S&W 45ACP Suggestions

[novalty]

After shooting my friends M&P 45, I have gotten the hankering for a S&W 45 to go with my 5906 and newest addition 2206. Having a hard time deciding what to keep my eyes open for in 45. First was thinking the 4506 to go along with my other '06 models, but have heard such great things about the 1911, wondering if that might be the best road to pursue. I do prefer the TDA a.k.a SA/DA models as opposed to a DAO, also prefer the full size as opposed to the compacts. Looking a little on Gunbroker I see the 4566 model which really caught my eye with the smaller barrel length similar to my 5906 and still decent sized grip. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I'm not sure if there are any short comings with any particular model.

 

[smith10]

I say you can't really go wrong with the 4566. I often carry the 1066 that is the 10mm equal to the 45acp 4566. Great gun, reliable, accurate and I really like the balance.

 

[The Watchman]

4566tsw

I have a mint cond 4566TSW w/ nylon holster & approx. 8 boxes ammo that I am considering selling. Anyway you end up going, this style pistol has many features w/ classic S&W looks.
Just FYI
Here is a picture;

 

[sasu]

I do not have the M&P 45, at least not yet.

But 4506, SW1911 and 945PC I do have. Sweet, sweet pistols.

It would be really hard to decide which one to buy first if these were the choices.

The 4506 is big and solid as a tank. The SW1911 is really fast and nimble. The 945PC feels like its built to race.

 

[18DAI]

Get the 4566, you will be very glad you did.

Not too heavy, perfect size for IWB or OWB, boringly reliable and tack driving accurate. Looks good doing all that and can be found easily for not too much cash. I love mine. Regards 18DAI.

 

[FirebirdV8]

I say you can't really go wrong with the 4566. I often carry the 1066 that is the 10mm equal to the 45acp 4566. Great gun, reliable, accurate and I really like the balance.

The 1066 is my cold weather carry gun and it is one of my favorites. If I were to get a 45 I would start with a 4566. They are still pretty common on the used market for now too, but they will eventually dry up. On the other hand, they will be making the M&P 45 for quite a while.

 

[zorro49]

I recommend the M&P45 mid size for both carry and recreational shooting. It has great handling characteristics, very accurate, and not too heavy. But would understand if you get the hankering for the older 45's from Smith, I also have a 4006TSW that is a blast to shoot, and is built to take a beating. zorro49

 

[deanodog]

Here is two I have recently came up with. I love the 4566 and it's compact version also.
Model 4566

Model 4516

I love all the s&w 3rd gen. autos. The plastic and the striker fired ones did not suit me. I also like the decocker on the steel ones.

 

[Nframe357]

I've got an M&P full size that I've had for 2+ yrs, it's been flawless and a highly recommended model. I've also had Smiths first 45 auto, the 645. I loved this gun alot but in a moment of weakness I traded it away, now I've found a 4506 that I'm going to get to replace it. Smith makes excellent 45 ACP's. Any will make you happy.

 

[novalty]

Well I guess I have limited it down to either a 4566 or S&W 1911. Seeing those Lasergrips on Sasu's 1911 really caught my eye. Most likely the 4566 will be the choice for me, as I absolutely love the look of the old stainless steel S&W 3rd Gens--plus the cost of 1911's are very high.

 

[jaysouth]

I have had a serious addiction for many decades for heavy .45s. I know that I have owned a total of 50 S&Ws and 1911s in that caliber.

You also should have at least one of each. Even get a Sig 220 that make you appreciate even more the 3d gen Smiths and 1911s.

However, these days my stressed out back does not allow me to carry anything heavier than a M&P 45c. It is a wonderful gun. Had it been available 40 or 50 years ago, I might not have squandered a fortune on heavy metal .45s.

Hmmm, I probably will continue to fondle the M&P and carry it daily, but I am in no hurry to sell off any other .45 toys.

 

[oldRoger]

4566 TSW Recommended

I have a 4566 TSW and a 1076. In my hands I think they are the perfect size and weight. I also have a SIG P220 which with eyes closed could be a twin of the two Smiths. For some reason my 1006 feels large and slightly cumbersome in comparison.

But if you don't have a 1911 you certainly should put it on your "must" list. I think that you can do much worse than a S&W 1911 type pistols, although the purists object to the external extractor on esthetic grounds.

 

[TSQUARED]

I do not own a M&P45 but did shoot one and was very favorably impressed with it. Unfortunately I have a plethora of 45's (six 1911's of various manufacturers, a S&W 645, 945 and 2 of the 625's plus an older 1955 Model 45 Target and a Glock 36) so I do not need another 45. What impressed me with the M&P 45 was the apparent lesser recoil than the full size all steel guns - was it the frame bending and absorbing the recoil? I may decide to sell a few of mine and get an M&P45.

 

[novalty]

I know what you mean TSquared by the M&P 45 recoil. I was absolutely amazed at how little recoil I received from this polymer framed gun. It shot very accurate right out of the box, plus the adjustable backstraps is a great options. But when it comes down to it I really love the stainless steel Smith's. Not that there is anything wrong with the polymer, just love the looks of the stainless better.

 

[1911ES]

Boy, it's hard to pick just one ....... as all chioces are great guns. I just picked up a 1911 ES compact with the 4 1/4" barrel, and I'm already looking at another 1911 !
Nothing like a single stack.
You have to decide which one to start with.
The 1911 PD is an awesome pistol ..... and possibly my next purchase.

 

[bubbajoe45]

1911s are thinner and better handling than any other. And as you said, the laser grips add a whole new dimension to shooting.

 

[jacksmatrixxx]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3454111238_122a8bde1d.jpg

457s eats any thing

 

[01deuce]

Don't forget the 4513tsw. Nice size and weight for carry.

 

[j38]

Another vote for the 4566. I love mine.

Good Luck with your decision,

Jerry

 

[Vulcan Bob]

If you have never owned a 1911 style you owe it to yourself to try one of these classic handgun design's.