4506-1 (R4) "dash 3"

[18DAI]

Ben-Kenobi that is indeed a "dash 3". Late production, no dash after the 4506, laser etched markings.

The TDP serial prefix is one often seen on LE Special order guns. Very nice! Regards 18DAI

 

[Ben-Kenobi]

Thank you 18DAI, from the fantastic information that you've shared I figured it was a later production model. After reading on the first page that Robertson Trading Post sold many 4506's with the same serial number prefix I wonder if mine came from there.

It's possible someone here in Canada bought it from them and had it imported. If it is ex law enforcement it sure wasn't used very much. The person I bought it from said the previous owner shot it very little and he had only fired 150 rounds.

I received it with one magazine, an extra recoil spring and three magazine springs. I do wish I had the case for it but oh well. It's definitely a favorite of mine and one I won't sell.

 

[vjp]

Hi mirroir,

Funny you mention the thing with the barrel. My VJP prefix 4506 dash 3 is the same way. The barrel is harder to get in and out of the slide than my PC 45 CQB is with its Briley bushing.

Mine is a tack driver as well. My friend has a Les Baer 1911. I shot tiny groups - just as tiny as his - with my substantially less expensive 4506 dash 3. So did he! He looked a little green and sickly when he found out it was a standard production pistol and I had less than $600 in it.

TDM is 1999. My duty 4566 is a TDM prefix. Regards 18DAI

Man, I'd love to find a 4506 with a VJP prefix serial number!

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I doubt that I have the rare sub-type, but to me the 4506 is the finest production 45ACP handgun made. This one is ex-Fresno Sheriff's office. Very interesting post!

 

[jvmm]

My 4506-1

I just acquired one vbf3994
It looks new in the box, but the owner said he fired it,
Very stiff action , looks like all the original paper work is there, box has some wear
Anyone estimate its vallue??
It has adjustable sights that appear to be night sights

Thanks

 

[18DAI]

Congrats jvmm! the 4506-1s with adjustable night sights are scarce.

Locally, during normal times, that would be a $650 to $725 pistol. If it had mags, box ect.

A quick perusal of the big auction board shows nice 4506-1s BRINGING $1K+. Strange times. Enjoy that fine 45! Regards 18DAI

 

[Gunhacker]

I doubt that I have the rare sub-type, but to me the 4506 is the finest production 45ACP handgun made. This one is ex-Fresno Sheriff's office. Very interesting post!

I also have an ex-Fresno SO 4506-1 (SN# VZE50xx) and I do believe that these pistols are "dash 3" guns... is yours the same SN Prefix?

 

[jvmm]

Serial number is vbf3994

 

[Say When!]

Is mine a 4506-1 (R4) "dash 3" ?

Howdy boys!

Is mine a 4506-1 (R4) "dash 3" ?

Thank you.

Kind regards.

 

[18DAI]

Yes! And not only is it a "dash 3", from the box it appears it is one of the original batch, released by Lew Horton after the official end of production.

This is the batch that members 45CQB and wolfy brought to our attention, telling us how good the triggers were and that they were unusually accurate. Extremely accurate.

That started the ball rolling back then as members here sought them out and bought them up.

I look forward to hearing your impressions of that fine 45! Congrats! Regards 18DAI

 

[Say When!]

Is mine a 4506-1 (R4) "dash 3" ?

Good morning "18DAI":

Page#492 of The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Edition makes it appear as though my pistol is vintage 1994 - 1995.
Is that correct?

Thank you.
Kind regards,
David

 

[18DAI]

Probably. BUT - evidently, numbers of various 4506-1 production runs were held at the factory after being made. I am told that these were spares, kept in reserve to fill additional orders from LE agencies or as replacements for same.

And IIRC, we were told, back in the day, that the large batch Lew Horten aquired were from a cancelled order for an unknown West Coast LE Agency. That is why they had so many - +50. Again, IIRC.

At the time, none of us knew that there was anything special about this particular 4506-1 subset. Evidently though, they recieved some attention as the triggers were/are VERY good right out of the box.

And mine is as accurate as my Performance Center 45s AND my HK USP 45. VERY accurate! Regards 18DAI

 

[Say When!]

Is mine a 4506-1 (R4) "dash 3" ?

Hi "18DAI":

I am absolutely THRILLED that my pistol appears to be a 4506-1 (R4) "dash 3" !

My pistol has "4506-1" etched on the left side.
I thought I read that 4506-1 (R4) "dash 3" only have "4506" etched on the left side.

Kind regards,
David

 

[18DAI]

Yes, the majority of those "dash 3" 4506-1s are laser etched with no -1 after the model number. And most if not all of those, were made after 1998 to fill LE orders.

But as we have seen there are many examples made with roll marks and the -1 stamped after 4506. AND a few of those have forged hammers and triggers, vs the MIM hammers and triggers of the majority of the R4 guns. It IS a confusing and inexact science to identify what is truly one of the "dash3" subset.

Reliable indicators were the "03" on the box and customer service telling you it is a Revision 4 example. But as you can read earlier in this thread, customer service is no longer a reliable source. A few fellows here called once and were told their 4506-1 was revision 3. But on subsequent calls were told revision 4.

After much researching and conversations with retired S&W employees, as well as many LE who ordered and worked on the guns, the 03 on the box is STILL the most reliable indicator. Regards 18DAI

 

[Say When!]

scarcest variant?

Hi "18DAI":

Can you tell if mine is the scarcest variant 4506-1 (R4) dash 3 with factory adjustable night sights AND rollmarks vice laser etching?

Thank you.
Kind regards,
David

 

[Say When!]

Forged hammers and triggers

Hi "18DAI":

How can I tell if I have a forged hammer and trigger?

Than you.
Kind regards,
David

 

[18DAI]

??? The gun pictured above does not have night sights. I see a standard blade rear sight.

The gun pictured has the blued forged hammer and trigger. The MIM hammer has a recess on either side of the spur and a mold line running down the middle. The MIM trigger will often have a sprue mark on the left side as well.

The first 4506-1s had flash chromed hammers and triggers. Then they went to blue forged hammers and triggers. Finally came the switch to MIM. Hope this helps. Regards 18DAI

 

[Say When!]

18DAI:
Thank you VERY much!
Kind regards,
David McNulty

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Page#492 of The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Edition makes it appear as though my pistol is vintage 1994 - 1995.
Is that correct?

The label on your box has a Spec Ord code of "3321"

This traditionally would be decoded as the 321st day of 1993, or 17-Nov-1993.

Congrats on your find!

.

 

[Say When!]

BLUEDOT37:
Thank you, sir!
Kind regards,
David

 

[SigBoone]

Still going.....

Happy to see that this thread (as well as some of us) is still alive !

I haven't dropped by this forum in quite some time, longer since I've posted here. To find that this discussion continues is a testament of the enduring appeal that surrounds our 3rd Gens.

Howdy to 18DAI, long time since we've corresponded here. I see that you are still sharing your knowledge and spreading the gospel. Good to see you Sir.

V/r,
SigBoone