Help me choose my next 3rd Gen!

[TTSH]

After recently acquiring an "unscheduled" Model 17-2 K-22 Masterpiece (one of my "Bucket List" guns), my poor old retired man's budget tells me that there is just barely enough room left for one more 3rd Gen acquisition in calendar year 2017 and likely for many months thereafter. Unfortunately, there are three candidates and I can't decide which one to go with... and so I'm going to let the members of Team 3rd Gen decide for me. Yes, I'm serious.

I've mentioned the candidates before so there shouldn't be any surprises. They are (in no particular order):

1) A Model 5906TSW, LNIB w/two 10-round magazines
2) A Model 4506-1 (R4) dash 3 with laser markings, very nice condition, no box, two magazines
3) A Model 4006TSW CHP version from Summit, condition unknown, no box, 3 post-ban magazines which I would have to give up (not legal in MA) but I have plenty of pre-bans

Cost differences between the three are not significant enough to matter. For each of the three, I already have non-TSW or earlier versions but these are later/newer/nicer guns. So none is really "filling a gaping hole" in the collection. No, I won't be selling off the earlier versions anytime soon.

No actual check-off poll this time because I want to focus mainly on the votes from bona fide Team 3rd Gen members, although I invite all to participate if you have an opinion.

So what says the forum? What should I go with?

 

[Allen_jc]

I would go with the 4506-1!

 

[fiasconva]

The 5906 will be the least expensive to shoot since its ammo is the cheapest. Plus, it's one great S&W.

 

[KSDeputy]

The 4506 is an awesome pistol, built like a tank. I have one with 50 rounds through it, I will never sell it.

 

[GeoJelly]

I have a 4506 and 4006. The 4506 is going up on Crook Broker next month - I don't shoot it and the muzzle blast from a .45 at the indoor range is just too much for me. From what I have seen, I would get the 4006 CHP-version. It would be nice to attach the little (and inexpensive) CT laser on the rail. Not sure what I'd do with it then - but it would be nice to have!!

 

[rwsmith]

I would really like a 5906

I have a 5943 that I love and I'd really like to have a 5906. I try to keep away from big bullet ammo, mostly for cost and I don't really feel a need, except for novelty. And I can't afford novelty.

 

[Slufstuff]

Wow, it is hard to give you a favorite off that list. I would love to have a 5906TSW or 4006CHP myself. I have a 4506-1 already, so I am fighting my own desires in coming up with a recommendation.

If it has to be only one, I would go with the 4506-1. They are truly well made and a nice shooting .45 pistol. But honestly, you cannot go wrong with any of them!

PS, the 4506 also eliminates worrying about whether your mags are permitted by MA law. I assume all 8 rounders are good to go.

 

[JohnHL]

4006TSW CHP most unique variation but should be available for awhile. Condition ?

4506 (R4) Laser markings if other than factory, a deal breaker.

5906TSW LNIB These don't show up much. Box and extras plus known condition squeaks it past the other two.

John

 

[TTSH]

Thanks for the answers so far guys. I'm kind of surprised that no one so far has reminded me that the correct answer is ALL OF THEM! You guys are slipping!

But that's the problem, of course. I can't have all of them and I'm sure that one or both of the two guns I pass up in coming days will be gone long before I am in a good position to buy again... ... and that's even if I am successful in my endeavor to dump many of my cheap plastic wonder guns.

 

[TTSH]

4506 (R4) Laser markings if other than factory, a deal breaker.

Just to clarify, the laser markings are factory. There were two versions of this gun as I understand it: Roll-marked (very rare) and laser-marked. The candidate gun I found is the more common laser-marked version.

 

[JohnHL]

Just to clarify, the laser markings are factory. There were two versions of this gun as I understand it: Roll-marked (very rare) and laser-marked. The candidate gun I found is the more common laser-marked version.

Still, knowing your penchant for condition and box, the 5906TSW sounds the most like a TTSH acquisition.

