First S&W Semi-Auto

[ncairman]

Here is my first S&W Semi-Auto that I recently purchased. I have shot 1911's for nearly 40 years, but never a DA/SA. I never felt comfortable carrying a 1911 in condition 1 but that's just my problem, but I would feel comfortable with this one. That is if I can fine a good holster and belt to carry the beast. I do have some questions for the ones in the know.


What replacement parts should I buy if I plan to shoot it a lot?


Since this thing is almost perfect condition would you shoot it or save it for a rainy day?


Thanks

 

[rjm6120]

Nice 4506-1! It looks to be in excellent condition----shoot it! I rescued mine from the Sportsman's Warehouse used gun case and it is a very fun gun to shoot. I can't say regarding spare parts, but these are built like tanks so you should be good for awhile.

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello Mr. North Carolina airman, if you are shooting just good ole target loads on the wknd., I cant think of any spare parts you should buy.
Now, if you are fighting in the jungle in Burma, take lots of spare parts.

 

[DUSTYDOGDAN]

Nice pistol. Shoot it! Maybe get a new recoil spring.

 

[Heymatt]

Add a few magazine springs too!

 

[SMSgt]

Springs (recoil, firing pin, magazine, etc.) are available. The one issue the 45xx series has is the trigger play springs bend/break. You'll know when it happens because you'll get a distinct click when you pull the trigger in SA. It does not affect function but is annoying.

 

[Trooper224]

Pick up an extra extractor or two while they're still available. Other than periodic recoil spring replacement, that's about it.

 

[lkabug]

Shoot that beauty. You'll enjoy your range time.

 

[Jeppo]

Don’t shoot it. Sell it immediately.

There’s no such thing as one S&W semi-auto. Get out while you still can.

 

[stansdds]

Very nice Model 4506-1. The 4506-1 was the last of the breed and considered to be the best of the breed. They are very durable pistols, so the parts you will likely be replacing will be recoil, magazine, and firing pin springs. Genuine S&W springs are good quality and I do recommend them. The only aftermarket spring maker I would recommend would be Wolff Gunsprings.

 

[ncairman]

Thank you for all the posts, and I was already looking for a recoil spring, so I will pick up a few other springs as well. I reloaded 200 rounds over the weekend just waiting for the gun to come in. I wish I had the factory box and goods, but I can live without them. I cannot believe I got one in such fine shape being sight unseen but it was beginner luck I reckon. Will get to the range over the weekend to see how she shoots.

 

[xfarfuldog]

I used to believe in having multiple extra magazines (factory only with the exception of Mecgar). Now it's only 3 per gun. If you can find the Smith 45 mags at a decent price jump on it. I do have multiple 7 and 8 round mags for my 457 and 4513 TSW.

 

[URIT]

Nice 4506-1!

I just wanted to point you to a North Carolina holster and belt maker, MTR Custom Leather. They make great belts and holsters molded to most S&W handguns. A good leather goods resource to bookmark.

 

[ncairman]

Nice 4506-1!

I just wanted to point you to a North Carolina holster and belt maker, MTR Custom Leather. They make great belts and holsters molded to most S&W handguns. A good leather goods resource to bookmark.

Thanks for the information, new holster maker for me!

 

[ncairman]

Are the black S&W mag followers the best? All my magazines have yellow.


Can anyone give me information on a current holster maker for OWB that is leather? I cannot seem to find anything for the old girl?


Thank you for all the help

 

[stansdds]

Are the black S&W mag followers the best? All my magazines have yellow.


Can anyone give me information on a current holster maker for OWB that is leather? I cannot seem to find anything for the old girl?


Thank you for all the help

For the 4506 (fits the 645 magazines too), the black follower was the final design and is considered to be the best. Since the third gen pistols have been out of production for two decades, most holster makers have dropped it from their production lines. Holsters for the 4506 often pop up on eBay and you may also find them on Gunbroker. An alternative might be a holster for the Beretta 92F, especially if the holster's muzzle end is open. I have a Bianchi Scorpion holster that is marked as being for both the Beretta 92F and S&W 4506

 

[ACEd]

As I recall Yellow followers are "correct" for 4506-1 at least up to about 1992 - they may be marked "4506-1 Only" and "Must Have Yellow Follower".

Original 4506 mag followers may have been orange like the original 4516 - I have 1 "4506" mag with orange follower but it has a metal base so I suspect it predates the 4506.

I believe the 4506 mags with black followers came out later (circa 1993?) and are interchangeable back to the 1988 4506 all the way up to the later mid-200x 4556TSW etc.

The yellow followers are no longer available and I have been told the black followers can be used in the earlier mags if you need to replace a follower. Not sure I would swap yellow followers unless one is damaged as I believe there were subtle changes in metal at top of mag like the 4516 mag iterations.