S&W model 46

[pkhilberling]

Trying to obtain more info on my S&W model 46 serial #23896 , mint cond. no box . Weapon has target grips and barrel weight .My Dad traded a Vespa for the weapon back in the 70's was told it was a possible Navy compition pistal .Just wondering , thanks

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Based on your description, the S&W 46 is 1959 mfg with a 7" bbl and a square cut slide (where slide rails and slide body meet). This earlier slide subject to cracking at the joint - DO NOT use anything but std velocity (CCI std velocity suggested). If it is military, should have some marking on frame (USAF was marked AF PG on right rear side of frame.) Have not seen any NAVY marked, but look closely and under grip. W/O box, etc. but with bbl weight, value $625 - $775 range

 

[pkhilberling]

Thanks for the info , Dad traded for it back in the 70's with a Master Chief in the Navy who was a family friend and Dad being a Senior Chief in the Navy himself ,so who knows the real story. ha Its a beautiful weapon and been in a safe for years I think its time to go the range .. Thanks again

 

[pkhilberling]

Oh I almost forgot there is no other markings on it except for what S & W put on it .

 

[Pistolpete1969]

The first gun I ever shot was a M46. I started shooting Bullseye with it when I was 12. My dad had a standard 5" M46 and a 5 1/2" heavy barrel M41. Even though the M46 is an "economy" grade M41, it was a phenomenal shooter. I will always have a soft spot for the M46. They are fantastic pistols...

Pete

 

[corrosive8mm]

pkhilbering,
Any chance of posting photos of your 46 and slide cuts--90 degree vs. radius?
Thanks

 

[Barrie]

I am just going out to my club to shoot my 41 and 46. Got lucky yesterday and found 2 bricks of CCI SV 40gr. I am $113.00 poorer but will enjoy the good stuff starting within the next hour or so. I seem to sight in better with my 46 then with my 41 for some strange reason but enjoy shooting them both.

 

[DrWok]

Hello Gents - Great reading your posts on th M46. I have acquired an M46
S&W advise manufacture 1956/60 Serial 25663. I have read small notes about “square cut slide problems” can someone tell me more? Any links to pics or articles etc.

 

[DrWok]

N.B plastic grips with 7” barrel.

 

[Aussie Collector]

Hello Gents - Great reading your posts on th M46. I have acquired an M46
S&W advise manufacture 1956/60 Serial 25663. I have read small notes about “square cut slide problems” can someone tell me more? Any links to pics or articles etc.

The model 46 was not available until 1959...your gun would have been sold with the square cut...

 

[Barrie]

Most M46's of that era also had the dark red plastic grips as standard equipment on them. Mine is in the 45xxx range and also had them but I preferred the wooden ones myself. The red plastic ones are worth more now then the original walnut ones to buy. I have Rosewood grips on my M46 at this time.

 

[po3560]

smith and wesson 46 with 41 barrel and slide

I just purchased a 46 with a 41 barrel and slide. Does anyone know why someone would have done this strange modification?
Thank you !!

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Early 46s with the square cut slide had problems wit cracking where rails meet body. Switching to the heavier 41 slide required using a 41 bbl due to lack of undercut on 46 bbls. . Also 41 bbls were better finished and looking than 46 bbls (accuracy was equal), and later when 46s were dropped, switching to the 41 slide and bbl allowed use of the 5" and 5.5" bbls because the 46 equivalents were hard to get.

 

[Barrie]

Not much more to add to this story other then as Thom has stated. CCI SV ammo only in this M46. It will have a very long life this way.

 

[po3560]

46 with 41 barrel

Thank you for your explanation ! Greatly appreciated !

 

[KEN L]

Trying to obtain more info on my S&W model 46 serial #23896 , mint cond. no box . Weapon has target grips and barrel weight .My Dad traded a Vespa for the weapon back in the 70's was told it was a possible Navy compition pistal .Just wondering , thanks

Most likely left the mother ship around Sept 1960.