After recently acquiring an "unscheduled" Model 17-2 K-22 Masterpiece (one of my "Bucket List" guns), my poor old retired man's budget tells me that there is just barely enough room left for one more 3rd Gen acquisition in calendar year 2017 and likely for many months thereafter. Unfortunately, there are three candidates and I can't decide which one to go with... and so I'm going to let the members of Team 3rd Gen decide for me. Yes, I'm serious.

I've mentioned the candidates before so there shouldn't be any surprises. They are (in no particular order):

1) A Model 5906TSW, LNIB w/two 10-round magazines
2) A Model 4506-1 (R4) dash 3 with laser markings, very nice condition, no box, two magazines
3) A Model 4006TSW CHP version from Summit, condition unknown, no box, 3 post-ban magazines which I would have to give up (not legal in MA) but I have plenty of pre-bans

Cost differences between the three are not significant enough to matter. For each of the three, I already have non-TSW or earlier versions but these are later/newer/nicer guns. So none is really "filling a gaping hole" in the collection. No, I won't be selling off the earlier versions anytime soon.

No actual check-off poll this time because I want to focus mainly on the votes from bona fide Team 3rd Gen members, although I invite all to participate if you have an opinion.

So what says the forum? What should I go with?

I would go with the 4506-1!

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There will be no undue fussin

The 5906 will be the least expensive to shoot since its ammo is the cheapest. Plus, it's one great S&W.

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Why duck?? It's a 9mm!

The 4506 is an awesome pistol, built like a tank. I have one with 50 rounds through it, I will never sell it.

I have a 4506 and 4006. The 4506 is going up on Crook Broker next month - I don't shoot it and the muzzle blast from a .45 at the indoor range is just too much for me. From what I have seen, I would get the 4006 CHP-version. It would be nice to attach the little (and inexpensive) CT laser on the rail. Not sure what I'd do with it then - but it would be nice to have!!

I have a 5943 that I love and I'd really like to have a 5906. I try to keep away from big bullet ammo, mostly for cost and I don't really feel a need, except for novelty. And I can't afford novelty.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Wow, it is hard to give you a favorite off that list. I would love to have a 5906TSW or 4006CHP myself. I have a 4506-1 already, so I am fighting my own desires in coming up with a recommendation.

If it has to be only one, I would go with the 4506-1. They are truly well made and a nice shooting .45 pistol. But honestly, you cannot go wrong with any of them!

PS, the 4506 also eliminates worrying about whether your mags are permitted by MA law. I assume all 8 rounders are good to go.

4006TSW CHP most unique variation but should be available for awhile. Condition ?

4506 (R4) Laser markings if other than factory, a deal breaker.

5906TSW LNIB These don't show up much. Box and extras plus known condition squeaks it past the other two.

John

Thanks for the answers so far guys. I'm kind of surprised that no one so far has reminded me that the correct answer is ALL OF THEM! You guys are slipping!

But that's the problem, of course. I can't have all of them and I'm sure that one or both of the two guns I pass up in coming days will be gone long before I am in a good position to buy again... ... and that's even if I am successful in my endeavor to dump many of my cheap plastic wonder guns.

Just to clarify, the laser markings are factory. There were two versions of this gun as I understand it: Roll-marked (very rare) and laser-marked. The candidate gun I found is the more common laser-marked version.

Still, knowing your penchant for condition and box, the 5906TSW sounds the most like a TTSH acquisition.

John

My opinions are STRONG, but they are my own and nothing more than opinions. Thus:

--I believe the best move is none of these if it means you can keep/collect the cash so that eventually it grows in to a fat lump. I say this because I believe your collection is populated with a big number of all "similar" stuff and if you were one day able to add a real sock-knocker, you may have an epiphany. To put this another way... 5906's and 3913's are fantastic pistols for what they are and what they do. But in my opinion... ten of them could never bring to your safe or range day what a single "elite" S&W will. By that I mean 52/952/945, etc. 5-inch, target sight 52 or PC.

Yes, I realize that not all will agree with me, but that's where I'm coming from.

Beyond that, I also believe that any 4506 is a better buy than any TSW, but again, that's just me being me. I think the TSW pistols are over-rated (just as good as production 3rd Gens... but not better) and they are adorned with ugly tactical rails and "billboard" lettering.

Not only that but the 4506 you mentioned is likely the best 4506 they made and that is saying a lot when you consider how long they have made them.

For me...............

............skip the .40

4506 is a great ...............but an Eff'ing "big"........ gun..........................

5906TSW ....... of the three................. the practical choice..... as long as you have a stash of 15 and 17/18 mec-gar mags.

Plenty of 15-round pre-bans. Unfortunately, those Mec-Gars could land me behind bars... ... and I would NOT do well in jail.

