Smith & Wesson Model 46

[graydog]

Hi
I haven't seen any threads on the model 46 for awhile so I thought I might start one.

Here are some pictures of a two barrel set I picked up.

Let me know your thoughts on this.

Thanks Graydog

 

[the bud]

Very nice set, looks expensive but nice. So to keep the thread, two weeks ago the local gun shop had a 46 in the case from an estate a ways back. A little reading up on it and last week I became the happy owner of a s&w model 46. Not as nice shape as yours but shoots great. I'll try for pictures

 

[Toolguy]

I'm a Revo guy. What is the difference between a 41 and a 46? Do the barrels and mags interchange?

 

[graydog]

I'm a Revo guy. What is the difference between a 41 and a 46? Do the barrels and mags interchange?

The model 46 is the cheap version of the model 41. Yes they use the same mags.

Graydog

 

[Tom S.]

I'm a Revo guy. What is the difference between a 41 and a 46? Do the barrels and mags interchange?

What Graydog said. S&W produced a cheaper version upon interest by the Airforce and sold them to the civilian market for a brief period of time. IIRC, some of the early ones had some square cut corners that necessitated rounding when stress cracks started forming.

 

[murphydog]

Our Australian model 46 fans will be chiming in shortly .

I believe the US military bought some model 46s but they were generally stamped U.S. Enjoy!

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Re: S&W 46 bbl swap. The 41 bbl will fit on the 46 frame. The 46 bbl will not fit the 41 frame unless slide is also swapped - due to lack of undercut on the 46 bbl. The bbl/slide combo can be switched either way. As noted above, the early square cut 46 slide sometimes cracked and a few early 46s can be found with a 41 slide/bbl due to this problem. In buying extra 46 bbls, need to check to see if the bbl is set for a square cut slide and you have a radius cut slide. Using a file can correct to get the correct fit.

 

[the bud]

Model 46, curious holes

This is my 46, the previous owner must have a reason for this but I do not know if the value of is now gone?? Under the frame are two drilled holes with threads. Some thoughts from other gun owners?

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello bud, I have a 46 not to far from yours. It has one small hole on the
bottom for the weight. Never seen two holes,. Maybe some kind of sight?

 

[sigp220.45]

Hi

Let me know your thoughts on this.

Thanks Graydog

My thoughts are I wish I had it. I don't believe I've ever seen one in the wild, and I would love to have one. Congratulations.

 

[824tsv]

All you need now is to find the under barrel weight for the 7" barrel.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

The Bud - holes in frame does hurt value. Looking at your first picture, what is that item that appears to be sitting on the top of the 7" bbl?

The weight on the underside of the 7" bbl is not real common and the correct screw even less common.

 

[the bud]

Model 46, rail attachment

That piece looks to be a machined steel piece the size of a weaver rail, kind of short for scope rings. local gunsmith took it off and put my red/green optic on for steel plates every Tues. Now if didn't have those holes......

 

[kidcom]

Very nice acquisition. I hope you plan on shooting it. If so, be sure to use CCI Standard Velocity ammunition.

 

[graydog]

All you need now is to find the under barrel weight for the 7" barrel.

Like one of these?

 

[824tsv]

Yup, Looks like you have it covered.
I was referring to the small one on the right.

 

[Barrie]

Mine does not have any holes drilled into it as yet and I doubt I ever will do this to it as well. If the holes are on the bottom of the barrel they may be for a light or a red dot of some kind.

 

[kidcom]

I took my recently acquired 46 - 5.5" HB to the range. The trigger was amazing. After firing it, I have to now seriously consider it to be one of the best if not the best of all of my 41s and 46s. Seriously I've never experienced such a clean break as this 46... Smooth as glass is the only way to describe it.

 

[toymakerjgc]

I own a pistol only a few numbers away from your. S @ W could not give me an accurate date, do you have any input on production date? They estimated 62 or 63. Any help will be appreciated. John

 

[Barrie]

My M46 is a 1963 year production model with a serial no. in the 45000 range. The extra piece of metal in the pic is not factory at all. I have the factory weight with mine and its entirely different. Probably had a spot light attached under the barrel at one time. Mine also has a amazing trigger on it.