S&W 3rd Gen 45XX Prototypes

18DAI · #1 04-25-2013, 02:18 PM

I've been wondering lately about what 3rd gen 45's were proposed but never went beyond prototype production. Or maybe made it as far as sales samples.

I know there were some compacts made for possible european use and some different 4566 sized guns produced. Anyone have information on any of these prototypes? Anyone own a S&W 45XX prototype?

I own one. The 4563 CQB prototype used in the Nov 2001 American Handgunner article. Very nice pistol that differs from the production guns in haveing slide lightening cuts like the Shorty 45's. Regards 18DAI

Ethang · #2 04-25-2013, 02:36 PM

Cool.

There must be something wrong though as the pics don't seem to be loading.....

ericlw · #3 04-25-2013, 08:21 PM

I got a CQB also not a prototype.

slfree · #4 04-25-2013, 08:40 PM

How might one tell if a gun is a prototype?

CALREB · #5 04-25-2013, 08:52 PM

Eric , If this is the one your talking about, it isnt serial #1 , I just covered up the othe two numbers. We ordered them in 97 and got them in early,98.
Product code list them as 4566 CQB, they are all stlns 2-tone but they have no "CQB" lettering.Approx 20 made.
18DAI has seen this before( HEY J! ) .
They real rarity is the 4506 model Grinder has, I have never seen or heard of another. Take care Bob

18DAI · #6 04-26-2013, 10:27 AM

Hi CALREB !!

That 4566 is a beauty!! Thanks for sharing it with us.

I'll have to settle for one of the production models for my carry gun. I had my PC 4566 CQB sent off to S&W this past February. I had Novak night sights installed and a spurless forged hammer too. It is going to be my "last duty pistol".

I just got it back yesterday and I'll be starting a thread on it. Thanks for all your advice CALREB!!

slfree, one way to SOMETIMES tell is the serial prefix. S&W used a PCZ prefix on many BUT NOT ALL prototypes.

Any of you other fellas have some pics of your S&W 45 prototypes? Grinder??

Regards 18DAI