I have to suggest you consider the single stack, stainless frame and slide, TDA compact model with a 3.8" barrel model 4516-1 if you like the 457 enough to consider buying another. The -1 had a shorter production run (89-92) than the 4506 and was upgraded with a non-step frame, heavier slide, single or dual recoil spring.
Recommendation For A 3rd Gen .45 Please
- Thread starter KWIndy
- Start date
James&theGiant1911
Member
I have not seen one in a long time but the Recon 45 would have always been nice especially added to my collection....
oneounceload
Member
Here's 2 4516s available now:
Advanced Search Results
Advanced Search Results
samnev
Member
I honestly can't tell any difference in carrying my 4516 or 4566TSW or RIA Compact 45. All three are carried some during the winter months, or even in "vest" weather. I'm considering a 457 myself I think. However I just ran across a used but like new 45 Shield that I've wanted for quite a while. So another 3rd gen will have to wait a bit. Maybe I can find one of the 4576's while I'm restocking the fun fund.
Oh there's so many good ones..........
Oh there's so many good ones..........
T. McIntyre
Member
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2004
- Messages
- 304
- Reaction score
- 944
The 4563 is pretty stellar as a shooter and CCW combo.
I didn't reply to this post originally but I got sucked, in ha ha.
Everyone has givin great input. I can't decide what S&W 45 acp's would be better than the other. I have a few and still can't decide which one is the ONE. I'd suggest get a few, you can't go wrong.
The only S&W .45 acp I have a love/hate relationship with is my CS45. The 845 I just really love. (If you can really love a piece of steel.)
Jim
Everyone has givin great input. I can't decide what S&W 45 acp's would be better than the other. I have a few and still can't decide which one is the ONE. I'd suggest get a few, you can't go wrong.
The only S&W .45 acp I have a love/hate relationship with is my CS45. The 845 I just really love. (If you can really love a piece of steel.)
Jim
Attachments
Except for a few PC models, I own examples of every 2nd and 3rd gen 45 made. Given your range only specification and only "standard", regular production models on your list of choices, I would suggest a late model 4506-1.
While the company officially ended 4506-1 production around 1999, they continued to make 4506-1s for almost ten more years to fill LE contracts. Some of those LE Special order 45s were spectacularly accurate with triggers as good.......or better, than some of my Performance Center 45s.
There were also 4516s made up till around 2005 or 2006 to fill LE contracts. I have one and it rivals my Shorty 45 MKII for accuracy. Very close between the two pistols.
These 4506-1s and 4516s made for LE usually have laser etched markings on the slide and frame. That is an easy visual cue. There are roll marked versions as well. The majority have MIM hammers and triggers, another visual "tell". Well worth hunting down one of these for a fun range gun.
The 4516 shoots extremely well, for me. I don't think you would be displeased with either model.
As to parts and mags, I wouldn't worry about it. They just don't break. Mag springs and followers are readily available from several sources should you need to rebuild mags that are worn out. But in over 22 years of shooting these guns, far more often than most, I haven't worn out a single range dedicated mag yet.
The only parts I have broken were a mag catch on a 4516-3, which I replaced with a steel part from a 4566 - a sideplate on a 457 which had 9000 rounds through it - a plastic/vinyl mag catch on the same 457 which was worn from use - and some sights/sight blades which I damaged while carrying the guns. I just don't see a problem with getting spares. They are out there. On the rare occasions they are needed.
Good luck with your decision! Regards 18DAI
While the company officially ended 4506-1 production around 1999, they continued to make 4506-1s for almost ten more years to fill LE contracts. Some of those LE Special order 45s were spectacularly accurate with triggers as good.......or better, than some of my Performance Center 45s.
There were also 4516s made up till around 2005 or 2006 to fill LE contracts. I have one and it rivals my Shorty 45 MKII for accuracy. Very close between the two pistols.
These 4506-1s and 4516s made for LE usually have laser etched markings on the slide and frame. That is an easy visual cue. There are roll marked versions as well. The majority have MIM hammers and triggers, another visual "tell". Well worth hunting down one of these for a fun range gun.
The 4516 shoots extremely well, for me. I don't think you would be displeased with either model.
