4506 grips

[badt00d]

What grip options are there for the 4506 with the wrap around grip? Can they be converted to two seperate grip panels? I see some posted with wood grips, with the backstrap open. Don't know much about these pistols, trying to learn something about them. Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[badt00d]

What grip options are there for the 4506 with the wrap around grip? Can they be converted to two seperate grip panels? I see some posted with wood grips, with the backstrap open. Don't know much about these pistols, trying to learn something about them. Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[Bullitholz]

The 4506 used the wrap around delrin plasic grips and there are two types offered, arched and straight backstraps.

The guns that have the wood grips with the exposed backstraps are actually model 645's, the predecessor to the 4506. These were only manufactured for a couple of years before the 4506 came out. The frames are different between the 2 designs and from what I understand they can't share grips.

If you look closely the frame on the 4506 is releived below the trigger guard, allowing for a higher hand placement when gripping the gun. The 645 doesn't have this and as such doesn't sit in the hand quite as nicely.

Both are great guns though, if you want a dependable .45 ACP they are pretty tough to beat.

 

[badt00d]

I ran an assortment of factory and handloaded ammo thru this used cop turn in the other day, hollow points, ball, and fat 230 lrn, every one went thru it like water, not one hicccup. Better than the 1911's I've been messin with, haven't had much luck with them as far as dependability goes. Was just lookin for a shooter, maybe found a keeper. Thanks for the replies. JT.

 

[Bullman]

I had a 4506 that would feed empty unsized cases, that thing was uber reliable, but it gave me back trouble carring around that boat anchor, traded it in for a 4566.

About the easiest source for after market wood for the 4506 is Hogue. They of course also have rubber grips too. There is another custom grip maker Nihls or something like that that makes grips for Smiths, but I don't know anything about them. Also have a Chiefs Special 45 and would love to lay my hands on a 4516 for the money. The Hogues do end up being a 2 panel setup, They attach by means of a stirrup that is used to contain the mainspring.