S&W 4506-1 special order code.

[T. McIntyre]

Friends,

I have 4506-1 that shows a special order code on the box label. Would anybody know what the code means or represents?

I picked the gun up from a young man who inherited it from an uncle who was LAPD. He said he received 2 4506 pistols. He kept one and was selling the one I picked up (which was still NIB).

I am wondering if the code was related to having a decocker, or if it is a manufacturing series number or what.

 

[Ameshawki]

Date code. 68th day of 1994. Possibly 2004 but I think that serial puts it in the 90's.

 

[ACEd]

Agree 4068 is date code, but possibly 2004. Product Code would indicate configuration. Curious if gun says 4506-1 or just 4506.
I have seen 4506 with Product Code 108163 with box end including "03" beginning 1998 which I understood were the last (best) generation of 4506 sometimes referred to as -3 (even though there was no 4506-2).
Believe these pistols were only marked 4506 not 4506-1 but not sure that is correct. They can be distinguished from early 4506 by non-stepped frame and black trigger & hammer.

 

[Sevens]

Not 2004 with the one piece cardboard flip-top box, so yes 1994 is correct.

Pistol may be NIB and it looks fantastic however it did not ship with the big gooey Hogue grip. S&W may still have a straight back delrin grip to return it to stock/NIB.

 

[ACEd]

Not 2004 with the one piece cardboard flip-top box, so yes 1994 is correct.

Pistol may be NIB and it looks fantastic however it did not ship with the big gooey Hogue grip. S&W may still have a straight back delrin grip to return it to stock/NIB.

Had not thought about box vs case - also I have seen other VAxxxxx dated 1993-1994 - agree not 2004

If you want date info, email [email protected] with s/n and they can give you better date info.

As to grips, Midway and/or Numrich probably have correct SW grips

 

[T. McIntyre]

Agree 4068 is date code, but possibly 2004. Product Code would indicate configuration. Curious if gun says 4506-1 or just 4506.
I have seen 4506 with Product Code 108163 with box end including "03" beginning 1998 which I understood were the last (best) generation of 4506 sometimes referred to as -3 (even though there was no 4506-2).
Believe these pistols were only marked 4506 not 4506-1 but not sure that is correct. They can be distinguished from early 4506 by non-stepped frame and black trigger & hammer.

The gun itself is marked 4506-1

Shown here:

It is definitely a nice example.

And THANK YOU for the info.

 

[T. McIntyre]

Ahh I was just thinking about this.

The late 18DAI was helping me out a few years back. I had picked up another 4506 (and one that I shoot and LOVE!). I didn't know hardly anything about it, and presumed that since it was simply marked 4506 that it was an early sample.

Ends up it was from the very last run. The numbering and markings were done in laser etching. And now that you mention it, it came in a plastic case versus, a cardboard box.

Plus the hammer was different. 18 DAI knew all the details.


Plus he later helped me out when I acquired my all time favorite Gen 3 S&W, a 4563 Performance Center .45 CQB. It is a low serial number gun (2 digits) and shoots absolutely tiny, tiny groups. By far my favorite S&W semi auto.


Here is the later model, last run 4506, that came in the plastic box:

 

[Jeppo]

Ahh I was just thinking about this.

The late 18DAI was helping me out a few years back. I had picked up another 4506 (and one that I shoot and LOVE!). I didn't know hardly anything about it, and presumed that since it was simply marked 4506 that it was an early sample.

Plus he later helped me out when I acquired my all time favorite Gen 3 S&W, a 4563 Performance Center .45 CQB. It is a low serial number gun (2 digits) and shoots absolutely tiny, tiny groups. By far my favorite S&W semi auto.

The 4563 CQB was one of John’s proudest possessions. His example was featured on the cover of American Handgunner. He also owned more than one 4506-1. Miss him every day.

 

[toddimusnimski]

Ahh I was just thinking about this.

The late 18DAI was helping me out a few years back. I had picked up another 4506 (and one that I shoot and LOVE!). I didn't know hardly anything about it, and presumed that since it was simply marked 4506 that it was an early sample.

Ends up it was from the very last run. The numbering and markings were done in laser etching. And now that you mention it, it came in a plastic case versus, a cardboard box.

Plus the hammer was different. 18 DAI knew all the details.

A very nice .45 sir. You had a great mentor in 18DAI; he left behind some really big shoes to fill. I never had the pleasure of interacting with him but I learned a LOT from his posts, and still do.

Todd

 

[T. McIntyre]

The 4563 CQB was one of John’s proudest possessions. His example was featured on the cover of American Handgunner. He also owned more than one 4506-1. Miss him every day.

He gave me a good rundown on the 4563 CQB and their very limited numbers.


Great guy and we shared an affinity for the same Gen 3s.

 

[Jeppo]

You had a great mentor in 18DAI; he left behind some really big shoes to fill. I never had the pleasure of interacting with him but I learned a LOT from his posts, and still do.

Todd

I assume all interested in this topic know who we’re discussing. For those that might stumble on this in the future:

I’m heartbroken - 18DAI has left the building

 

[BLUEDOT37]

This was one of his related pictures.

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