4506 Questions

[Dot_mdb]

Do the older models with the stepped frame weigh less than the new models?

Did the change to the round trigger guard (3rd trigger guard) AND elimination of the stepped frame occur with the manufacturing change from the 4506 to the 4506-1?

Bill

 

[Outrider]

Bill,

I believe the 4506-1 represented the shift to the 4506-1006 shared frame -- with the inverted rails. (Please correct me if I'm wrong.)

The 4506-1 slide is a little lighter -- as the bore diameter is larger and contains less metal -- than a 1006.

It seems I once read where the 1006 slide is 2 ounces heavier than the original 4506 slide and an ounce heavier than the 4506-1 -- but it's been nearly 20 years or more since that entered the failing memory banks...

The extra slide mass did a GREAT deal for the durability of the Smith 10s -- and was largely responsible for why they're so beloved. That extra weight is a substantial mass for even hot 10mm loads to push around.

The 4506-1 likewise benefited from the bulking up...and contributed to why that series is also near sacrosanct in Smith lovers' minds -- and contributes to why even knowing, honest Glockers almost NEVER slam S&W 10-series or 4500 series pistols.

I think they're among the very best pistols Smith ever made -- and mourn their loss daily from regular, on-going production.

I'm not certain what you mean by "stepped frame".

 

[Dot_mdb]

"Stepped Frame"

All of the pictures that I have seen of the square trigger guard 4506 models have the frame that looks similar to a 5906 frame with the added thickness that begins about above the trigger and extends backwards in the grip area.

The later 4506 models with the round trigger guard have the flat frame which appears to have about the same thickness along the whole length.

I am curious about how this change effects handling and durability and weight of the weapon.

Bill

 

[WR Moore]

The flat frame stood up to the 10mm rounds back when they delivered robust ballistics. Since the .45 operates at less than 1/2 that pressure, it should stand up well. I was issued a 1006 in 1992, it was retired (I bought it) in 2006. I have no real estimate of how many thousands of rounds went through that pistol in that time, with no damage.

I couldn't find pictures of the early 4506, are you sure you're not thinking of the 645? I found pictures of the both on GunBroker, there is a very slight step in the frame. I have no idea about how much weight it would add, I have grave doubts it would significantly affect durability or they wouldn't have eliminated it.

 

[Dot_mdb]

I couldn't find pictures of the early 4506, are you sure you're not thinking of the 645?

The 15th post in this thread shows a picture of an early 4506 with the stepped frame:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/78699-post-pics-your-smith-autos.html

 

[Outrider]

I finally see what you mean.

Only Smith could answer the weight issue -- and only someone who's fired both models side by side intent on comparison could venture an answer to that handling query.

I suspect, for the reasons noted previously, that the 4506-1 is all in all more durable -- and probably has more "balance forward" handling -- because it's build on a 1006 frame -- which was specifically engineered for a near-rifle class, hot pistol caliber.

To me, the 1006 drops straight back down on target very, very quickly -- much more so, than say, a Glock 20. I believe that characteristic comes from "balance forward" weighting in the slide.

I also doubt that you'd ever notice any real practical difference between a 4506 and 4506-1.

If you have an old 4506, shoot the crap out it, take good care of it -- and if you live to be 350 years old, you MIGHT finally shoot it out -- so just enjoy it...

(But if I had to pick between the two, I'd chose the newer frame -- simply because I like its looks better...)

As for me, I HATE that square, hooked trigger guard...

 

[ACE31]

Yea but the square trigger guard made a good crude brass knuckle in a fight...LOL