4506 vs M&P 45FS

[45times6]

I have a full-sized M&P 45 and am very happy with its performance. I must admit, though, that I just can't shake the desire for a 4506, and am somewhat embarrassed to admit that it's for purely emotional reasons... I just can't "love" the plastic fantastic as much as I'm drawn to the steel of the 3rd-Gen models.

I don't use the pistol for anything more exciting than punching paper, so I suppose I can afford to use such subjective criteria.

What I don't have, though, is access to a 4506 -- none of the shops around here have them, etc., and all I keep reading on the interwebs is how tank-like and huge they are. I'm really curious to know how the 4506 compares (size-wise, trigger reach, etc.) with the full-sized M&P.

Does anyone have pics they might be able to post that would compare the two -- particularly showing trigger reach, thickness, etc.? Thanks very much!

 

[Tbojo]

I have a 4506-1 and a M&P 45C and a M&P 40 FS - the only thing that appears to be close in size is the slide width on the 45C. The 4506 is an M&P on steroids - heavy & much thicker in the grip area, and all steel with no MIM parts. I prefer the trigger on the M&P however, the single action on the 4506 is very crisp once you get used to the take-up of the double action stroke. I bought the 4506 in the early 90's - it has had many rounds through it and is still a rock solid reliable pistol. It now resides as a queen in my safe, they are becoming something of a collector item and the value will continue to climb. Paid around $400 for it new in about 93 -- it is in excellent shape with box and papers (even the original warranty card). I suspect its value somewhere around $9-1000.00 and growing. Saw a link somewhere that Cabellas had some police trade in 4506's in the $500 range. I now shoot my new m1911 S&W E series and the 4506 is in retirement - doubt it will stay there for long!
Good luck!

 

[18DAI]

No contest, for me - 4506. A real S&W 45.

The 4506 is accurate, reliable, good trigger, dust cover doesn't droop, mags don't fall out while shooting, firing pin doesn't fracture while dry firing and looks good doing all that. Good luck with your decision. Regards 18DAI.

 

[45times6]

Thanks for your replies so far -- It seems clear that both pistols have a lot of fine points; I just want to make sure I'm actually capable of wrapping my hand around the 4506 if/when I buy one!

 

[Camocustom]

I have the 2nd gen, the 4506's predecessor, the 645 AND my EDC is a m&p .45 fullsized! To me, the grip frame on the 645 is too thin for my liking, as I use a grip glove added to my m&p's medium palmswell. They really are 2 different weapons, and there is always room for 2!!

 

[45times6]

Is the 645's frame the same thickness as the 4506's?

 

[4506517]

Oh wow....I'm certainly not gonna make any friends on this thread. I own two 4506s and 1006. I carry an M&P 45 full size on duty. We qualified yesterday and out of 12 guns, two had broken strikers, three had consistent failures to eject, and one was completely withdrawn from service. My agency totally replaced our first M&Ps, and some guys are on their third one. I tried to discuss it on the "other" board but it got ugly quick. That said, my newest one has performed flawlessly. I still would rather carry my 4506. The grip is thinner and it just plain runs smoother. It just seems more refined. I would love it if they did a run with an integral rail, loaded chamber indicator, and a checkered front strap. Put the night sights from the M&P on it, and you would have a real winner.

 

[45times6]

...I still would rather carry my 4506. The grip is thinner and it just plain runs smoother. It just seems more refined. I would love it if they did a run with an integral rail, loaded chamber indicator, and a checkered front strap. Put the night sights from the M&P on it, and you would have a real winner.

Wow is right!

When you say the grip is thinner, does that translate to a shorter trigger reach (distance to the trigger)?

 

[Badkarma 1]

Much like yourself I have no love for plastic pistols. And most if the poly .45s are just to fat for my hands the exceptions being the XD and M&P.
Currently I too own a 645 and did it about perfect for my hand, the trigger reach is shorter on the M&P (for me) especially compared to the 4506 with the arched backstrap. And after reading the above post, I'm none to eager to have the M&P!
Dale

 

[sniper47]

I actually prefer the 645 over the 4506, but since I can't resist buying guns, I now have both a 4506 and 4566. Here is my 645

 

[18DAI]

You have friends here 4506517 !! Regards 18DAI.

