The greatest S&W auto of all time is the 4506. You know it's true.

[heekma]

Hello,

Take the title of my post as being friendly hyperbole. I think any auto with S&W on it is tops.

I have a 4506, but it ain't the only S&W auto I own, and I'm always looking to expand my modest collection. Lately I've been on a 2nd Gen. Kick, but that's a topic for another time.

I say the 4506 is tops because I would be willing to put it up against the reigning .45 design of all time-the 1911-regardless of who made it.

My pockets aren't as deep as others, but I've managed by hook and crook to own a Wilson (admittedly one of their Y2K Budget versions) and a Baer.

Wonderful guns both, but when I can buy a 4506 for 1/3 the price, it's a no-brainer.

I appreciate S&W autos of all kinds, but the 4506 occupies a special place for me.

Anyone agree or disagree?

Best,

Heekma

 

[oldman45]

Any gun a person can afford and that works well is a good gun. The 4506 has been a nice choice for many. If I found one in good shape at a reasonable price, I would buy it. Sure, I like the 1911 better but I am always up for buying another gun.

 

[mlk18]

Agreed! The 4506-1 is in my mind the best S&W 3rd Gen that was ever made, followed V-E-R-Y closely by the 39XX series. But I carried a 4506-1 in my duty holster for a number of years, so we have a special relationship. I used to tell people the 4506-1 was the only duty gun I ever carried that provided the same intimidation level as a pump shotgun.

 

[sniper47]

I prefer the 645. I love the wood grip panels on mine, the high-polished slide and frame, the incredible accuracy and reliability. Don't get me wrong, I just picked up another 4506 and while I have yet to shoot it, it has a lousy, crunchy single action trigger pull, as opposed to a very smooth, light single action pull on the 645. Gotta go with the 645. JMHO.

 

[Silversmok3]

4566 is better.

Not simply because I own it, but unlike my old 4506 it can be carried concealed IWB without inquiries regarding my libido. ;-)

 

[heekma]

4566 is better.

Not simply because I own it, but unlike my old 4506 it can be carried concealed IWB without inquiries regarding my libido. ;-)

4566 is better? BETTER?

Blasphemy! Ha!

I joke, I kid...the 4566 is high on my priority list. I passed one up at the last show. Won't do that next time.

Best,

Heekma

 

[Fishslayer]

 

[JR78]

HA to all of ya!! 4516-1

 

[mlk18]

Come one now guys, everyone knows the 4566 and 4516 are just cut down 4506's. They are all just reduced versions of the same gun. They should have just called the 4566 the 4506 Lite and the 4516 the 4506 Jr.

 

[RGore]

645, sometimes they get right the first time

Love my 645. Fits me like a glove, and is beautiful to look at. Shoots anything you feed it. accurate too. What more could you ask for?

 

[tx_oil]

Model 39.

'Nuff said.

 

[colt_saa]

Personally I have never felt the desire to own a 4506, though I do have a fair number of S&W autoloaders.

I am a HUGE fan of the 1006 and 1076. Though I suppose you are just going to call the 1076 a cut down 4506 in a different caliber with a decocker.

One of my all time favorite target guns is my 845. In fact I was shooting it just last Sunday. It is one of the most accurate pistols to come out of S&W

Though the Model 52 does beat it out in both accuracy and classic S&W lines.

In terms of Greatest S&W Auto of all time, I would probably give that vote to the Model 559. Probably one of the most durable blued steel centerfire automatics to come out of the factory.

 

[scatterguy]

Model 39.

'Nuff said.

I could hear a chorus of angels singing when I scrolled down over that beauty! What a stunner

 

[Fishslayer]

I could hear a chorus of angels singing when I scrolled down over that beauty! What a stunner

Same here. That's a beauty.

 

[fiasconva]

Maybe you should have said the greatest 45 instead of the greatest auto. I'd love to have a 4506 but wouldn't trade my 5906 for it.

 

[10mm Sonny]

 

[heekma]

Maybe you should have said the greatest 45 instead of the greatest auto. I'd love to have a 4506 but wouldn't trade my 5906 for it.

That's a very good point. I'll make an amendment tonight.

I was just feeling a little wound up last night, but didn't want to come across as a blowhard, just having a little fun.

Best,

Heekma

 

[ColColt]

This fellow knows from whence he speaks!! I have given praise and accolades to the 4506 more times than one on this forum and others as well. Purchased in September 1990, it is the only auto pistol, regardless the caliber, that has never failed in any way. No FTF, FTE FTRTB-nothing. Whatever you put in it's magazine it would eat it gladly. Even the notorious Flying Ashtray from decades ago that gave so many pistols a fit would be gobbled up by my 4506.

This pistol has earned the right to rest easy under my pillow for years and currently resides there with it's magazine filled with, you guessed it-the 200 gr Flying Ashtray.(Corbon version at 1050 fps). After reading many times about Mas Ayoob's praises on this pistol I decided to get one and it was the best investment I ever made for a dependable 45. There may be equals but none surpass it.

 

[Dave686]

My pockets aren't as deep as others, but I've managed by hook and crook to own a Wilson (admittedly one of their Y2K Budget versions) and a Baer.

Anyone agree or disagree?

Then shoot an S&W SW1911 against the Baer or Wilson and see if the price difference is justified for you.

 

[fiasconva]

heekma, don't ya just love those old stainless "boat anchors"?