I'm in a quandry.......4506 or not, that is my question

[rgillis]

I'm on the hunt for a .45, I see a number of 4506's on the market that are being offered at decent prices. My problem is that I have small hands. Do the straight grips offer a grip size more akin to a 1911? Secondly, who makes wood grips that do not have the curved back strap?

I have searched previous posts, but was unable to find the exact answer I'm looking for.

So is a 4506 doable for a fella with shorter fingers?

Thanks

 

[presspics]

The 4506 is a large pistol. Even with the straight backstrap it is not the same as a 1911. I suggest you find one and feel for yourself before buying one

 

[TexasSTEP]

Given your stated situation, I'd look to a good condition SW99 in .45acp. They can be found with multiple interchangeable backstraps, and you can carry them in different stages of readiness depending on your immediate need. I found a LINB at Cabela's last year for $500, and saw one this week on AucitonArms for the same. Run a search here on the forum and you will generally see they are well respected. If you are looking for newer tech, you may want to look over at the M&P's if your committed to staying with a S&W.

Hope this helps,

-TS

 

[handgunner356]

Not as much grip size but the DA trigger on the 4500 pull adds to your reach. The straight back grips do help but I've never seen any in wood, and all aftermarket grips are thicker than originals. With their SA triggers and differant grips/mainspring housings it's hard to beat a 1911 for small hands.

 

[Gary1911A1]

I have tried both factory grips and in my opinion there is not much difference in trigger reach as there is how the pistol points and how much of your fingers can reach around the grip. I don't know of an after market grip either.

 

[Gunhacker]

The grip frame angle is also different from a 1911 frame, which makes it feel different.

Alternate grip availability other than Hogue is virtually non existient. Here's an option for you that might work... I tried the factory curved back and Hogue's (I think everyone that's bought a 4506 goes down that road) on my 4506-1, for my hand the curved back was "ok" but not ideal.

Then I read a posting here on the forum about the FBI Palm swell grip (part no. 205000000) used on the 1076 also fitting the 4506. This grip has more of a recess at the top of the grip under the rear frame extention than the original factory straight back grips.

It moves shifts your trigger finger farther forward making it easier to reach the trigger. I have a relatively short trigger finger and this helped out a lot. These are sightly thicker than the original straight and curved back grips due to the palm swell, but it's way thinner than Hogue's.

Even though the 1076 had a frame mounted decoker lever that the underside of the grip on the left side is relieved for, it leave a minimal gap on the 4506 frame.

FBI Palm Swell Grip:

 

[Marshall 357]

The best thing to do is try different guns as see which one fits you. There are 100s to pick from. You will find the one right one!

 

[pawncop]

rgillis,

I have a 4506-no dash, a S&W 1911, and M&P 45ACP and love all three.

I carried the 4506 on duty for years while on patrol, it was more than a duty sidearm, it was my partner. I now carry the M&P as my duty sidearm in plainclothes, the 4506 was just too heavy. I wanted a 1911 and the S&W I have is awesome, it shoots better than I do. I am just not a big fan of the cocked and locked for duty carry.

Each is a little different in how it feels in my hand but I will bet my life on any of the three.

I have posted this before but heck I just love talking about my 45's. Can't harly shut up about it you know. Just could go on and on and on - - oh sure - - I 'll stop now.

 

[Hendel]

Then I read a posting here on the forum about the FBI Palm swell grip (part no. 205000000) used on the 1076 also fitting the 4506. This grip has more of a recess at the top of the grip under the rear frame extention than the original factory straight back grips.

It moves shifts your trigger finger farther forward making it easier to reach the trigger. I have a relatively short trigger finger and this helped out a lot. These are sightly thicker than the original straight and curved back grips due to the palm swell, but it's way thinner than Hogue's.

Not only does that grip look comfortable, but it also simply looks great!

 

[Jimmymac46]

4506

The 4506 is a large pistol, as stated earlier. It has a longer reach than any other of the production 45's I am aware of. It's best features are reliability and the fact that it is a 'soft' shooter. With the same ammo, side by side, the soft shooting characteristics are very apparent compared to a 1911 style pistol. The Colt carries better, feels better and is generally a better combat pistol in my view. If you want a shooter/plinker fun gun, get the Smith 4506. If you want a carry piece, hunt for a Smith 457, a small, compact version of the 4506. If you are going to war or anticipate the need for self-defense, get a 1911. My opinion. Handling each would be the best way to determine what works best for you.

I have an early, square trigger guard model 4506 with both the flat and curve mainspring grips, which I periodically change for fun. As a member stated earlier, the reach to trigger is about the same.

Jim