4566 TSW versus 4506 ??

[Redcoat3340]

I've had a 4506 on my sorta-grail gun list for a long time. But buying one keeps getting put off as I have a 4566 TSW (plus the 06s are kinda spendy for me right now).

I keep looking at just the dimensions and the 66 is just a tad smaller than the 06 (barrel is 4.75 versus 5.0 and overall length is 7.5 vs 8.5). Not a huge difference.

So I'm wondering if there is a discernable difference in the way they shoot. Both are solid and recoil absorbing, both should be as reliable as the other, and I'm wondering, for any that have shot both, if there is an overpowering reason to add the 4506 to the accumulation...aside for just the simple pleasure of owning it. (It's for the range, not carry or home defense [4006TSW CHP is the bedside gun and a 4513TSW is in my desk as it is also one I carry.])

I've also got a Sig P220 and a Smith 745 and then there's a Remington 1911R1S to kinda round out the flying-ashtray-size-bullet pistols.

 

[M29since14]

They're BIG guns. Of the two, I prefer the 4566-size versions, but if all you will ever do with it is shoot on an indoor range where you can lay it down after three aimed shots or so, there's no reason not to latch onto a 4506. I can't imagine wearing one of those things all day on a duty belt, but I know guys did it.

 

[Aegis]

They both really nice guns, I believe the 4566 has a 4.25" barrel 4506 is a 5"..I have both and shoot the 4506 more than the 4566.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I have a 4566TSW which I really like . I traded off my 4506 a while back and have never thought twice about it .

 

[Erocksmash]

4566tsws are nice, I liked them for a while, have a NIB Melonite one I may sell here in the future, I much prefer the longer slide of a 4506, it just feels better on the range.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Have had; 4513 (6+1 version),4516,4506, 4505 and a 4566.

Still have the 4566.... big enough heavy enough.... but still duty size!

EDC I prefer an alloy frame...... Sig 220 or 245......

 

[Trooper224]

Performance wise, no there's no reason to choose one over the other.

I've carried both for extended periods of time. There's no percievable increase in comfort with the 4566. The weight difference simply isn't that great. They're both big, heavy guns and there's no getting around that. I got rid of my 4566 because someone offered me a lot more than I paid for it. I tend to prefer the full size version of any pistol, so I kept the two 4506s. The only reason to buy one is because you like it. Reason enough or not, is up to you.

 

[4T5GUY]

It's funny that sometimes we want something just because we don't have one. That's a very good reason though.

I bought my 4506-1 in 1992. It was the first S&W semi I had ever got and the first purchase on my new FFL. I still have it but not the FFL.

I have most of the different full size S&W .45's. I also have a 4566, 4505 with a 4567 top end, (don't ask,) and a 4563 but still really want a 4566TSW. It would have to be a non-railed one though. I actually saw one but it was $850 and beat so they are out there.

As with 1911's I think the "Commander" size is perfect. At least for me.

Jim

 

[Redcoat3340]

4T5Guy: Indeed they are out there and I've got one. But I never realized I had anything other than a very nice .45 or that a 4566TSW, no rail, was anything special! (And the guy I bought it from included 10 mags in the deal.)

I want to thank everyone who posted. I think I'm taking it off the "I want one" list. Of course the list is still semi-lengthy, with some more Smiths, a Beretta 96, and a CS40 (just to round out the CS9 & 45 trio).