506 has not had any malfunctions yet (with just over 600 rounds through it, including factory FMJ, several types of hollowpoints, and my handloads). It never pelts me with brass, is drop-safe, can safely be carried with the safety off and a round in the chamber, and is accurate. If you can, I'd try to fire or at least handle both.

I am going with the 4506. I am in the works of buying a 4506-1. Everybody comments and experiences have been very helpful, especially with the fact that if I don't like the 4506, I could go trade it in towards a 1911. Thanks and I'll post picks as soon as I get it. Thanks, again.

Can't speak to the SW1911's but in my opinion the 4506 is hard to beat. Can't go wrong getting one.
djh

I doubt you will trade it in.....buy a 1911....but you won't trade off a 4506-1......I wanted a 4506 since the day about 17 years ago that I seen one on the hip of the owner of my LGS....ended up buying a 5906 instead of one of 5 LEO trade ins he had under glass....went back 2 days later to get one and....well...gone ...never thought about it much after that because I got into wheel guns .Until the enablers on this forum turned my attention back to 3rd. gens....and I walked into a pawn shop back in Feb. and hiding amongst all the plastic I found.......the rest as they say is history....my new favorite

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witty signature goes here

Let me first say that being addicted to the 45xx series of 3rd Gen S&W's has been an ultimate pleasure! The stable includes a 4566 LEO trade-in that had been dropped at some point, and I replaced the sights with Trijicon Night Sights. I recently used this pistol to qualify for my state CCW license. Everyone around was amazed at how nice the ragged hole it shot! Also, a 4566TSW that is as about NIB as one could be! With the excellent information that has been shared by 18DAI, There is 4516-2 that won't leave my warm hands any time soon! They are all keepers!

With all that said, and at the risk of speaking blasphemy, The Sig Sauer P220 Stainless Elite is as close of a likeness to a modern day S&W 4506 as could get. With the options that are available on the P220, what's not to like in a Hammer fired DA/SA 45ACP Pistol!
Even Holsters are interchangeable!

(Good supply of flame proof suits are in the closet for easy donning! )

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Have Fun, Shoot Safe!
John

do you have one of those suits in XL because I have that same Sig and it's not blasphemous when you speak the truth

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witty signature goes here

Nothing the matter with a nice Sig pistol. I see a Sig P227 SAS in my future aquisitions. I agree that they are the closest modern production handgun to a 4566.

Sig still caters to a market that S&W has evidently abandoned. Good on Sig! Regards 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

Although I keep my eyes ever open for 45xx and 10xx pistols I still love my 1911s; under my armpit and under my pillow. I was going to suggest the 945, but somebody beat me to that. Oh well, post a picture anyway.


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NRA Life Member

I know it has been over a month, but I finally got a 4506. I ordered it through Standard Law Enforcement in Ohio (Thank you whoever suggested them to me). Very friendly people. It came with two magazines and the gentleman threw in an old Safariland holster with it free of charge ( I didn't take a picture of it). Thanks for all the help. I cleaned her last night and I look forward to when I get a chance to get to the range. Oh, when I picked up the 4506 from my lgs, I grabbed a 5906 they had there. I have been wanting both, the 4506 more, but now I am able to have both.

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That is just pure sexy right there. I love 1911's. I love 4506's. but that is just pure sexy

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Plastic has no soul

Congratulations! I'm confident that your 4506 will become a favorite. Mine has. I found mine about a year and a half ago. I had some issues with the factory stocks though. They were just too flat and left a gap between the grip panel and my palm. I then went to Hogue wood. They were beautiful and felt great but something about them did not allow me to easily push down the two levers to allow the slide all the way back on reassembly. I've recently switched to Hogue rubber and they seem just perfect and those two levers drop down with ease. By the way I used my 4506 to re qualify for my CCW license just this morning. Believe me it really stood out among all those black plastics that were decorating the table.

Oh, that holster may come in real hand at least for awhile. Holsters for the 4506 are not readily available unless you order it to be made by Lobo Leather or El Paso which I would recommend. However, I did find a new one on the 'Bay for a 645 and it fits my 4506 perfectly.

Have an early model SW 1911 with the scandium frame and commander length slide / barrel. Probably has around 2k rounds through it and have only had 3 issues.
1) barrel link pin was loose when originally purchased, quick tap with a punch and never fell out
2) plunger tube (rear leg) got loose, not sure when but noticed at last cleaning. Quick trip to a smith and re-staked with no issues since.
3) had to replace recoil spring (which I really don't consider an issue, rather more of a maintenance item)

Thanks for the info. S&W 1911SC is one of the next handguns I want to get. Being a fan of the Jesse Stone movies (Tom Selleck, in general), I want a blued like he carried (I believe it was a Gunsite edition). The new SC's are beautiful, but I still have an attraction to the older model.

When I saw Lost Lake's new 1911 my fate was pretty much sealed! I would probably have one right now, but I don't know where I can get the best deals on transfers in this area. I also haven't had any time to do any window shopping; I'm hoping next week I can hit a few shops.

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Lounge Lizard Extraordinaire

Galco still makes holsters for the 4506 and Cleveland Custom Kydex makes holsters for the 4506 and 5906.