I'm going to have to put you down for the 4506-1. The more elite target guns you mentioned are not going to happen for a variety of reasons and not just because $$$ or too many common 3rd Gens taking up all the space in my safes. The sad truth is that they don't do a lot for me. I've had my shots at them and I've passed. The good wife, who will have to dispose of much of my collection someday, approves.

Remember that I am fast nearing the end of my "good years" in accordance with the Bam Formula and we are probably talking about being very close to the end of my 3rd Gen collecting altogether. I am kinda looking for the "icing on the cake" of what I own now... not trying to go in a somewhat different direction if that makes sense.

Well all well & good but while I am -nowhere- near changing your mind... I am closer to changing your mind than you are to changing my mind.

It's like you love the baloney sandwiches you've been eating for 50 years and you are asking for suggestions with bread, cheese and mustard and I'm saying "save your money and buy a steak" and your firm reply is that you've never had a steak but you sure love this baloney and none of it matters since you'll be shipped off to the home soon anyway.

Man I wish we could do a range day together!

Ha!!!!! Don't let it bother you. As I've said before, I do just fine with the cheap wine so no need at all for me to buy the expensive stuff.

But that tends to miss the point. The elite center-fire guns just don't particularly interest me. Remember when I had the chance to buy a damn nice Model 52-2 for $700 out the door and passed? I probably should have bought it just to flip but it really did nothing for me. It was sad that it did nothing for me, but it didn't. Likewise with some of the PC guns I've stumbled across over the past 5 years.

The day might yet still come for one or two of the PC guns but they don't grow on trees around here and when they do appear, they don't give them away. Let's remember that one of the biggest attractions to 3rd Gen pistols for me is the amazing bargain they represent today in a high-quality all-metal pistol. The higher the price tag, the more alternatives there are that one should consider in other brands.

I already have a 4506-1-3 and I would still pick it over the other two neither of which I have.

I have to concur with my colleagues here TTSH. The 4506-1 has my vote. Although I am partial to the old second gen 645s, my 4506's in assorted flavors are truly the pinnacle of S&W 45 acp engineering in my humble opinion. All of your choices are great and would be worthy to join your collection sir!

TTSH I'm going to vote for the 4506. I don't own one myself, but I do have a 645 and a 4566TSW and they are both fine 45's.

I will surprise you TTSH and vote for the 4506-1 R3.

But should you choose one of those other fine pistols, please PM me the shops contact info. Best regards, 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

I’m going to have to concur with most, 4506 is my vote with the 5906 being a near second!

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-Dan-

Get the 4506, and have it converted to 10mm

If you are gonna be a nut, might as well freak
the squirrels out!!!

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Marlin & Calico Specialist

Well, it doesn't take an accountant or spreadsheet to assess the votes and see that the Team 3rd Gen clear choice is the Model 4506-1. And so it shall be. That is an out-of-state gun, but I found a local dealer who is willing to do the import. There is still a slight logistical problem to work out (the foreign dealer is not big on out-of-state sales & shipping), but I am confident that my dealer will handle it for me.

Thanks to everyone for your help!!!

Congrats on your decision!

Now tell us where to find that 5906TSW LNIB!

John

Ha!!!!!!! Oh no, I am keeping that a top secret until I manage to pull off the 4506-1 purchase. Like I said, there are "issues" to be resolved before I can pull off the 4506-1 purchase and, I gotta tell you, I am somewhat less optimistic this afternoon after conversing with the selling dealer this morning than I was before. Let's just say that some dealers thrive on foreign sales while others have little to no interest. I happen to be dealing with the latter in this case.

Bottom line: If I'm going to be jerked around a whole lot by the shop selling the 4506-1, I might just have to punt and get one of the other two guns instead.

Besides, that 5906TSW comes with 10-round crippled magazines. Why on earth would any of you folks in a free state want moonbat state 10-round magazines?

If all three were in front of me, and I could only afford one,....... I'd put all of them in lay-a-way! LOL! Seriously, if I could only have one, it would be the 4506. Just one opinion, as requested. Good Luck!

The trouble with lay-away is that pesky 60-day limit to come up with the money. I hate that part! I can only sell so much of my ancient watered-down blood and pick-up only so many cans and bottles for the 5¢ deposit.

Now, if they would give me 6 months... ... I'd be all set!

I would buy them all. I'd use some CDs or even the pistols to collateralize the loan obligation. I'd rather have these "bucket list" guns now at a reasonable price rather than save and pay more money for them later if they can still be had. You might even save money by paying interest to your friendly banker.

For the record, none of these three pistols are on my "Bucket List." There is only one gun remaining on my "Bucket List" after that K-22 Masterpiece I bought and it is a pristine perfect BHP in 9mm with a really, really nice trigger. No, I don't think it exists either.

These three pistols are just normal "Want List" guns that will help complete my 3rd Gen collection. In fact, they are all newer versions/upgrades to 3rd Gens already in my collection. If I kick the bucket without obtaining any of them, I'll still be okay with it.

