Need some 45 acp help

[ladder13]

OK, not afraid to admit that I know squat about Smith auto's. I do have a couple Colt 1911's, and various other semi's.I've always liked the Smith's, but never took the plunge.
I'm looking for a compact or semi-compact 45 DAO, and do like the form/looks of the 3rd Gen auto's.
Let's hear some ideas.

 

[Nimble Jack B.]

Check out the HK45C

Heckler & Koch model HK45C equipped with the LEM (Law Enforcement Modification) Variant DAO enhanced trigger system (there are 10 different Variants available for these pistols). Both of mine—HK45 & HK45C—are Variant 1 SA/DA.

The HK45C has a 3.94-inch barrel, weighs about 24-ounces, nine rounds capacity, Luminova sights, a recoil reduction system and you can even buy factory threaded barrels should you ever want to mount a suppressor.

General Info LINK

Both of mine have are great pistols; no complaints

 

[andyo5]

Find a 4586 or 4583 TSW. Replace the mainspring with one of the Wolff reduced power mainsprings (18, 17, or 16 lbs). The original mainspring is way too stiff for acurate shooting. I believe it is that way because the gun has no safety levers and they were afraid of itchy trigger fingers.
I have a 4586 with a 17 lb spring and a 4583 TSW with a 16 lb spring. Both are reliable and feel like well tuned double action revolvers.
You could also consider the shorter 4556/4553 guns, but they are much harder to find.

 

[ladder13]

Jack B, thanks for the advice, but lookin' for a Smith. :)

 

[novalty]

For DAO many people will send a TDA model back to S&W to convert it over to DAO. A 4516 is a compact model, and the CS45 would be a subcompact, and I believe both are TDA. Can't for the life of me think of a compact 45 3rd Gen. right now. I'm sure someone else will have a better answer for you.

 

[Winger]

The 457 is a "budget model" 3rd gen. that gets a lot of praise around here. I agree with that line of thought. They're aluminum framed and reasonably compact, making for a great carry piece. Typically, they can be bought reasonably too.

Based on what your looking for, the only hitch is that they're DA/SA.

 

[gilroy]

457 is the ticket in my book. It is as good as any others, compact and relatively slim for IWB , rugged enough for glove compartment duty, at an economical price. I regret selling mine and would like to find another one soon.

 

[Anton Chigurh]

Just get a M&P .45 compact..............more firepower and it doesn't sit 2" over the web of your hand..............kidding!
Seriously, the M&P compact is the best gun out there. Handle it, shoot it..........you will buy it.

 

[NE450No2]

One of the very BEST rules to live by is...

SMITH & WESSON for REVOLVERS....

COLT for AUTOMATICS...

Now a bunch of folks make good 1911's, but you get the idea...

 

[mlk18]

One of the very BEST rules to live by is...

Smith & Wesson for EVERY handgun need.

Yeah, that sounds like a much better rule.

 

[Rule3]

Go here, this will help you decipher the codes and look for frame and slide material along with action type.

Modern Firearms - Handguns - S&W pistols

 

[ladder13]

Smith & Wesson for EVERY handgun need.

Yeah, that sounds like a much better rule.

I like that rule :D

 

[n4zov]

The 457 is a "budget model" 3rd gen. that gets a lot of praise around here. I agree with that line of thought. They're aluminum framed and reasonably compact, making for a great carry piece. Typically, they can be bought reasonably too.

Based on what your looking for, the only hitch is that they're DA/SA.

+1 A great and overlooked little .45. Mine runs flawlessly with anything I feed it.

 

[RPMASS]

New Member

Amen to that! S&W in pistols and/or revolvers.
Could anyone offer some advice regarding a used 4583 TSW? This may be an unusual or bass ackward question, but can the DAO version be converted to a single/double action by just changing hammers or is it much more complicated? What about adding an ambidextrious saftey to the 4583 tactical, similar to say a 4566 model?
Last but not least, what would recommendations be on an average cost for one that is in relatively good condition, say a 90% + finish, etc. and s.s.
Thank you in advance for any assistance.

 

[alde]

The 4586 is a great all stainless DAO 45 that is about the size of a Commander 1911. They are built like a tank and are very reliable and pretty darn accurate. You can get them at a great price too.

 

[oldman45]

OK, I am stepping out on a thin limb here with this group.

There is NO better 1911 than made by S&W. I own several brands (all in .45acp as God intended), including a couple of custom built by well known makers. My two S&W 1911 has them all beat.

As to the other models in the S&W lineup, I have a several of their models and calibers. All are great firearms and what I consider to be top quality.

Now to where we part ways. I disagree with a compact or semi or subcompact .45acp.

My reasoning is the caliber. Those type guns range from fine to fantastic in smaller calibers. Larger calibers are not so fine.

When you have a smaller frame gun with a shorter barrel, there will be an excessive amount of recoil, a shortening of spring life, loss of accuracy and more discomfort on the shooter. I bought a .45 caliber derringer many yrs ago. Shot it once. It was so uncomfortable I just tossed it in a drawer and left it there.

Then there is the matter of others shooting your gun. An inexperienced shooter will not like it and it may sour them on shooting. Also if you develop a disdain for the gun due to any of the above or other reason, you will tend to blame it on S&W rather than caliber vs frame size.

What you are looking for in essence is a mouse gun that shoots a cannon cartridge. They do not work well together and those that own them are not going to be firing a lot of rounds in practice. They carry well, they look great but the disadvantages outweigh the positives.

Just saying

 

[ColColt]

When you have a smaller frame gun with a shorter barrel, there will be an excessive amount of recoil, a shortening of spring life, loss of accuracy and more discomfort on the shooter. I bought a .45 caliber derringer many yrs ago. Shot it once. It was so uncomfortable I just tossed it in a drawer and left it there.

This hasn't been my findings with a shorter barrel .45, such as my 4566TW or 457. In fact, I shoot more accurately the 457 than the 4566 or 4506 for whatever the reason and I detect little if any difference in recoil-just not noticeable. the Colt combat Commander I once had was likewise a great pistol. That derringer I can see souring someone on short barrels but the ones mentioned here are not in the same league with a derringer.

I rented a USP Compact in .45 at the range a few months back and it was superb-not with Buffalo Bore 230 gr +P JHP's but was great with everything else.

 

[Mack]

Couple of folks mentioned the HK's, I won't go near them due to the price of the mags. I mean really, $60 for a 8 round USP mag. The S&W compact 45's shoot nice, even with the 457 the recoil does not seem heavy to me.

 

[Kelly Green]

May I recommendation is a S&W 4553 TSW. I own one and love it. It's a good looking gun on the outside and as fine on the inside as you would expect from S&W. The alloy frame makes it light but its recoil is less than my 19-5 shooting .357 Magnum loads. It will eat every .45 round from different manufactures that I feed it. It’s very accurate for a short barrel semi-auto and the DOA trigger is smooth as silk although a little long.

 

[18DAI]

If you like DAO I'd also suggest the 4553TSW....and advise you to remove the stupid rail. ;)

The example I picked up from Buds Police supply was a very nice compact 45.

Personally I prefer the 4516 to all of the compacts. A little heavy but durable and reliable. Accurate too. Mine out shoots my Colts and Kimbers.

I shot a 98 day and 100 night qual score with my 4516-3. Doesn't get any better than that in a compact 45, for me. Good luck with the search! Regards 18DAI.

 

[deanodog]

Here are 2 45 compacts.
4516

4553tsw

 

[ladder13]

Problem solved. Picked up a CS 45 a couple weeks ago, and added a 1911PD last night. Going to change out that floppy trigger on the 1911 though, feels weird.