I want something new to play with. Which would be better- a 4586 or a CS45? Which would be more collectible in the future? Both have box and docs.

Those are two very different guns, as you must know, with two different purposes. DAO vs TDA, large vs small, heavy vs light. Both ran about eight years. The CS45 (blue or SS?) would probably have a wider appeal & might be worth more, but I think they were made cheaper (plastic sights & guide rods?) from the ones I saw, IIRC.

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Waiting for the break of day

Oh boy! Night and day different guns. I'd love to have both in my 3rd Gen collection, especially if as complete (and probably clean) as your post suggests.

But the real question is: Which will fit better into your existing collection? Also, which is the better "deal" as compared to typical market values?

To me, they are both desirable if clean (not trashed), with box & papers, etc... and assuming attractively priced.

Not much help, am I?

I did not realize the earlier versions differences of the CS45. Seems like the one I am looking at may have the plastic guide rod and rear site due to the no R/H safety and lack of cut out for one.

The one (CS45) I am eyeballing is stainless.

I bought all of my guns new, and take very good care of them. I carry a CS 45, and I love it. It is a great carry gun. That is the one I would vote for.

If it is "something to play with" I presume you mean range fun and not concealed carry, in which case I would go for the soft shooting 4586. I have shot them both and while the CS45 was not unmanageable, it was not near as fun to poke holes in targets with as the 4586 was. I suspect if both are in identical condition with boxes that value would be similar with the CS45 (stainless) probably just a step out in front.

I don't think that both guns fit both categories.

The 4586 would be more fun at the range, and I think the CS 45 would probably be worth more as a collectable.

The 4586's seem to sell pretty cheap but I think that they are a very underrated gun.

I purchased an ex Idaho State Police 4586 and now that the issues with it are worked out (Gummed up firing pin, bad magazine) its a very fun shooter. Better buy some magazines, because you will not be able to load them fast enough. You will also have a big grin on your face.


Light DAO trigger, feels great in the hand with the Hogue grips I put on it, and absolutely reliable now with any ammo I run through it.

As stated above, very soft shooting for a .45 Auto.

Something about the Smith design, my 457 has pretty soft recoil as well and its a compact, aluminum frame .45.

I'm of no help. I always say both. Looking forward to seeing which one you get.

But like the others say, if just for play at the range, the big one, 4586.

I think the CS45 might be a bit more collectible - that's my pick.

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K & N S&W revolvers

Maybe that's because "BOTH" is usually the correct answer to questions like that.

CS45 a quality gun that is more accurate than any other 45 ACP its size

I like that, nice.

Almost, I found ONE that does do a slight bit better...
Star Firestar M45
Comparison...S&W CS45 vs Star M45



Altho, have to admit, when wearing the double-pouch Thunderwear or Smart Carry,
they both go for the ride, but with the Star in the Right position, the CS45 in the left.

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Marlin & Calico Specialist

I have never fired a CS45 but I carried a 4586 every day at work for 7 years. Our armorer had smoothed, but not lightened, the DAO pull so that it mimicked that of a smooth S&W revolver DA pull. It was an excellent sidearm and I liked it so much, I bought it after we switched to a black plastic import gun who's name will not be uttered. Great gun! I would be happy to switch back to it tomorrow if I was allowed.

I love my CS45. I used to carry it concealed routinely. I can't speak to the other gun having no experience with one. The CS45 is very accurate for such a little pistol. Whether it's collectable is a whole other question.

I really like the idea of a CS45 pistol, but truth be told, it just never fit my hand correctly, even with the pinky extension on the grip.

A 4516 fits much better to me and looks like it could work in the same holster as a 3953/3913.