My 4506-1, what other improvementd do I need?

[RedCardinal]

I have been reading some of 18DAI's posts about the 4506 Gen 4 and decided to critique my 4506-1. It has been shot but is in like new condition. I am not the original purchaser and have not shot it yet. No box or label for reference. It has the following:
VAD serial number prefix
Bevelled magwell
Boxed frame rails
Wide barrel hood
Oversized magazine catch release (639)
Forged flash chromed hammer and trigger
Decocker Only modification


The slide fits snug. About the only thing missing is night sights. I would like the opinions of other owners of a 4506.

 

[Echo40]

I don't own a 4506-1, (although I wish that I did) but based on the information that you have provided, it certainly sounds like a Rev 3 model, ergo it really doesn't need any improvements and any improvements you might make ought to be for the sake of personalization.

 

[18DAI]

Hello my friend! No other improvements needed - its a 4506!

I have night sights on two of my 4506-1s. They are quite dim and need replacement. But, honestly, the only use I have for night sights is to find the 4506 on the night stand in the dark. As I tell my students, if you carry a gun, carry a light. And if it is so dark, that you need night sights, you should not be shooting at all because you cannot I.D. your target.

Were I you, I would dry fire that like new 4506 and if the DA trigger is not silky smooth, send it to BMCM for some action work. That is the only improvement I can think of. Buy a couple of recoil springs, for down the road. Maybe a couple of mags or some mag springs. And find some reasonably priced 45 ball, to go shoot, enjoy and break in that fine 45!! Best regards, 18DAI

 

[Trooper224]

The only improvement needed is to shoot it more.

I'll disagree with 18DA1 on the value of night sights due to a couple of real world incidents that showed their merit, but they aren't an absolute necessity. Concentrate more on the software, meaning building your shooting skill set with the 4506 rather than hardware, meaning superfluous widgets.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

The only improvement needed is to shoot it more.

I'll disagree with 18DA1 on the value of night sights due to a couple of real world incidents that showed their merit, but they aren't an absolute necessity. Concentrate more on the software, meaning building your shooting skill set with the 4506 rather than hardware, meaning superfluous widgets.

TRUE on just shoot it more.........My 4506 no-(bought new) has only 45 acp ammo through it . Still 100% original. Same with my 1006. And both will STAY that way.

 

[squidsix]

I smoothed the passenger's side trigger guard area at the top of the grip frame with emery cloth, installed a tritium front sight, and a 745 magazine release button. Stippled the factory grips with a soldering iron.
Bought 16 magazines for it, and a nice holster and mag pouches.
That was 18 years ago.
It is still awesome.

 

[Jon651]

I love my 4506-1 (bought it from a member on this forum) and can't really think of anything I would change. My only recommendation would be to take into account the age and use and and possibly replace the recoil spring. All of my 3rd Gen pistols have also gotten stainless steel recoil spring rods as well but for me that was more for longevity than performance.

Shoot it, enjoy it, shoot it some more!

 

[RedCardinal]

Very good advice, thanks to all. As with any semi-auto pistol that I purchase, I have obtained the necessary maintenance parts such as recoil springs, SS guide rods, magazines, mag springs, followers and floor plates. I have the Hogue rubber grips if I want more grip and most other small parts if needed. I also have an extra barrel which I doubt will be needed. So it seems the only thing I need to do is SHOOT IT regularly when range ammo becomes available.

 

[03hemi]

One thing you could do?
Is post some pictures if you're gonna talk about a particular gun, threads really suck without them. lol
My limited 3rd gen family with my 4506.

 

[Mithrandir]

Hello my friend! No other improvements needed - its a 4506!

I have night sights on two of my 4506-1s. They are quite dim and need replacement. But, honestly, the only use I have for night sights is to find the 4506 on the night stand in the dark. As I tell my students, if you carry a gun, carry a light. And if it is so dark, that you need night sights, you should not be shooting at all because you cannot I.D. your target.

Were I you, I would dry fire that like new 4506 and if the DA trigger is not silky smooth, send it to BMCM for some action work. That is the only improvement I can think of. Buy a couple of recoil springs, for down the road. Maybe a couple of mags or some mag springs. And find some reasonably priced 45 ball, to go shoot, enjoy and break in that fine 45!! Best regards, 18DAI

Exactly!! Also... consider buying a new ejector... $8.00 part... needs replacing between 8 and 10 thousand rounds.... I prefer the Straight Back grip that was standard on the 10mm variant...

Numrich Gun Parts

Search | Numrich Gun Parts

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

The 4506 is built like a tank. Upgrades are a matter of preference, but just for shooting - you may well get the same quality and length of service doing nothing.

 

[BMCM]

What other improvements???

The only 'improvement' a 4506 need is...

Another 4506 of course

That one on the right is my go-to favorite ccw.

Cheers
Bill

 

[Trooper224]

What other improvements???

The only 'improvement' a 4506 need is...

Another 4506 of course

That one on the right is my go-to favorite ccw.

Cheers
Bill

Agreed

 

[18DAI]

Since we are posting pics, heres my 4506-1 "pawn shop" steal and sometimes carry gun. Regards 18DAI

 

[KurtC]

All of my defensive pistols have night sights. Besides the practicality of using them, they offer an added layer of protection in court.

The only thing worse than having to intentionally shoot someone, is having unintentionally hit someone.

The only other upgrade I can think of is a conversion to DAO. I never understood the DA/SA thing.

 

[Chewy73]

Maybe a Briley bushing is the only thing that comes to mind. But even with that, I never saw the need for one because the 4506,4566, 1006,1066 are more accurate than I will ever be. Especially with my old eyes.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[KSDeputy]

I have a 4506-1 which has 50 rounds through it. We had changed from a 645 to a 4506 shortly before I retired. My Sheriff's Office gives you your duty gun when you retire. It was well cleaned well and has a home in the safe.I carry an off duty .45 which I have had for years.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Very good advice, thanks to all. As with any semi-auto pistol that I purchase, I have obtained the necessary maintenance parts such as recoil springs, SS guide rods, magazines, mag springs, followers and floor plates. I have the Hogue rubber grips if I want more grip and most other small parts if needed. I also have an extra barrel which I doubt will be needed. So it seems the only thing I need to do is SHOOT IT regularly when range ammo becomes available.

And on the other side of the ditch........I have a Beretta 70S that I bought 40 years ago...Just the gun and 0ne clip. It's never needed anything else.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

What other improvements???

The only 'improvement' a 4506 need is...

Another 4506 of course

That one on the right is my go-to favorite ccw.

Cheers
Bill

Agreed, try finding one though! I am lucky to have one.

 

[RedCardinal]

I have all the needs suggested to this point. But 18DAI covered the item we missed in his thread titled, "Searching for 3rd Gen holsters?" I need a good concealed carry holster. I will try to get Gordon at Bang Bang Gun Leather to make a Rhodesian holster for it. Thanks 18DAI for the info and photos.