Iconic villain from the dark side ! (S&W Model 4505)

[Say When!]

Howdy fellow Smith & Wesson Forum members
& Smith & Wesson semi-automatic pistol fans

I've been huntin for a S&W Model 4506.
Found one brand new-in-box, but got outbid.
I was disappointed, until…

This week, I (pessimistically) searched for the Darth Vader of 3rd generation S&W semi-automatic pistols:
the super scarce blue carbon steel 1991 S&W Model 4505 (1 of 1200).

Gobsmacked, low & behold, one appeared before my astonished eyes with a "Buy Now Price"!

So, I did!

I reckon I gave too much for it, but I'm absolutely thrilled to add this iconic villain from the dark side to my modest collection:

• S&W Model 3906 – New-Old-Stock
• S&W Model 3913 TSW - Notched grip & no accessory rail
• S&W Model 4513 TSW
• S&W Model Shorty 45 mk.2 - 1-of-179 produced by S&W Performance Center

So what do y'all think of this bad boy?

 

[4T5GUY]

Congratulations on that FINE .45.

I've got a few .45's but for some reason I wanted a 4505 also.

I thought I got one but it turned out I was the only person that realized it actually wasn't a 4505. Of course I paid way too much although it was LNIB with everything.

I don't know why or how the 4567 top end got on it but it didn't leave the factory like that. I can get you a copy of my factory 4505 letter if you want. Not much info but…

Jim

 

[Trooper224]

Outstanding score, envy, envy.

If you're happy, it's worth the price.

 

[ameridaddy]

Mighty nice! Looks new, not thirty years old.

 

[4T5GUY]

I'll add a picture of my factory letter. Since this is a new and current thread some might like seeing it. It seems it could be supportive and relevant?

Most here know all about the 4505 but this is for those that don't.

Jim

 

[Dave Baird]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! So happy you found something you were looking for! I like Buy-it-Nows as well, but not the Mrs.!

 

[BigBoy99]

You didn't pay too much, you just bought it too soon.

 

[4T5GUY]

You didn't pay too much, you just bought it too soon.

Or too late.

Retail of $660.00-$687.00 originally for a 4505 in 1991 would have been a great time to get one. That's just a bit more than what I paid for my 4506-1 later from Nationwide. I don't remember what the 4506 retail price was cause I had a FFL back.

Jim

 

[Ben-Kenobi]

I'll add a picture of my factory letter. Since this is a new and current thread some might like seeing it. It seems it could be supportive and relevant?

Most here know all about the 4505 but this is for those that don't.

Jim

That's a great letter, Roy took his time on that one. I just see one thing at the top that seems to be in error. It's where he states the 645 went into prototype in August 1988. I'm guessing he meant the 4506? The 4505's really are unique, I'd love to own one. Congrats to both of you.

 

[Say When!]

That's a great letter, Roy took his time on that one. I just see one thing at the top that seems to be in error. It's where he states the 645 went into prototype in August 1988. I'm guessing he meant the 4506?

Good catch, Ben-Kenobi!

I reckon you're right!

 

[PPCSHOOTER]

Congratulations on that FINE .45.

I've got a few .45's but for some reason I wanted a 4505 also.

I thought I got one but it turned out I was the only person that realized it actually wasn't a 4505. Of course I paid way too much although it was LNIB with everything.

I don't know why or how the 4567 top end got on it but it didn't leave the factory like that. I can get you a copy of my factory 4505 letter if you want. Not much info but…

Jim

I MIGHT HAVE THE ANSWER FOR THIS ONE. IT WAS OWNED BY A TEAM MATE. AT THE NATIONAL POLICE SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIP IN MISSISSIPPI WE WORKED A DEAL WITH THE S&W PERFORMANCE CENTER GUYS. HE SENT HIS 4505 TO THE FACTORY AND THE PERFORMANCE CENTER WORKED OVER THE GUN AND FIT THAT SLIDE TO IT. IT WAS SOLD HERE( I THINK) TO A FORUM MEMBER WITH BOTH SLIDE AS A SET. MANY YEARS AGO. JP

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Wonderful 45 you got there. But hate the Hogues.

 

[4T5GUY]

I MIGHT HAVE THE ANSWER FOR THIS ONE.

Well I thank you for the input. I wish there was a way to confirm, (NOT that I do not believe you because I do.) I must say that the 4567 top end is a very tight/exact fit and the trigger is perfect.

I just couldn't imagine why the 4567 top end was installed. Other than making it a very perfect combination which it is.

Jim

 

[mscampbell2734]

That 4505 is way cool. I've shot and handled numerous 4506/4566s but never a 05.

 

[hberttmank]

Nice score David. Who changed the grip on it, if known?

 

[Say When!]

Iconic villain from the dark side !

Nice score David. Who changed the grip on it, if known?

Hi hberttmank:

I don't know who or (more importantly) why anyone would have changed the factory original grips!
But the silver screw on the Hogue grips really killed my buzz!

Prior to picking up the villain from my FFL today, I purchased a brand new Smith & Wesson straight back factory original grip from MidwayUSA and I had my FFL install it before I left with Darth Vader.

It looks sooooo much better now!
In fact, it looks exactly like the picture of 4T5GUY's S&W Model 4505 above!

Thanks for asking!

 

[K Frame Keith]

I got one when they first came out, carried it a a duty weapon for a time. Flawlessly reliable and accurate. One I will never sell. Congratulations on your find.

 

[Say When!]

Iconic villain from the dark side !

I got one when they first came out, carried it a a duty weapon for a time. Flawlessly reliable and accurate. One I will never sell. Congratulations on your find.

K Frame Keith:

Thank you!

'Twas the luck of the Irish!

Kind regards,
David McNulty

 

[4T5GUY]

It looks sooooo much better now!
In fact, it looks exactly like the picture of 4T5GUY's S&W Model 4505 above!

Hold on to those Hogue's of course you might find a need for them.

I'm sure you've thought about it but maybe you should get a arched/curved grip, (while their still available,) for it also. Personally I like them on some better than the straight grip style.
It's nice being able to choose between different available grips including the Hogue's, depending on how they feel to you. I find myself occasionally changing grips.

Again very nice 4505.

Jim

 

[Dparker]

Congratulations on a great find! I picked up a NOS 4505 a few months ago as well!! Hope you enjoy yours!!!

Cheers!!!
David