Which 40 or 45 3rd gen to buy?

[Sammy Wesson]

Newbie here and looking to add to my collection. I am a longtime revolver owner and want to get into the semi-autos, either the 40 or 45 cal. I initially wanted to get a 4006TSW, but wanted to get some expert advice. I'm looking for a well-balanced gun and something that will be enjoyable to shoot and maybe on the less recoil side of things. It would be used mainly for target and to have as protection around the camp. Right now my S&W 686 is my favorite gun to shoot. Smooth and love shooting it. I know I need to really go out and shoot both to know for sure, but any suggestions or recommendations from current owners? I wondered if the full size were nicer to shoot over the compacts? The 3rd generation tactical with and without a rail is what I have my eye on and I think I prefer steel, but not a deal breaker. 4006TSW; 4566TSW……

Thanks in advance. Hope the question makes some sense.

 

[Glenn H]

Perfect sense. The 4006 is slightly smaller and lighter than the 45. I'm not a huge fan of .45 caliber (that should stir up some excitement) and the .40 is smooth, easy shooting and packs a nice punch for the size. Good .40 ammo will sneak up toward 10MM power and target .40 ball is pretty common and cheap. I find it a nice compromise between the 9MM and the bigger bore stuff. I have a TSW with rail but the rail can be removed if you wish.

 

[GaryS]

I'm not a fan of .40, so I'd suggest a 4506 for your stated needs. That's a big, heavy, all Stainless .45 with a 5" barrel. Not light by any definition. The 4566 is the same thing with a slightly shorter barrel.

Most of my experience is with 9mm, not .45. I have a 5906 and three different compact 9mm guns. The 5906 is rock stable to shoot, but for me at least it's too big and heavy to carry concealed. For that I'll use one of my compact guns, which are still a pleasure to shoot.

 

[epj]

4566TSW is hard to beat for what you want.

 

[Shoo2tr]

Great question, and a matter of personal preference because I have found that of the models you reference it all comes down to if you prefer single stack to double stack, and or .40 to .45.

I'm fairly new to the 3rd Gen semi-autos but I do happen to have two of the models that it sounds like you are considering. I have the 4566 and 4013TSW (non rail).

My observations are straight forward. I do not mind the snap of the .40 S&W round and I have been a long-time .45 shooter so for me no advantage either way there. I do however have small hands and due to the thickness of the 4013TSW's grip, I do not shoot it nearly as well as the 4566. I have several of the 4006 11 round mags with the grip extension that I use in my 4013TSW and they are great to add overall capacity but for my smallish hands add more of a challenge for me to be as accurate as I am with the 4566. Both of these guns are among the most accurate I have ever shot. My favorite .45 prior to obtaining the 4566 was my West German production Sig P220. Much to my amazement I shoot the 4566 a tad better. That statement in itself is the best possible endorsement I can give for the 4566. My 4566 is the De-cock model and other than the location of the De-cock lever functions just like the P220. If capacity is a consideration and you have average to larger hands then the 4006TSW or 4013TSW with the 4006 mags may be the way to go, especially if it is to be used as a nightstand gun or home defense implement. So what I'm really saying is that you can't go wrong either way, but that's just my .02.

 

[James&theGiant1911]

Some of you guys crack me up, I am not knocking the 45 Smiths but you all do realize that Smith and Wesson developed the 40 caliber , right? I mean certain gun makers are known specifically for the caliber that they use in their most popular models.

When you say 9mm, I think Browning Hi Power

When you say 40 caliber, I think Smith and Wesson

When you say .45, I think 1911

Why do you think Smith and Wesson makes 1911s now. The Smith and Wesson Performance Center models and TSW 40s is what I would look for. If you want an entry level product then the 40xx series Smiths should fit the bill. If you want a 45 then go to the E series or another 1911. The 10mm is another option if you want more power than the standard 40.

 

[acco40]

3rd Gen 45

I'm partial to the 4505.

 

[03Fatboy]

They are both great calibers. I didn't like 40 out if a glock so I sold it. Until I shot it out of my 4006 and then 4004 and then a 4013TSW and then a 4003TSW and soon a 945-40. Well you see, you can't go wrong with either. BTW I shoot 45 out of a 4506, 4516, 745 and others..........

 

[dkelly27]

.40 or .45

Here's my choice. 4013TSW, 645 and 411 .40

 

[LTC]

I'd suggest the 4506 or 4506-1. I have the 4506-1 and find it to be an enjoyable gun at the range. It is a 40 + oz. gun though.

LTC

 

[timn8er]

I'm partial to the 4505.


Totally jealous. Showoff!

 

[4506517]

4505
4506
4526
4546
4566TSW
4563TSW
4586TSW
4583TSW

4006TSW
4003TSW
4046TSW
4053 (single stack)

I own and shoot all of these. I find them all thrilling to shoot.

 

[ILLWIND]

I like the compacts...4536, 4014, 4053. For the full size the 4566TSW. All have their own merits & faults.

 

[Sammy Wesson]

Thanks for all the responses and taking the time.

Looks like the answer is to get one of each.

I was leaning toward a compact at first, but wasn't sure if the full size might be more like my 686. A 9mm in a compact is on my list so trying to get one of each and have a full size in a 40 or 45. We'll see what comes along. I have room in the safe for a few more.

 

[max]

It is not 3rd generation, but I really like my 457. Very light, not much recoil and accurate.