[UPDATE] Scored a Model 4576, local PD Marked

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A friend from the gun shop called to let me know that somebody traded an uncommon Smith pistol (1 of 1,365)...this Model 4576. This is a full size, single stack, .45 ACP with frame mounted decocker. Sort of like the 1076. Took me just a few minutes to get there. Apparently, it was a Gaston County Police Department gun. Gaston County is adjascent (west side) to Mecklenburg County / Charlotte, NC. I will call over to GPD later this week to see if it can provide more info.

UPDATE at Post #15

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Were those subject to the decocker recall, or was it just the 1076?

Yes. Found this in a different thread. It is, purportedly, text of the late 1991 recall notice:

SMITH & WESSON
MODEL 1026, 1076, 4526, 4536, 4576, 5924,
5926, 6924 and 6926 PISTOLS
RECALL: Models affected have frame mounted decocking levers.
Other model Smith & Wesson pistols are not affected by this advisory.
We have determined that it is possible for a Smith & Wesson Third Generation 9mm, 10mm and .45 ACP pistol with a frame-mounted decocking lever to malfunction so as to make the pistol inoperable.
In order to safeguard our customers from the possibility of such a malfunction, Smith & Wesson will inspect and, if necessary, modify these pistols free of charge. Owners of Smith & Wesson 9mm, 10mm and .45 ACP pistols featuring a frame-mounted decocking lever with model numbers listed above, and which do not have two dots stamped on the frame underneath the decocking lever (when the lever is depressed) should send their pistols and accompanying magazines to Smith & Wesson for a no-charge inspection.

Please send your pistol and magazines to:

Smith & Wesson
2100 Roosevelt Avenue
Springfield, MA 01102-2208
Attn: Service Department-DL

If you have any questions regarding this product advisory, please call 800-331-0852 ext. 211.

While we have your pistol, our armorers will stamp your pistol with two dots under the decocking lever, and give your pistol an ultrasonic cleaning and full lubrication (a $25.00 value) at no charge. We apologize for this inconvenience. Smith & Wesson remains committed to building the safest, most reliable and finest-performing firearms possible.
 
Following up on my post above, about the recall notice…

Here are photos of the “punch marks” applied by S&W armorers to indicate recall repairs. You must depress the decocker to see them. Apparently, my pistol had the recall repairs. Then again, it looks like anyone could make these marks. See the two dots above the depressed decocker?

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I have a 4536 which also has the side decocker . If you're going to keep it , you might look and see if Midway still has the decocker assy's available . I got one for my 1076 and my 4536 .
 
UPDATE:

Gaston County Police Department returned my call today. It was an interesting discussion. The Sergeant joined GPD in 1995. He said that the 4576 was standard issue for all officers since 1991. He believes that the department had 112-115, or so. 5 of them had a square trigger guard. He owns one of each, round and square trigger guard. The department transition from S&W 4576 to HK USP sometime in 1999-2000. Pistols not purchased by officers were sent to a distributor. Most GPD pistols are agency marked.

I was surprised to learn that GPD received so many of these pistols.
 
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