4506-1 vs. 1911 compatability

[Alex R]

Good morning!
I am already on the road now to check out a 4506-1.
Condition is described „as new“, the dealer said it was most likely a „hangar queen“ (to stay in my terms...).
As it is quite hard here in Germany to get more than two handguns, a lot of us are looking for bigger calibers with the possibility to change to smaller ones later (those parts do not count as a gun, as long as the sizes are the same or smaller).

My question: Is the 4506-1 somehow compatible to the 1911?
Is there a chance to change the calibre from .45 to 9mm (or even .22 for my kids)?
I have found literally nothing (!!!) about this. And no gunsmith yet could tell me.

I personally am not the biggest fan of the 1911 and do like the 4506 (and some others) much more. And I do have better results with them.
Having a multicalibre would be nice.

Thanks and have a good day.
Alex

 

[18DAI]

Welcome to the forum!

I too am an admirer and long time 4506-1 user. My gunsmith use to say that with enough money, anything is possible. But I have never heard of a 4506-1 being converted to a 9mm and am unaware of any 22 kit conversion.

As far as compatability with 1911s, the 4506-1 shares the caliber, but nothing else. The mags, recoil springs, parts and even holsters are all different.

The 945, is a sort of crossbreed of the 4506 and 1911, being single action on a 4506 frame and slide. Enjoy your 4506-1! It is my favorite full size 45 pistol. Regards 18DAI

 

[stansdds]

The only thing compatible between the M1911 and the S&W 4506 is ammo. I have never heard of any conversion kits which would allow the 4506 to become a 9x19mm or 22LR. The 4506, and especially the -1 variant, is built like a tank and can withstand a lifetime of shooting +P ammo.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

They are completely two different animals as said only share the round they fire. I own several 1911's but like the newer and heavier design of the S&W 4506. We used to joke that the 4506 was one of the few handguns that you could use as a club if you run out of ammo, but makes it a great gnb to shoot 45ACP with little felt recoil for some.

 

[Alex R]

Gents,
thank you for the answers and opinions.
Reason for that (maybe silly) question is that there is almost no practical info about that pistol over here...
Since there are the above mentioned restrictions in buying guns, it would be nice to have a conversion kit available.
Due to traffic jam I didn‘t make it to Hamburg to the shop. :-(
But now I do have a few days to read more.

Alex

 

[biku324]

I like the 4506 a lot and was issued one back in the '90s. Solid, accurate reliable - I'm just not a DA semi-auto trigger fan. It tends to leave me with two groups, the first shot, then all the others in a slightly different spot.

 

[kingrj]

The 4506 is a handgun that you can shoot .45 Super without modification...It is very accuate and durable..but the single action trigger will never be as good as a tuned 1911..But it will be good enough..As a hunting handgun its hammer drop safety is vastly suprior to trying to let the hammer down on a 1911 with your thumb...I deer hunt with a 4506 with a red dot holo sight.

 

[rock doc]

Alex,

Welcome to the forum.

I had a new S&W 1911 and currently have a police trade-in 4506-1. I sold the 1911 because it was a pain in the arse to take apart to clean. I had problems when removing the front bushing, which allowed the recoil spring to fly out. I lost one recoil spring when I took it apart outside to clean. Afterwards, I would clean it inside the house and have marks on the ceiling from the spring. The 4506 is much simpler to take apart for cleaning.

 

[MP-5]

I hate that when cleaning my 1911

Me, after I lose my 1911 recoil spring

 

[stansdds]

The Model 1911, as designed, is actually simple to field strip. It gets difficult when you use a tightly fitted barrel bushing and especially when combined with one of those full-length guide rods.

 

[Alex R]

Hi everyone!
Just to give a short reply: I bought a 4506.
It was owned by a hunter and used as a backup gun.
Well, „used“ is the wrong word. It will have it‘s second mayden voyage in a few days. All the internals look brand new. The owner said that he did maybe one magazine every few years, just to see if it still works...
So the only use signs are from holstering.
We agreed on €500, which is just fair, especially for a 4506 in an almost unused condition.
More than happy with it!

Edit: Pics are turned... Hope it‘s ok.

 

[Heinz]

Nice pistol! Enjoy it.

 

[hammy5150]

Good find, a 4506 is probably a decently uncommon, almost exotic pistol in Germany. Unfortunately it has zero parts commonality with the far more ubiquitous 1911.

 

[Alex R]

Yes, that‘s true, it‘s very uncommon here. I hope there‘s no need for spare parts. But from what I read here and elsewhere it should be a really tough gun.
It seems mine has received a makeover of the trigger. It‘s very crisp, dry and after a long pull with continues, very light force, you feel a definite resistance, have a very short and clear pull until it releases. Nice!
Also I will not shoot plus ammo, because of missing CIP numbers... The plus ammo here isn‘t really one; Just slightly higher loaded than normal ones.
Personally I don‘t like the 1911 too much. Factory ones often need work. Tuned ones are too expensive. Sorry.
Guns are quite personal.