John

 

[Sevens]

My opinions are STRONG, but they are my own and nothing more than opinions. Thus:

--I believe the best move is none of these if it means you can keep/collect the cash so that eventually it grows in to a fat lump. I say this because I believe your collection is populated with a big number of all "similar" stuff and if you were one day able to add a real sock-knocker, you may have an epiphany. To put this another way... 5906's and 3913's are fantastic pistols for what they are and what they do. But in my opinion... ten of them could never bring to your safe or range day what a single "elite" S&W will. By that I mean 52/952/945, etc. 5-inch, target sight 52 or PC.

Yes, I realize that not all will agree with me, but that's where I'm coming from.

Beyond that, I also believe that any 4506 is a better buy than any TSW, but again, that's just me being me. I think the TSW pistols are over-rated (just as good as production 3rd Gens... but not better) and they are adorned with ugly tactical rails and "billboard" lettering.

Not only that but the 4506 you mentioned is likely the best 4506 they made and that is saying a lot when you consider how long they have made them.

 

[BAM-BAM]

For me...............

............skip the .40

4506 is a great ...............but an Eff'ing "big"........ gun..........................

5906TSW ....... of the three................. the practical choice..... as long as you have a stash of 15 and 17/18 mec-gar mags.

 

[TTSH]

5906TSW ....... of the three................. the practical choice..... as long as you have a stash of 15 and 17/18 mec-gar mags.

Plenty of 15-round pre-bans. Unfortunately, those Mec-Gars could land me behind bars... ... and I would NOT do well in jail.

 

[TTSH]

My opinions are STRONG, but they are my own and nothing more than opinions.

I'm going to have to put you down for the 4506-1. The more elite target guns you mentioned are not going to happen for a variety of reasons and not just because $$$ or too many common 3rd Gens taking up all the space in my safes. The sad truth is that they don't do a lot for me. I've had my shots at them and I've passed. The good wife, who will have to dispose of much of my collection someday, approves.

Remember that I am fast nearing the end of my "good years" in accordance with the Bam Formula and we are probably talking about being very close to the end of my 3rd Gen collecting altogether. I am kinda looking for the "icing on the cake" of what I own now... not trying to go in a somewhat different direction if that makes sense.

 

[Sevens]

Well all well & good but while I am -nowhere- near changing your mind... I am closer to changing your mind than you are to changing my mind.

It's like you love the baloney sandwiches you've been eating for 50 years and you are asking for suggestions with bread, cheese and mustard and I'm saying "save your money and buy a steak" and your firm reply is that you've never had a steak but you sure love this baloney and none of it matters since you'll be shipped off to the home soon anyway.

Man I wish we could do a range day together!

 

[TTSH]

Well all well & good but while I am -nowhere- near changing your mind... I am closer to changing your mind than you are to changing my mind.

It's like you love the baloney sandwiches you've been eating for 50 years and you are asking for suggestions with bread, cheese and mustard and I'm saying "save your money and buy a steak" and your firm reply is that you've never had a steak but you sure love this baloney and none of it matters since you'll be shipped off to the home soon anyway.

Man I wish we could do a range day together!

Ha!!!!! Don't let it bother you. As I've said before, I do just fine with the cheap wine so no need at all for me to buy the expensive stuff.

But that tends to miss the point. The elite center-fire guns just don't particularly interest me. Remember when I had the chance to buy a damn nice Model 52-2 for $700 out the door and passed? I probably should have bought it just to flip but it really did nothing for me. It was sad that it did nothing for me, but it didn't. Likewise with some of the PC guns I've stumbled across over the past 5 years.

The day might yet still come for one or two of the PC guns but they don't grow on trees around here and when they do appear, they don't give them away. Let's remember that one of the biggest attractions to 3rd Gen pistols for me is the amazing bargain they represent today in a high-quality all-metal pistol. The higher the price tag, the more alternatives there are that one should consider in other brands.

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

The 4506-1 without question.

I already have a 4506-1-3 and I would still pick it over the other two neither of which I have.

 

[SonnyJames]

I have to concur with my colleagues here TTSH. The 4506-1 has my vote. Although I am partial to the old second gen 645s, my 4506's in assorted flavors are truly the pinnacle of S&W 45 acp engineering in my humble opinion. All of your choices are great and would be worthy to join your collection sir!

 

[cnette01]

TTSH I'm going to vote for the 4506. I don't own one myself, but I do have a 645 and a 4566TSW and they are both fine 45's.