Purchased a 4506-1 yesterday - I have questions . . .

[Denver Dick]

Yesterday, I purchased a 4506-1 (VLM3xxx) on consignment at one of my local gun shops in about 96% condition with four magazines and the original box ($520.00). It looks like it was carried more than shot.

What makes it interesting to me is that it has factory adjustable night sights. The end label on the box under Features is marked *** SPECIAL *** and the product code is 103728. The wear pattern on the pistol indicates it was carried in a duty type holster. I have three 3rd generation pistols that lettered to the LAPD. This one sure "smells" like law enforcement, maybe LAPD, again.

I can't recall seeing any other 3rd generation pistols with factory adjustable night sights? Are they unusual or rarely found? Also, the SCSW 3rd Edition doesn't have product code 103728 listed. Has anyone else run across a 4506-1 with product code 103728?

I normally go for the pistols in 98% or better condition, but this one interested me for some reason.

Thanks, in advance, for any info.

 

[Denver Dick]

Yesterday, I purchased a 4506-1 (VLM3xxx) on consignment at one of my local gun shops in about 96% condition with four magazines and the original box ($520.00). It looks like it was carried more than shot.

What makes it interesting to me is that it has factory adjustable night sights. The end label on the box under Features is marked *** SPECIAL *** and the product code is 103728. The wear pattern on the pistol indicates it was carried in a duty type holster. I have three 3rd generation pistols that lettered to the LAPD. This one sure "smells" like law enforcement, maybe LAPD, again.

I can't recall seeing any other 3rd generation pistols with factory adjustable night sights? Are they unusual or rarely found? Also, the SCSW 3rd Edition doesn't have product code 103728 listed. Has anyone else run across a 4506-1 with product code 103728?

I normally go for the pistols in 98% or better condition, but this one interested me for some reason.

Thanks, in advance, for any info.

 

[smith10]

Trijicon and/or Meprolight make the night sights for the third gen adjustable sight set.

 

[Denver Dick]

Right, Smith, but given the *** SPECIAL *** on the end label, the night sights are apparently factory. I'm going to have to wait awhile to get a letter from Roy given they're not taking requests until at least the middle of next month. I thought someone might have one with the same product code 103728.

 

[Gunhacker]

DD... I've never heard of such an animal, when you have the chance can you post a pic of those sights?

 

[Outrider]

It might have been a special LE package for that particular agency. Smith might have ordered the sights and installed them on the pistol.

That makes the most sense...Of course, an individual could have done the same thing...

 

[sar4937]

Night sights have a lifespan. If they are nice and bright, they can't be that old. I think 7 years is average life.

 

[Denver Dick]

The serial number indicates a late '97 or early '98 pistol. Except for the night sights, it's a standard 4506-1. So, the ** SPECIAL ** on the box probably means night sights. You can see where I'm going by looking at this short thread Special Marked End Labels. The sights, based on their look and wear pattern, seem to have been there since the beginning.

When I first examined the pistol, I thought, "Oh, the guy installed some night sights right after he got it." Then I examined the box and saw the familiar special marking and I then thought, "Hey, this might be something different."

My brother was a City of Los Angeles employee who worked for the LAPD for many years. He was also a reserve South Pasadena police officer for a number of years. He thinks it's an LAPD pistol. According to him, in 1997 the S&W 4506 became the first .45 ACP authorized by the LAPD. He noted that many LAPD officers jumped at the chance to have a .45 ACP and ordered many 4506 pistols through the Los Angeles Police Revolver & Atheletic Club at the Los Angeles Police Academy. His guess makes sense, given that I found it on consignment in Simi Valley, California, also known as LAPD Cop-Land due to the many LAPD officers who living in that Los Angeles suburb.

 

[Denver Dick]

Night sights have a lifespan. If they are nice and bright, they can't be that old. I think 7 years is average life.

According to Trijicon's website, the standard green lamps in their night sights have a half life of 12 years (less for their orange and yellow lamps). The sights on this 4506-1 are faded. More importantly, while the front sight is unmarked, the rear sight when pulled up reveals a 97 date on the right side which is consistent with the date of manufacture of the pistol.