Recommendation For A 3rd Gen .45 Please

[KWIndy]

I am looking for my next 3rd gen and decided I want a 45, probably standard or mid size, primarily range gun, and would like a stainless frame but willing to do alloy.

I have a 457 that I really like and a 5903.

Looking for recommendations taking parts and mag availability into consideration as I will be using it, not just a safe queen. Looks like my options are 4506, 4516, 4566, or maybe another 457 or 457S.
I found a nice 4516 but they ant top dollar, not sure if I'm interested or not.

Any others I am missing? Certain ones to stay away from?
Thoughts?

 

[amazingflapjack]

*****4506******

 

[TNZ71]

*****4506******

This or a smaller lighter 4563

 

[KWIndy]

*****4506******

Thanks, any particular reason?

 

[GerSan69]

All of the 3rd Gen 45s are excellent firearms. As for which is "better" than another, they aren't, particularly when you're talking about a range gun.
I see this sort of request on here all the time, and it seems almost like folks approach this as though these old guns are still being made.
More important than which one is better, is which ones are available to you? Is this an immediate "need" or are you willing to wait a long time?
Keep in mind, these guns haven't been made for years. What's available depends on who is selling their one or two at any particular time. When guys on this forum talk about "available," sometimes they mean they saw one on GunBroker last week. There is no ready, steady flow of these critters.
The fact that you turned down one of your better choices already over cost tells me you have limits. That's fine, I get it, I do too, but this is a seller's market you're getting into. The folks that get to be "picky" have more $ in guns than I have in my house. They are willing to wait for that one special gun because they can afford it when it pops up on the market. The rest of us have to depend on being "lucky," which more often than not means somebody else overlooked it.
(Now, just so we're clear, I look at condition first, price second, always. I'll never buy something that's in less than shootable shape.)
What I'm leading up to is: Don't be too picky. There are several 3rd Gen 45s. If you want one, don't turn one down. There might not be another one that's "better" coming down the road. The time to save your money is after you buy that gun that's in front of you.

 

[KWIndy]

All of the 3rd Gen 45s are excellent firearms. As for which is "better" than another, they aren't, particularly when you're talking about a range gun.
I see this sort of request on here all the time, and it seems almost like folks approach this as though these old guns are still being made.
More important than which one is better, is which ones are available to you? Is this an immediate "need" or are you willing to wait a long time?
Keep in mind, these guns haven't been made for years. What's available depends on who is selling their one or two at any particular time. When guys on this forum talk about "available," sometimes they mean they saw one on GunBroker last week. There is no ready, steady flow of these critters.
The fact that you turned down one of your better choices already over cost tells me you have limits. That's fine, I get it, I do too, but this is a seller's market you're getting into. The folks that get to be "picky" have more $ in guns than I have in my house. They are willing to wait for that one special gun because they can afford it when it pops up on the market. The rest of us have to depend on being "lucky," which more often than not means somebody else overlooked it.
(Now, just so we're clear, I look at condition first, price second, always. I'll never buy something that's in less than shootable shape.)
What I'm leading up to is: Don't be too picky. There are several 3rd Gen 45s. If you want one, don't turn one down. There might not be another one that's "better" coming down the road. The time to save your money is after you buy that gun that's in front of you.

I understand and I will wait for the "right" one to come along if I decide on something specific. I also understand what these are worth and am willing to pay for a nice one, the one I passed up wasn't worth the asking price - in MY opinion.

One of my questions is parts and being able to keep it running for years to come. Parts and mags are plentiful for my 5903, would be nice to have the same situation with a 45.

I have also been reading and searching here on the differences in the revisions, -1 and -2's.

So yes, I am being picky in what I want and, even though they aren't readily available, if you have patience and are realistic in your budget they are attainable.

I appreciate the feedback.

Oh, and I should have mentioned I am wanting DA/SA.

 

[grip frame]

4506-1

A classic IMO.

 

[vigil617]

I'm partial to the 4566 myself. This early version is a pleasure to shoot. Not everyone is partial to the Hogues, but other than that, there's nothing not to like about this gun. It's not the beast that the 4506 is -- not that there is anything wrong with that! -- and for me, it balances very well. A 4506 slide will fit on this frame, so I can scratch that itch whenever i want, but just for pure shooting pleasure, I don't think you can go wrong with this. You can pick one up for less than $600, and it's a great value.

As my friend 18DAI likes to say, "does everything you want, and looks good doing it. Buy, shoot, enjoy!" I can't say it better than that!

 

[BAM-BAM]

What Virgil617 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ said..................I like the Hogue's on mine!

I've had a; 4516,4513,4506 and 4505......... still have a 4566.

 

[Wmtd]

If you like Dao you might consider the 4586

 

[SVT28]

I'm fond of the CS45D

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[Wmtd]

Some people like the 4586 also. It's Dao, but has a nice trigger pull.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

The S&W 4506 is my favorite 45 ACP Handgun. It was widely used in law enforcement, and I understand is still in LE use today. Some say it is the best semi-automatic firearm built by S&W. It is heavy and built like a tank, very reliable and forgiving on ammo. I suspect that any of the S&W 45XX series has merit. For carry purposes, the CS45 is excellent, and my favorite 45 ACP carry gun. Good luck finding something that works for you!

 

[nocents]

........"primarily a range gun"?......if your going to get a bear........get a grizzly!.....4506-1

 

[KWIndy]

I'm fond of the CS45D

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Wow, great looking CS45!

 

[jsbethel]

I'm not a .45 guy at all but I did once own a KSP 4566TSW that was an outstanding pistol - night sights, decock-only and no rail or rivets.

 

[ladder13]

Some people like the 4586 also.....

Yes they do. Top right.

 

[Redcoat3340]

I've got a 4566TSW and 4513 and think they are both great. If it were me I'd look for something in TSW even if there might be an upcharge.

I'd like to add a 4506 for a full-size version...but I'd also like a CS45 to go with my CS9.

As others said, go for condition first....then figure price and which variation you like.

 

[Glockman4]

4566. They are most likely to be the cheapest since they don't have the movie star appeal of the 4506, and also easier to carry. I scored one like new for $400, so they're still out there for a reasonable price.

 

[bigggbbruce]

I recently found a 4576..