4506 Help

[rbrbrb6]

In going through the family members' safe (we had to move him to a memory care home this week) I came across a 4506. The only thing I know about these is that it is a bigger gun than my hand can comfortable hold! Is this an okay model pistol? Were they designed for the civilian market or the LE market and do nice examples have much value on the current market? I need to find a home for this one just like the other guns to put towards his care facility costs so any help you might be able to give would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Robb

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

They are excellent guns!

Made like tanks, and they will shoot. They have a following of sorts, myself included. They are what is known as third generation S&W pistols. They will bring pretty good money nowadays, if they are in good shape. Depending on where you are you can generally get six or seven hundred dollars for them fairly easily. Especially if they are really clean. The box helps. And extra magazines help value a lot as they are starting to dry up.

 

[rbrbrb6]

My brother accumulated guns rather than shoot them! I doubt if this have been fired and it comes with two magazines, the original box and the paperwork. I will get some pictures tomorrow and get it listed in the classified section.

Thank you,

Robb

 

[stansdds]

The 4506 is a refined version of S&W very first production 45 ACP pistol, the Model 645. These pistols were designed with law enforcement in mind, so they are built like tanks and are usually so reliable that they are boring. Although being a real hand full and heavy, they do absorb the recoil of the 45 ACP very well. A number of law enforcement agencies did adopt the 645 and 4506 and civilian sales were fairly strong as well.

 

[03hemi]

In going through the family members' safe (we had to move him to a memory care home this week) I came across a 4506. The only thing I know about these is that it is a bigger gun than my hand can comfortable hold! Is this an okay model pistol? Were they designed for the civilian market or the LE market and do nice examples have much value on the current market? I need to find a home for this one just like the other guns to put towards his care facility costs so any help you might be able to give would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Robb

Great guns, with all that you should get a decent penny for it.
I paid a little over $500 for mine, but that's probably around 1/2 of what it should have sold for IMO.

 

[4T5GUY]

Yep they are "battle tanks."

I got my first 4506-1 in 1992. Anchorage PD was using them and I had a chance to see one up close and was very impressed. I was a S&W revolver guy then but that 4506 started a new interest. I don't think anyone in LE would let you look at their firearms now days.

It's still running great without any issues. I actually bought another one which I eventually gave to my brother in law.
Try advertising it here. If that doesn't work out contact Jack the Dog. Mark is well established, honest and a really nice guy.

Since you're in Oregon you might be able to meet up with him saving some money.

Jim

 

[rbrbrb6]

He is in Willamina which is only about 15 miles away so that might be an option. I will post it here later today first though.

Robb

 

[ACEd]

4506 was first version of the 3rd generation full size 45's (1988-89?). As previously stated it evolved from the earlier 3 digit 45's which are referred to as second generation pistols.

There were subsequent versions including the 4506-1 - actual model numbers will be on left of pistol frame but box end may only say 4506 (I have seen at least one so marked).

In either case a LNIB example complete with box and papers would bring a premium price potentially up to $1000 depending on actual pistol and buyer as well as location. A lesser pistol in good condition with 1 mag and no box would probably be slightly north of $500.

Pictures would help.