 

[4506517]

@18DAI......LOL you were the only one that agreed with me on the "other" board!!!!! From one NC LEO to another, I appreciate it.

45times6.......I switched out all of my pistols to brand new straight grips. Definitely makes single action a shorter pull and makes double a tad shorter. DA pull on the 4506s is WAY smoother.....I almost don't notice that first shot being DA. But that's just me. Keep in mind I also use the smallest insert for the M&P 45. That pistol would be much better if it offered a completely straight backstrap insert....again, that's just me.

As an aside, I had to laugh when one of the posters on the "other" board told me most civilian concealed carry pistols are treated as harsh or even more harshly than an LE duty gun. In his defense though, he did say he was new to gun ownership.

 

[Nframe357]

Oh wow....I'm certainly not gonna make any friends on this thread. I own two 4506s and 1006. I carry an M&P 45 full size on duty. We qualified yesterday and out of 12 guns, two had broken strikers, three had consistent failures to eject, and one was completely withdrawn from service. My agency totally replaced our first M&Ps, and some guys are on their third one. I tried to discuss it on the "other" board but it got ugly quick. That said, my newest one has performed flawlessly. I still would rather carry my 4506. The grip is thinner and it just plain runs smoother. It just seems more refined. I would love it if they did a run with an integral rail, loaded chamber indicator, and a checkered front strap. Put the night sights from the M&P on it, and you would have a real winner.

WOW! That's eye opening! I had a full sized M&P 45 and really liked it but i'm not crazy about plastic either. Now I run 2 4506's as my go to 45's.

 

[remat457]

I can do pics of a 1006 (same size as a 4506) or 1066 vs an M&P 9FS if that would help. All my 45's are metal framed

I love my M&P's and believe that the striker issues have been resolved (I did break one) and haven't had any problems since.

Having said that, 3rd Gens are indeed special and worth finding.

 

[45times6]

What a great forum -- Thanks for all the replies, guys!

It's clear that I might just need to have both!!! Still, any side-by-side photos or additional anecdotal information comparing the two would be great!

 

[4506517]

I can do the pictures you want, but it will have to be later tonight. Im working an off duty job until 10 pm.

 

[Broker50]

I can't post pics today, maybe tomorrow. I have a 4506 & 1006 & FS M&P9 & M&P40, 1006 slide is thicker than 4506. I'm surprised no one has mentioned a 4506 is almost identical in size & weight to a 5" steel 1911. If that makes it a "tank", so be it. They shoot great, & will last forever. I must admit, I like the ergonomics of the M&P line. I don't have an M&P 45, have handled them though, I find very little difference size wise with the 9/40. I have to have both 45 & 9/40 in my hand to tell the difference. Later.

 

[45times6]

Thanks!

That's kind of you guys to offer to post pics -- I'd love to see them, if it wouldn't inconvenience you!

 

[Tbojo]

Grip size

The 645's do have a thinner grip - very much like a 1911 - the 4506 grip is a one piece somewhat curved in the backstrap grip. I have seen many 4506 with Hogue replacement grips (which I use) that will make the grip size much thicker. If you shoot your M&P with the large inserts I suspect you will get a very similar feeling of the 4506 with the Hogue grips. The original plastic grips I feel are not as comfortable. They are hard and seem to be a little slippery to me. If you have larger hands you will love the 4506. Comparing the two looking down with the 4506 on the bottom and my M&P 45C on top the trigger pull looks to be a little longer in the M&P, but that can be because of the curve in the M&P trigger. I like both guns, so far my 45C has been flawless but it will need 19 years and about 10k rounds before it can come close to the reputation of my 4506. Modern polymer guns have there advantages - the 4506 is just a damn good steel gun!

 

[4506517]

First two, let's see if it works.....