I got started on S&W 3rd gens when I went to a UC/street jump school taught by LEOs/FBI (I think the LEOs were LAPD or ex-LAPD, maybe, but not 100% sure) and they had 4506/4516s. I was amazed they always worked all the time and the idea of putting the safety on and being able to wear it without a holster was fantastic. I didn't realize back then that only good guys wore holsters.

In any case, the 45XXs worked a lot better than my Colt 1911 and was in my mind at least safer to carry.

I also liked the idea of being able to press the mag release and it instantly de-activated the entire pistol...I like that but many don't.