I love this firearm, but its tank like construction makes it a bit heavy for CC in my limited experience. Is anyone carrying this model without it pulling your pants down? (not trying to be smart-it's just honking heavy)

I have a Turkish military issue 9HP out at the smithy which I would like to trade in on a lighter S&W 45 model-something a bit lighter, but without the current composite construction.

I carried a 4516 for 10-12 years, & a steel frame 1911 (Commander size) for more years than that. I've come to appreciate polymer frames more & more lately. Have a Sig P250 on my hip right now, & can't even tell it's there.

I carry a 4566 on duty. I also carry it off duty in the fall/winter.

Mine is a post official end of production, laser etched markings, decock only, spurless hammer 4566. One slick carry 45.

On duty I use a Safariland holster and a 511 basketweave leather belt.

Off I use a G&G pancake and a 511 gun belt.

With a good belt and holster the 4566's weight is not an issue. Besides, at 38.5 oz's the 4566 is equal in weight to most 1911's and lighter than a few.

You never hear the 1911 fanboys whining about the weight. Regards 18DAI.

A 4566TSW about half the time I carry. It depends mostly on what time of year and if I'm wearing a sport coat, etc..

I use a Gould and Goodrich paddle retention holster, necessary because I have to disarm frequently during the course of a normal working day.

Tips for a large or heavy gun. 1] Thick, wide, sturdy belt, as wide as your belt loops and holster can take. 2] A holster that distributes the weight as horizontally as possible, along the belt.

It works for me...although to tell you the truth, I'm searching for a non-retention holster right now, as long as I can find one that will be as comfortable as the G and G.

Len

18DAI and I posted at the same time...great minds and all that!

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Qui me amat, amet et canem meum

It is heavy. But I would never get rid of it. I have many thousands of rounds through it and it has never failed on me. It is very accurate also. If you decide to get rid of it. You should be able to get a decent price.

Thanks gentleman! In my small collection, this is without a doubt my favorite sidearm, and have no desire to part with it.

That safariland seems to be a favorite, as most of my LE friends have recommended it to me. I'll check it out. How about the Bianchi? http://www.opticsplanet.net/bianchi-...and-16849.html

My main mode of transport is my Harley, so finding something which will secure the gun as well as keep it readily accessible can be a challenge. Nothing like seeing a pistol bouncing down the road in my rear view mirror. (Need a 'YIKES!' emoticon...)

Have you considered a 4563TSW? That's the aluminum frame version of the '66.

Smitty, yes I am consider that model once I get my HP9 back. Hopefully I can get a decent trade in. Will the 4566 mags fit the 4563TSW, as I have 6 of them-found a deal on used ones.

Off to my favorite local gun shop to look at the 4563TSW. Thank you!

Same mags in both, get the 4563TSW, you won't regret it.

I just got a 4513TSW...but want a 4566!!...hopefully soon

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Thanks,
KPSqured

Just shot 200 rounds thru the 4566 at the range tonight-I love this gun! Trigger is so sweet. Had to adjust the rear sight a bit-then dead on.

I concur. I have always said that with the proper leather, the third gens can be carried comfortably.

I carry mine in an Ugly Bald Guy Canute with a Beltman belt. I notice it, bt it's not overly heavy.

I carried a 4506 and a 4516, but am carrying a 4563TSW for the moment at least. If you like the 4566 you should take a look at the 4563TSW. I'm using that, as well as a S&W 442, in my present assignment in Narcotics.

Good combination.

Here's a poor photo of my 4563TSW...the rail is ugly, but it's nice to be able to attach a light if you're going to keep it by the bed. I love the 4506 and it is pretty similar in weight to the 4566, but when you feel the significant difference the 4563TSW will endear itself and you'll wonder if it's not one of the best .45s S&W made.

Attached Images

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Thanks Leiden! I will see if I can check one out locally.

]

I carry a 1066 when I'm not carrying my 4040. Once you get used to the weight its not bad at all. I use a Bianchi IWB holster.

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J.D. Roy

This will keep the q tips from riding your azz:

Attachment 42006

I Carry mine in a crossbreed Supertuck.

Now Leiden, you know this here:



is the finest .45 auto made. Alloy framed, too!


Cat

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Think for yourself.

Yes, it's "one of the" finest .45s S&W ever made. If I owned it I'd carry it on-duty every day, but with my luck it'd get scratched or end up in Evidence for a long time.

I'm warming up to the aluminum frames S&Ws, but must admit nothing will ever fully replace the 4506 and 4516, although there was a 4566 CQB offered on Gunbroker (maybe it's still there) that definately had my attention. Luckily the owner only took certified funds....had he taken Paypal or credit cards it'd be at my house already.

Looking at life now, having carried a 4506 and a 4516, I think if I were only to have "one fits all" for LE use it'd be a 4566 sized CQB or the 4563TSW. I'm sure I'm the only one who likes it, but the I'd love to have a 4583TSW without the rail.

So, if you every want to get some honest wear on that Shorty 45 of yours just send it my way. With all the drugs and UDAs coming across the border I promise it'll get holster presentation wear.

Catshooter that is one of the finest looking .45s I've ever seen. Very cool.

Thank you gentlemen for your kind words. It actually doesn't look like that anymore. Here's a pic of how she looks now:





One of the things about the Shortys that I didn't like was the blued parts. There are six, fer cryin' out loud. So I sent them off to Armalloy and had them hard chromed. Looks exactly like they were done by Smith.


Cat

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Think for yourself.

Cat,

I think it looks a lot better now. There's nothing quite like a used pistol with honest wear. At work we have several detectives with Generation 1 and 2 Glock 17s that have no holster wear and they're worn everyday. I bet they get shot just once a year at the annual qualification. I'm looking for, and hoping, my back-up has a well worn pistol as it's a small indicator he practices with it.

Awesome firearm, Catshooter! This place is bad for my wallet, as I want to add that gun to my S&W collection now...

I carry either a 1066 or a 4566 in a high noon underarmor holster ( Shoulder Holster).
I realize that is not the norm, for me though I love it and carry either one (Usually the 1066) all year long without difficulty and very comfortable.
The guys at High Noon were great to deal with. Just wished they made one for my 645!
Take care and god bless...HT

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Jesus is Lord
John 3:16

I have both a 4006 and a 1076 that I carry regularly.

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Steve
NJ State Trooper (rtd)