S&W 45's: Which one?

[Redcoat3340]

Although all my pistols are 9mm, I've been thinking about adding one .45 to the "collection." (I gave my 1911s to my boys years ago. I'd become "recoil adverse" and wimped out.)

And if I do, it won't be to carry or shoot like I shoot my 9s, it'll be a Smith & Wesson, mostly because I really like my 39s, 59s, and one 69 (06) and I'd like one representative 45 in the crowd. It doesn't have to be a 1911-style gun.

So which models should I look at? I'd like it to be reasonably priced, say under $600; it doesn't have to be tuned or match capable, stainless would be nice, honest wear is fine with me, and I'll be shooting it for fun.

Clearly I need to crack the .45 pages of the Standard Catalog, but I figured I'd ask here to get some advice.

Folks here really, really helped when I went looking for .38 revolvers...I'm hoping to relive the experience for in a slightly larger caliber.

 

[Bozz10mm]

How about a 3rd Gen? A 4506 shouldn't be hard to find.

 

[mcap1655]

Yep. 4506-1 is the first that came to mind.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Sevens]

Amongst the regulars in these pages I often find myself to be one of the biggest aficionados of the Model 745 over every single regular production (non-Performance Center) 2nd or 3rd Gen .45 that Smith & Wesson ever made. While I wouldn't argue that it's a "better gun" than a 4506 (or 645, 4566, 4516, or any of the others) I would say that if the purpose is simply "range gun for the fun of shooting and the pride of ownership", I consider it to be the TOP choice.

And the cool factor is very high, good lookin' also and the trigger just beats all the DA/SA production pistols.

They are definitely harder to find than a 4506 or 4566, but for me -- the 745 is a pistol that I would much rather own.

If we are each casting a vote, my vote is 745 and no other production .45 S&W 2nd or 3rd Gen comes close.

I am certain that most others probably won't agree, and that's all good and part of the fun. Exclusivity is also something about the 745 that makes me love it so much.

 

[nocents]

I have no personal experience with the 745 but surely do with a 4516-2 and the 4506-1 and would give the nod to the 4506-1 for your intended purpose

 

[BLUEDOT37]

While I just picked up a 4506 at the gun show today, a nice 4566 in good shape, & a reasonable price, is what I'm still looking for locally. I really like the 4-1/4" bbl. large frame 3rd Gens.

I've only seen two 745's ever. One years ago that someone trashed & the other this weekend that's NIB that was on the same table as the 4506 I bought.

.

 

[HCH]

The 4566 has a lot of recoil taming mass to it.

 

[stansdds]

The 4506 will be the least expensive as it was the most produced 45 ACP in the 3rd generation lineup. My only experience was with a 4506 that was marked as a 645, making it one of a few hundred transitional models. Although it was reliable and there was less felt recoil than with a 1911, I never warmed up to its weight. It seemed very muzzle heavy. Had I found a 4566, which is a 4506 with a slide, barrel, recoil spring and guide rod that is 3/4" shorter than the 4506, I might have kept it.

 

[BigBoy99]

I'm mostly a First Gen S&W person but have strayed a little bit into the Second Gen S&Ws. I totally dislike the Third Gen S&Ws and haven't even considered buying one. That being said, I think the best .45 for you would be a nice S&W 645. If the 645 came with a double stacked magazine with 12 to 15 rounds, I would consider it to be the PERFECT handgun. I like large handguns and the 645 fits the bill.

 

[AveragEd]

I would vote for a 1911. They are the handgun equivalent of the small-block Chevrolet V8 or Remington Model 700 rifle - more companies than I can list make parts for them, they are very easy to work on and are accurate as a breed. If one you buy isn't accurate, just about any gunsmith can make it so for not a lot of cash.

For what it's worth, I have three S&W 1911s, two in .45 ACP and one in .38 Super. Every one is malfunction-free, accurate and attractive. I'm presently considering buying another 1911 and it will be an S&W too.

Ed

 

[loeman]

Sevens makes a very good case for the 745. And he's absolutely correct regarding "cool factor" because it is just that. However, the Single Action 745 will be harder to find and when you do find one, it will probably be priced well north of $600. So, my votes go in this order. 4506-1, 4506 and 645. The 4566 should be considered too, but I love the full-size and weight of the 45XXs and the 645. All of these can be found in your price range too. And BTW, I shoot mine like you intend, range and plinking.

 

[N4KVE]

I have a 645, & 4516 no dash. Both the originals of their model. Nothing better. GARY

 

[Ross3914]

The 4566 would be my choice.

It just seems to "fit" me better in terms of balance and handling. obviously the grip part you hold on to is the same, but it just seems right with the slightly shorter front end.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Had a 4505....... toooo big*

Had a 4516 (& a 4513TSW) toooo small**

4566........ was just right.***



As an aside....since about 1988 my .45 concealed carry needs are met by DA/SA, alloy frame Sig 220s and Compact 245 (1994).

Footnotes:
* For me the 4505/06 is too big for anything but the range.

** the 4516 too heavy for its size; the 4513's 6rds mags were hard to come by

*** IMO the only thing it gives up to the full size gun is a bit (3/4") of sight radius.

 

[therealsmithfan]

Would you ever conceal carry? If so, may consider 4513 tsw or cs45 for smaller size and lighter alloy frame. For range fun only...go full steel and longer barrel for recoil control and increased accuracy.

 

[WTN1271]

I'll echo the suggestions for a 3rd generation pistol. 4516, 4566, 4566tsw, or 4506. All depends on how the pistol feels and balances in your hand. There are no dash, -1,-2 ,-3, versions that offer some "improvements" for each model. A search of the forum should turn up lots of info. The TSW version of the 4566 seems to come up regularly on gunbroker. All are good choices.

 

[therealsmithfan]

Currently, I only have one s&w .45acp in the stable. And it's NOT an auto. It's a 625 n frame revolver with a pile of moon clips. My first "real" wheel gun....and a pile of fun. Mainly range gun, but use for woods with +p hard cast buffalo bore (i know....its not 10mm, .357, .44.....but I'm not in grizzly country either). I want an auto .45 too, so many options! Good thread.

 

[Denver Dick]

Ah . . . the .45 Big Boys. I have (and shoot) a 645, 4506-1, 4526, 4566, 4576, 4586, 4516-1 and 4516-2. They each shoot great! I can recommend any one of them, or all of them. That said, you might want to focus on the 4566 and/or 4516-1 or -2. JMHO

 

[4T5GUY]

I am not the best person to give advice on one S&W .45 acp. I have been all over the board on thinking which one is the best or which one I would keep if I only had one to choose.

All that said, I think my 4566 would be it. It checks ALL the boxes, (at least for me.)

Jim

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Hands down the S&W Model 4506 is not only the best designed 45 ACP handgun that I have fired, but it is also heavy enough to use as a club when you are out of ammo. It does not have the history of the 1911, but it is more fun and accurate to fire. I like my 1911's, but the 4506 is a better all around handgun.