4506

[10xatten]

I realize that occasionally, the S&W numbering system has some inexplicable discrepancies, but never on something I owned. Until now.

I just brought home a very nice 4506. It has the later frame without the step, rounded trigger guard, and mim hammer and trigger. SN is TDN 22xx. The frame clearly says 4506. Not a -1.

I know there were transitional guns marked 4506 no dash with the new frame, but they had flash chromed hammer and trigger.

SCSW is no help. Did some later guns revert to the no dash?

I am merely curious.

I'd appreciate any input.
Thanks.
Richard

 

[mbliss57]

Richard,
For whatever reason I don't think the -1 on the 4506 was ever actually stamped on the frame. I have never seen one stamped that way. Someone with more knowledge can chime in.
Mike

 

[TheRedBullet23]

Richard,
For whatever reason I don't think the -1 on the 4506 was ever actually stamped on the frame. I have never seen one stamped that way. Someone with more knowledge can chime in.
Mike

I've seen a few of them with the "-1" stamped on the frame.
Other than that, I can't really answer your question about if the later guns reverted to the no dosh or not, sorry.

 

[10xatten]

Thanks, Bliss and Red.
I guess I'll keep researching. I'll check the SN with Smith.

Richard

 

[18DAI]

If your markings are laser etched, you likely have a "dash 3" sub variant of the 4506-1. A very nice, somewhat scarce and desireable 4506. It is for all intents and purposes a 4506-1 that was made for LE agencies close to the models end or after the "official" cessation of 4506-1 production.

I did a thread on those guns and you might search my posts here for the details. Congrats on your nice 4506!! Regards 18DAI

 

[10xatten]

Thanks,18DAI

You may have nailed it. I bought it from the original owner, an LASD Lieutenant who said he'd owned it for at least 18 years.
Desk job.

Very nice condition. Almost no holster wear.

I think I will be selling it.
Richard

 

[10xatten]

Hi 18. Sorry this took so long. Just a little stint in the hospital. You seem to be the Guru of all things Smith 3rd gen and I need some help making a decision.
Yes that gun has the laser markings, and the serial # puts it in Aug '99. as you called it, a dash 3 for sure. It's about 95% condition, and has been shot, but not much. Only qualifying. Little holster wear.
There is an issue with the (mim) hammer. It is twisted to the right, and is very close to rubbing on the right side of the frame. I can barely get a piece of thin paper in between. I've not had a chance to range test it because of said hospital time, but it seems to function correctly. It also has very dead night sights.
Earlier in this post I mentioned I might be wanting to sell it. That is because after purchase, but before the fine State of California released it from quaranteen, I found another 4506 LNIB with papers, reg card, manual, extra softball spring and orange "show safe" device. This gun appears to have had only one magazine through it. I just field stripped it for lube and it is TIGHT. I cannot imagin a tighter weapon. In battery, nothing moves: barrel hood, muzzle, slide to frame, no motion at all. It has the blue forged hammer and trigger, much prettier than the mim, and a nicer shape.
It's serial # puts it in Oct '95, but it is virtually new. I can only keep one.
The dash 3 obviously needs to go back to Smith to repair the hammer issue, and may have a little more collector appeal, but this does not matter to me. My collection is on the wierd side anyway, but they are all shooters: Model 41 extendable front sight; SIG P220st on Sport frame; Browning Hi Power; Browning (SIG) BDA 9mm; P6; Speed Six, all really nice condition.
I have wanted a 4506 for a long time. As a range gun and bedside gun.
Now I have two. I like the idea of a virtually new gun, but after reading the older posts about the (supposed) superiority of the Dash 3, I am having a very hard time deciding which to keep. It does seem that the '95 -1 seems to be a little better put together, though.

Thank you for any replies, especially 18DAI, I'll bet that you are bored to death with this topic.
Richard

 

[18DAI]

Hi 10xatten,

Sorry to "hear" of your health difficulties. Glad you are feeling better!

I'm no expert. You need CALREB or Fastbolt!

Being you asked me I will opine. Were I you, I would find a local competent gunsmith and get them to change the hammer out on your 4506 "dash 3". It is not a hard job and you will save time and money vice sending it to S&W.

Based on your post I think you have made your decision and I concur, keep the LNIB Oct 95 4506. You will have a fine pistol that will last you a lifetime.

The 4506-1 dash 3's have no appeal to collectors - that I'm aware of. In fact, their only real appeal is to shooters and those of us who are required to go armed at work.

The dash 3's exhibit just a little more accuracy for some reason. Probably the MIM triggers and barrel revisions. But be advised it is not a startling difference over any other 4506, simply a matter of degrees. I would venture a guess that the "average joe" who didn't shoot 3000 rounds a year through various 4506's might not even notice the difference.

I would also agree with you that a MIM free 4506-1 is a better built 4506.

You may want to PM some of the LAPD guys here. Last I heard, a 4506-1 in good shape was bringing over $1K out there. The 4506-1 is still VERY popular on the LAPD and good examples are snapped up quickly.

Hope this helps! Regards 18DAI

 

[10xatten]

Thank, 18. Just a little open heart surgery, but I'm on a very steep recovery, and I already feel better than I did before the surgery 2 weeks ago.
You did notice that I'd sort of made up my mind, but realise it was pretty much a PRACTICAL choice. I like the three dot sights better than the dead night sights for range duty, and I can always change them out for night, big dot, etc. The hammer is another is another espense, although it works fine.
I just may be better off with an almost new gun that needs nothing.
I'm not in the local LAPD circles, but have a friend who is. If I decide tosell the dash 3 he'll be the first I'll contact. The LGS also move these things very fast.
When I'm feeling better I'll take them both out to try the triggers. If there is a noticable difference, maybe I'll make room in the safe for both.
Thanks 18 for helping me out with this mind-bender.
Richard