I've always had a soft spot for third generation Smith & Wesson auto pistols, especially in .45 caliber. A model 4506 (fixed sight) was the very first S&W I ever owned. Over the years I would buy one and then after a while sell it, but it wouldn't be too long before I would regret it and buy another. I have owned several of the big .45s over the years, a couple each of the 4506 and 4516 models, a 4567 and my only current one, the 4566 in the photo above. I've never had a problem with any of mine; all have been very solid, dependable pistols. If there has been any issue at all it would be with the heavy double action trigger pull that I always thought was one of the series' only flaws. I bought this one at a low price in '06 and after shooting it a while decided that it was a "keeper". For once I decided to send a gun off for a little custom work, this one got sent to Novak for a trigger and reliability job (was plenty reliable already) and I have been quite happy with it ever since. The DA trigger is as smooth as silk and the modifications made on the gun turned it from an excellent pistol to an exceptional pistol. Every once in a while I'll think about selling it. It's a one of a kind in my collection and requires special mags, holsters etc. that won't work with any other gun that I own. But every time I do consider getting rid of it I quickly change my mind, it's just too good a gun to ever let go...
Friday, April 30, 2010
From the vault - Smith & Wesson Model 4566
From deep within my gun safe comes another treasure...
I've always had a soft spot for third generation Smith & Wesson auto pistols, especially in .45 caliber. A model 4506 (fixed sight) was the very first S&W I ever owned. Over the years I would buy one and then after a while sell it, but it wouldn't be too long before I would regret it and buy another. I have owned several of the big .45s over the years, a couple each of the 4506 and 4516 models, a 4567 and my only current one, the 4566 in the photo above. I've never had a problem with any of mine; all have been very solid, dependable pistols. If there has been any issue at all it would be with the heavy double action trigger pull that I always thought was one of the series' only flaws. I bought this one at a low price in '06 and after shooting it a while decided that it was a "keeper". For once I decided to send a gun off for a little custom work, this one got sent to Novak for a trigger and reliability job (was plenty reliable already) and I have been quite happy with it ever since. The DA trigger is as smooth as silk and the modifications made on the gun turned it from an excellent pistol to an exceptional pistol. Every once in a while I'll think about selling it. It's a one of a kind in my collection and requires special mags, holsters etc. that won't work with any other gun that I own. But every time I do consider getting rid of it I quickly change my mind, it's just too good a gun to ever let go...
I've always had a soft spot for third generation Smith & Wesson auto pistols, especially in .45 caliber. A model 4506 (fixed sight) was the very first S&W I ever owned. Over the years I would buy one and then after a while sell it, but it wouldn't be too long before I would regret it and buy another. I have owned several of the big .45s over the years, a couple each of the 4506 and 4516 models, a 4567 and my only current one, the 4566 in the photo above. I've never had a problem with any of mine; all have been very solid, dependable pistols. If there has been any issue at all it would be with the heavy double action trigger pull that I always thought was one of the series' only flaws. I bought this one at a low price in '06 and after shooting it a while decided that it was a "keeper". For once I decided to send a gun off for a little custom work, this one got sent to Novak for a trigger and reliability job (was plenty reliable already) and I have been quite happy with it ever since. The DA trigger is as smooth as silk and the modifications made on the gun turned it from an excellent pistol to an exceptional pistol. Every once in a while I'll think about selling it. It's a one of a kind in my collection and requires special mags, holsters etc. that won't work with any other gun that I own. But every time I do consider getting rid of it I quickly change my mind, it's just too good a gun to ever let go...
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6 comments:
Try holsters for a Springfield XD. That's what I use for my beloved 1006 and my 4043, which is my daily carry gun. And the DAO guns have a MUCH smoother trigger, almost as good as my old Model 19. (Can you tell I love Smiths? ;-))
I didn't know that Springfield XD holsters would work, must be close enough to fit. I already have a couple of Milt Sparks holsters for my 4566... but thanks for the info!
how many rounds does this take ?
All 3rd generation Smith & Wesson .45s (full size frame) held 8 rounds.
Agree 100% . My 4566 is the single most accurate .45 I have ever fired. Bought mine used and well worn in smooth as silk (blued trigger/hammer) was shooting low so I placed a call to S&W they sent me shorter front sight free of charge and bingo! Dead on. Mine has the plastic or nylon disconnector which really aids in smoother sear operation . S&W armorers at least the one I talk to says the plastic/nylon one is preferred due to flexibility. My 4516-1 has a steel disconnector and trigger is noticeably grittier but I added a spurred hammer to it so that made up for it:) like you, I think about selling the 4566 for another 1911 but there is only one 4566 in the herd so...NO WAY! If I could have only one .45 for defense/battle/competition/holy matrimony the 4566 wins hands down as much as I hold 1911's dear to my heart that pistol is a true masterpiece.
Started in '96 with a model 410 after being bitten by 1911 bug I sold it like a fool but the love never went away so I started the journey again which led to a 4013,915,4516-1,1006,4566. Kept the 915 (NIB last year) 4516-1 and the 4566. Purchased the 4566 for $370 gunbroker replaced trigger play spring and a shorter front sight. It is the most accurate .45 I have ever fired. It is smooth as silk and feeds/ejects empty shells heck, I bet it would feed rocks. Like you contemplated selling it then I realize there is only one in the herd and they are getting more scarce. Few years ago they were dirt cheap because everyone let theirs go to buy Tupperware and a new crowd came along realizing what gems they are and started paying big $$$ for them. I bought a 1006 brand new in box Christmas 2012 for $749 sold it a couple months ago after firing it for $1100! Liked it but for some reason 4506/1006 5" barrels tad bit front heavy for me but the 4566 is my baby. 3rd genitis has NO CURE!
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