But that still leaves the question of which one to go after first since I can only swing one of them before the end of this year. I'm sure one or both of the local ones will be gone if I don't jump on it (or them) fast enough.

18...I don't think anyone was surprised by that pick.........TTSH since you already picked the 4506-1 I will unabashedly concur with that choice....only because I have no interest in 40's and a plain vanilla 5906 was my first 3rd. Gen. and was my least favorite....blasphemy I know

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witty signature goes here

Ha!!! No, not a surprise. I had 18DAI down for the .45 even before I decided to start this thread!

On the 5906TSW, you must understand that I lost out on an opportunity to buy an ANIB Model 5903TSW (w/fixed sights) back in early-2014 and never really got over it. I've talked about it before so I won't repeat it here. My psychiatrist thinks I'm over it, but I ain't! I've been looking ever since. That local 5906TSW (also fixed sights) is the closest thing to an exact replacement for that 5903TSW that I will likely ever see, at least locally, in my very few remaining "good years."

Yes, I have an adjustable sights Model 5906 (non-TSW) and I've even got multiple Model 5943 fixed sight pistols and Value Line versions, but it's not the same. In fact, I've never been entirely happy with my Model 5906 so here is an opportunity to upgrade and eventually replace my current Model 5906 if it works out well.

In other words, it won't be the end of the world if the 4506-1 falls through and I'm left with the 5906TSW (or the 4006TSW CHP) instead.

Pick up a part-time job delivering pizzas for Domino's
They ALWAYS need help on Fri Sat Sun...

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Marlin & Calico Specialist

Oh brother! I don't even like Domino's Pizza! Tastes like cardboard to me!

I think if I were going to try for a part-time job, it might have to be as an Uber driver because I have so many family obligations and medical visits that working a normal job these days would be damn near impossible. I'd probably get fired the very first week!

Monday, I start a new series of tests with my cardiologist. Things aren't so good lately with the old ticker and I can't go driving around or doing much of anything else useful hooked up like the bionic man with wires coming off me everywhere. Been there, done that... definite pain in the butt!

Good luck Monday my friend! I hope all goes well and I will keep a good thought for you! Best regards 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

I had to jump back in here tonight after getting a chance to examine and dry-fire a different Model 52-2 pistol earlier today... and I can tell member Sevens that it was night and day different from the Model 52-2 I referred to above. I don't know why the first one was so disappointing but the one I got to play with today was simply magnificent... exactly what one would expect of a vintage high-end target pistol. If I had the money it would have taken to buy it, I would have. Only problem (beside the cost): No box, no tools, no nothin' but the gun and 3 magazines.

++++++++++

Update on the Model 4506-1: The out-of-state seller and I are still not seeing eye-to-eye on several aspects of the sale & transfer and I don't think it's going to happen before sometime next year, if at all. But stay tuned. Things could change quickly... but then again, maybe not.

Wow, I am very pleased to hear that!

And how much money are we talking?

Tagged at a grand plus tax. It's a consignment gun. The shop didn't know if the owner would be willing to take less.

I must admit it... I was tempted.

Get a CHP 4006TSW. You won't regret it. Some nice ones out there.

In my (retired old man's) life, everything is a matter of cash flow, timing and priorities... and in some cases that means jumping on what is doable (or what needs to be done) right now vs. what can be put off without blowing the opportunity entirely. In the case of those nifty CHP guns, I think they fall into the latter category when compared to desirable guns that are local and might "get away" from me if I don't act fast enough to at least put them on layaway, where possible. In other words, what can wait must wait while what can't wait must be acted upon.

but hickock 45 is not fond of them!!! hahahaha!!!

yes, i know, it matters not! i would vote for the 4506-1, but now that the dealer does not cooperate, i dont know what to tel you. preferably keep clear of the revolvers. they are out there by the gazilions and another might show up. 3rd gems however??
there, i narrowed it down a bit for you.

LOL!!! The problem is that really nice specimens of pre-IL blued revolvers in box are just as "rare" around here as our beloved 3rd Gens.

The bad news is that all three of the 3rd Gens in my OP and discussed herein have some complication or potential downside to simply going out and buying one of them tomorrow morning. The good news is that I don't think the local ones are going anywhere fast and there seem to be plenty of CHP pistols around so I think that time is on my side.

My mind is cranking on this problem and I think I know the solution... ... and it involves getting the good wife to buy me one of the above for Christmas! But please don't tell her. She needs to think it is her idea.

or,

... dear Santa...

$1K is TOO MUCH for that 4506-1 my friend.

You can do much better on Gunbroker or even occasionally in the classifieds here. Regards 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

I'm confusing you talking about so many different guns. It was the Model 52-2 I found the other day that was tagged at $1K. It was a real winner, but I just don't have $1K to spend.

The 4506-1 I'm after is tagged at $599.

Oh! OK then. Never mind!

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

I would pick the 4506, but not at $1,000.

Neither would I.