4506-1 (R4) "dash 3"

[acco40]

Just for reference purposes, I picked-up a 4506 box off e-bay for my used 4506 and what was on the end label?

Product Code: 103728
** Special ** 03
Spec Ord: 7292
S/N VZT2008

 

[Outrider]

Ban on high capacity "boxes"

Just for reference purposes, I picked-up a 4506 box off e-bay for my used 4506 and what was on the end label?

Product Code: 103728
** Special ** 03
Spec Ord: 7292
S/N VZT2008

As the old saying goes, "Boxes don't kill people...People kill boxes..."

(Or something like that...)

Now if you can just find the contents...

 

[acco40]

Here is a close-up of the markings found on my 4506 with the EKZ prefix. It is still in the same condition as when it left the factory.

 

[acco40]

For all you Dash-3 fans, fleabay has a Smith & Wesson Model 4506 Factory Hard Plastic Pistol Handgun S&W Case for sale. The label list Model 4506 Rev 03 for a VJL prefix.

 

[kihnspiracy]

According to this thread, mine is an R3 version with factory adjustable tritium sights. The sights were dead when I got it. The box it came in, was just a generic Smith plastic case. No markings of any kind. The slide is currently at Trijicon getting relamped. I can wait to get it back and shoot it.

 

[acco40]

Robertson Trading Post on your favorite auction site had been listing some very nice Dash-3's, case and all, prefix TDP, that came form a local sheriff's department. I just checked a little while ago and both have been sold, but keep your eyes open for possibly more.

 

[acco40]

Another TDP prefix is available at Robertson Trading Post.

 

[dswancutt]

Robertson Trading Post on your favorite auction site had been listing some very nice Dash-3's, case and all, prefix TDP, that came form a local sheriff's department. I just checked a little while ago and both have been sold, but keep your eyes open for possibly more.

The more expensive of the two will be mine next month. I put it on layaway.

 

[acco40]

New to Me 4506-1 Dash 3

Just received my Dash 3 from Robertson Trading Post. The pistol looks brand new and came with everything from the factory. They must have a slew of them because new ones keep popping-up.

 

[dswancutt]

odd, I just checked all the completed auctions on 4506 from Robertsons and the gun I put on layaway does not have the S&W logo on the slide like the other TDP serial # guns.

 

[acco40]

New 4506 Dash 3

Here is the 4506 Dash 3 that I purchased from Robertson Trading Post. It came with everything as shipped from the factory including the 6" shorter spring for lighter target loads. The pistol was spotless when I received it and I doubt it was shot much. Now to take her out for a spin this weekend.

 

[acco40]

4506 Dash 3 Case

For all you Dash 3 fans, I have a 4506 Dash 3 factory case with the manual, unused warranty card, engraving pamphlet, and the hard to find 6" shorter spring with the instruction paper. The spring does have a very slight curve to it, but it is not kinked or rusted so it will work fine. If you are interested, e-mail me at [email protected] I don't want to post on the classifieds until this small group of Dash 3 aficionados gets a look. All e-mails will be replied by FIFO. TXS

 

[ahoss79]

I sent a history request letter in to S&W to see if they would give some more info on the my "dash 03". I got a letter back referencing the history of a 4516 and referring to my pistol as a 4516 It did state that my pistol was originially delivered to the Los Angeles Police & Pistol Club in Feb. of 1999. So I did learn a little interesting info.

Looks like I'll have to contact Roy to get the letter redone.

 

[Denver Dick]

Here you go. This is the box label for my 4506-1 (Dash 3??) that was shipped in 1997. I've also posted a section from the letter I received from Roy Jinks at S&W regarding my "Special Order Los Angeles Police" pistol. By the way, check out the product code on my box. I believe the "box" that acco40 has may be for a "Special Order Los Angeles Police." FWIW

For more on this pistol and the product code, see here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...le-night-sights-what-do-you-think-photos.html

 

[Outrider]

Best estimate on numbers produced?

What is the best estimate on the total number of R4 dash-3s produced?

Any clues -- or guesses -- at all?

 

[18DAI]

Outrider short of getting Roy Jinks to give us a number, I don't think there is anyway to accurately tell the number of 4506-1 "dash 3's" made.

Hell, we can't really reliably tell when they began to be made. 1998 looked like it, till one member here was told his was a revision 3....????

As to when they ended, I would have guessed 2006, maybe 2007. BUT I was recently made aware of the possibility that the Nebraska State patrol purchased NEW 4506-1's (presumably "dash 3's") as late as 2009 2010. I haven't confirmed this......yet. Regards 18DAI

 

[Outrider]

Picked up 2...

I picked up two dash-3s from Robertson Trading Post.

Slightly pricey -- but well more than worth it -- and probably cheaper than a GunBroker auction. One was likely January 1998. The other was probably October 1999.

More later with photos...

Odd point, thought. The pricier of the two had night sights -- which the previous owner had whited over rather than having had it re-lamped...

Robertson didn't realize they were night sights for that reason...

