EDIT:

RESOLVED - The dealer selling this gun was completely unaware the pistol was not correct and offered a full refund. I however asked for an adjusted lower price and the dealer and I agreed on a lowered price that I am very happy with.

Thank you all for your advice, Paul




Gun I purchased from a GB auction : 4556_GB6.jpg4556_GB5.jpg4556_GB7.jpg4556_GB8.jpg

This is a correct 4556: S&W 4556-NIB.jpg


Hope you could help me by giving some advice. I came across a gun in Gun Broker listed as a S&W 4556 being sold by a gun dealer. He had many pictures of the gun from all angles and it looked great. I started bidding and finally hit the reserve price (way too high) winning the auction and gun.

Gun shipped to my FFL in Maryland and I go to inspect yesterday and holding the gun I finally realized the slide and barrel are too long for a 4556. The barrel measures 4.25". So it looks like I got a 4556 frame with a 4586 top. It was apparent in all the pictures posted in the auction but I never noticed.

So what does this do to the value of the gun?

Could this be a S&W performance center custom job? Or did someone create a "bastar*" gun by simply installing a 4586 slide on a 4556 frame?

You can see in one of the pictures the guide rod protrudes about 1/16" and the end is stamped "1".

I don't think the dealer that sold the gun on Gun Broker realized the mistake or that he put the two together to make one clean gun but I did not receive a true 4556 which is what he listed.

The gun is super clean with tijicon night sights and my FFL thought it was "brand new". Do you think a gun in this condition is worth the big money ($900) I paid or should I consider trying to return it and get my money back?

Maryland's 7 day background check is now "backed up" to 10 - 12 weeks so I would not be able to shoot this or tear gun apart until then.

Any advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Paul

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2B1ASK1

Paul,

If it were me I would return it. For that kind of money you should get the real thing, assuming that it is not a performance center gun. I believe that a 86 slide should fit that frame ok but there could be other modifications that you do not detect. If someone would put the wrong slide on it, what else have they done? If you keep it I would take it to a gunsmith that has extensive knowledge about the 3rd gens. Of course you can call S&W on Tuesday to find out if it was a PC gun.

You really should return that, especially as it is not what you paid for. I absolutely believe the dealer would understand the issue.

Hi Paul,

I could be wrong but it Looks like a "Frankensmith" to me. Have you torn it down yet? That number I see stamped in the end of the guide rod could mean aftermarket Menck impact buffer in there too. I Don't recall S&W stamping numbers in their guiderods but Menck did though.

Now someone could have had the PC do that back when they did a lot of custom word. I don't believe it was part of regular production. The only way to find out I think is to contact S&W and ask. If you can document that it originally came from S&W in that configuration then perhaps the value might be close to what you payed. Otherwise I'm afraid it's not even worth half that IMHO.

Cheers
Bill

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Because they don't make a .46

As a carry piece I like the combo of the longer slide with the shorter grip frame myself. Did you pay too much, well that's up to you. It appears to have night sights, are they still good? Do you look to resell down the road? There is probably a SSV 4586 out there somewhere now.

the slide and frame color also look like a refinish bead blast job.

it does not have the whiter frosty look like the factory gun.

I would return it.

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if you're gonna be a bear...

BMCM,

No, did not have time to tear down and inspect the way I should have. I was on my lunch break Friday when I ran over to the FFL to take a quick look and fill out papers. He is closed for the Holiday weekend so I'll have to wait until Tuesday to see when I might look at it again.

Sending a PM your way.

Thanks, Paul

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2B1ASK1

I would send it back, just on the variables of un answered questions & get a unquestionable pistol, but still inspect it closely before shooting, but that's just me. Good Luck on whatever you decide.

RESOLVED - SEE 1st POST

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2B1ASK1

I think that one of the handiest 1911s I have ever held is a Commander top half on an Officer's lower.

This is sort of like that. Assuming there are no issues with mating the two, I think you got a winner!

Hi Paul,

I'm glad you got it worked out. Ya got your very own S&W 3rd gen CCO now. Nice

Cheers
Bill

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Because they don't make a .46