As to parts and mags, I wouldn't worry about it. They just don't break. Mag springs and followers are readily available from several sources should you need to rebuild mags that are worn out. But in over 22 years of shooting these guns, far more often than most, I haven't worn out a single range dedicated mag yet.
The only parts I have broken were a mag catch on a 4516-3, which I replaced with a steel part from a 4566 - a sideplate on a 457 which had 9000 rounds through it - a plastic/vinyl mag catch on the same 457 which was worn from use - and some sights/sight blades which I damaged while carrying the guns. I just don't see a problem with getting spares. They are out there. On the rare occasions they are needed.
Good luck with your decision! Regards 18DAI
Jon651
Member
To suggest a 3rd gen S&W semi-auto to you at this point would be just a guess. I would say it really all depends on what feels good to you in the hand and what options you would be happy with.
You would have to decide if you like/want a full sized grip with an 8-round magazine (e.g. - 4506) or compact grip with a 7-round magazine (e.g. - 4516). Would you be willing to add Hogue grips to thicken the grip and an extended magazine for extra grip length and capacity? Do you prefer SA/DA, DAO, Decocker Only? Is too much weight an issue or do you want the extra mass to soak up some recoil?
Without knowing much more than what you had in your post, the base model is the 4506 - full-sized, weighs like an anvil and built like a tank. Feeds whatever you give it (including empty casings) and is strong enough for hot ammo with just a change of the main recoil spring. S&W produced tons of them and it is a superb example of one of the finest .45's ever built. The best part is that all the rest of the 45XX models also have the same good attributes as the 4506 with just a few minor differences depending on the model - so you really can't go wrong with any of them. The rest is up to you.
You would have to decide if you like/want a full sized grip with an 8-round magazine (e.g. - 4506) or compact grip with a 7-round magazine (e.g. - 4516). Would you be willing to add Hogue grips to thicken the grip and an extended magazine for extra grip length and capacity? Do you prefer SA/DA, DAO, Decocker Only? Is too much weight an issue or do you want the extra mass to soak up some recoil?
Without knowing much more than what you had in your post, the base model is the 4506 - full-sized, weighs like an anvil and built like a tank. Feeds whatever you give it (including empty casings) and is strong enough for hot ammo with just a change of the main recoil spring. S&W produced tons of them and it is a superb example of one of the finest .45's ever built. The best part is that all the rest of the 45XX models also have the same good attributes as the 4506 with just a few minor differences depending on the model - so you really can't go wrong with any of them. The rest is up to you.
That One Guy
Member
I have a 4506-1 and a 4566. Both are pretty accurate and a lot of fun to shoot. I like them both equally, but my buddies generally prefer shooting the 4506. Don't know why, but it's always a big hit when I bring it out to a range day.
I'd also recommend the 4506 since you already have a smaller 3rd gen 45.
I'd also recommend the 4506 since you already have a smaller 3rd gen 45.
4506-1 is a tank. It is so much fun at the range and since you mentioned using it at the range it would be my suggestion. I own a 4666 and several compacts. The 4566 is a fine gun but for range fun I always reach for the 4506.
Since this is a range gun, a full frame pistol with an all stainless steel construction. Alloy 45's are subject to wear on the frames due to steel moving along alloy. The alloy is very strong but unless kept well greased over time will loosen the frame's connection to the slide and introduce wiggle. Its unlikely you will experience this as I doubt you'd run that many rounds through it but still, if this isn't a carry gun, then get the deluxe model. If its for target shooting look for a 4506 with the adjustable rear sight tower.
samnev
Member
Agreed a 4506-1
Jeppo
Member
How 'bout one'a these?
nocents
Member
How 'bout one'a these?
personally still my "grail" gun.....opportunity presented itself a few years back just after I bought a P245.........the P245 is long gone but but not the desire for a "Shorty"
Out of rank curiousity, is the left side only safety as it left the factory?
How 'bout one'a these?
flagman1776
Member
I still have my duty M645 & I'd feel well armed with it today. Runs like a clock. I wouldn't turn down an earlier M645.
If I was going to CC, I'd look at one of the later, compact models.
If I was going to CC, I'd look at one of the later, compact models.
Similar threads