Robertson was great to deal with...I'll do business with them again...

My two aren't quite as pristine as Acco40's, but they're still plenty sweet...And both mine had Hogues -- which is a big deal for me...

 

[djh1765]

ABoy what a great discussion. Thanks.
I don't have a clue as to what my 4506-1 is but it was made in Dec. of 1995 according S&W. The s/n starts with VYC xxxx.

The thing that impresses me more than anything about my pistol is it will shoot any 45ACP cartridge you want to feed it with accuracy. I can never remember it failing and I have shot 1000's of rounds through it.
I load my own cartridges and have tried many different receipts with excellent results from both jacketed and cast bullets.

I've owned many 1911's in my day and will put this 4506 up against any of them.

Love this blog.

 

[djh1765]

I have an interesting little tid bit.

Member Inspcalahan just contacted me and it seems that my 4506-1 and his 4506-1 both with s/n prefixes of VYC are only 30 digets apart.

Interesting don't you think.
djh

 

[Irn-Bru]

I want one of these badly! Anyone know a source, I could find a nice one under $600?

 

[timn8er]

Trust me to come late to the party! I just acquired a 4506-1 & I'm not sure if its an 03. It has the black trigger & hammer & as far as makings, on the left side of the slide, all it has is: Smith & Wesson
Springfield, MA U.S.A.

On the frame it reads: VKR58XX
Model 4506-1

On the right side of the frame there is a S&W emblem, nothing else. It has some very dead non-adjustable night sights on it. I would post pics but the grip is in sad shape. I didn't get a box, so I don't have any more info. I don't think its an 03, but I am curious.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Larger Bbl. Hood

There are three different types of 4506-1 (R4) dash 3 observed. All have the larger barrel hood.

Was this unique to these later 4506 models only or was it also incorporated into some earlier non-R4 models too? Any idea when they started that on the 4506's?

I wasn't aware of this feature before, but I was comparing the hood on my 4516-1 (1991) to the hood on my 845 (1996). Is this what the larger hood (845) is that you referred to?

.

3rd Gen Barrel Hood Comparision (.45 caliber)

(-01b_

.

3rd Gen Barrel Hood Comparision (.40 caliber)

(-01)

.

 

[18DAI]

Hi BLUEDOT37,

Yes, the 845 in your pics appears to have the larger hood that I'm referring to.

The larger hoods came along at the end of 4506-1 production. IIRC they were part of the revisions which came out of the 10XX series gun program. The larger hood was also incorporated into the subsequent TSW series guns.

timn8er based on your description and serial prefix I'd wager that your new 4506-1 is also an R4 or "dash 3" gun. If you find it is hard to get the barrel in and out of the slide, that would be another indicator. Many R4 4506 owners have found the barrels tightly fitted to the slide. Congrats on your new 4506-1! Regards 18DAI

 

[4506nj]

My agency used to issued the 4506. We did have some with the serial number VKR58XX

We traded them in 2009 for the M&P 45

 

[hatchdog]

Quote from OP

"There are three different types of 4506-1 (R4) dash 3 observed. All have the larger barrel hood. The early variants have roll marks on the slide and frame. These have been observed with "V" serial prefixes. VAV, VJP, VLN have been some that I've seen. This variant of the dash 3 was produced with both fixed Novak sights and adjustable sights. The rollmarks on the frame were two lines - serial number and "MOD 4506-1".

This post explains something to me. I recently purchased a 4506-1 at a gunshow without the box. I have other 3rd gens in other calibers and understand the trigger pull. I took my newly acquired 4506 to the gravel pit and gave it a run. My first observation is how nice the trigger is compared to my other 3rd gens. I just checked my S/N and it is a VJP as described above. Thanks for the information, looks like I got lucky!

 

[BloodyThumb]

Another one here. -1, roll marked, two line "ser# over Mod 4506-1", large hood, adjustable sights, black forged hammer and trigger, VDF prefix.

I picked it up about 5 years ago with 8 mags. IIRC it was $350... maybe $375. Cleaned and inspected it, changed the recoil spring and grips, and started shooting it regularly. I love Smith wheel guns, but this is the only Smith auto that has "stuck".

It looked better then than it does now. I have shot it quite a bit and use it now as a spare in an active shooter kit that I keep in my primary POV since it is the same caliber as my duty and off duty.

It has been a great gun. If I didn't trust it I wouldn't be using it this way.

 

[cobra357]

So do I have a "dash 3"? I think it is but defer to the 'experts'

 

[BLUEDOT37]

4506 R4

So do I have a "dash 3"?

It's got the "03" on the label & was made in MAR-1996...looks like it to me.
How long have you had it?

 

[cobra357]

Little over two years. Looked unfired when I bought it. Had both springs in the box. I have since fired it and couldn't be more pleased with it.

 

[nocents]

cobra......no expert so I called SW and gave the young lady my serial # on my newly acquired 4506-1...and she was able to give me .....born date...revision variant.....took less than 5 min......including wait time