First handgun chosen. Give me your two cents

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Originally Posted By: AZjeff
What made you choose this particular pistol? Price? Brand? Made in USA? If I were looking at full size steel frame 45 pistols I'd have to look at 1911s.

BTW, Yaris, the 4506 is not a 1911, not close.


Hmm not only does it look shockingly similar to a 1911 its also in .45ACP, which was first developed for the 1911.... so is this a 1911? No. Is it pretty much a 1911? Ya. Is it as cool as a REAL 1911? Not so much.
 
It is not supposed to be a 1911 by any means. I don't know why everyone thinks that .45 ACP semi-autos are all just 1911 copies. This thing shares no parts with the 1911. Won't even take a 1911 mag.

Anyways, moving on...
 
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Originally Posted By: dparm
I don't know why everyone thinks that .45 ACP semi-autos are all just 1911 copies.


Everyone does not. Only a "few"...
 
In my opinion you can't do better than a 3rd generation smith. I don't have a 4506, but i do have a 4516 and a 1006. Both are great guns. They feel good and neither has ever jammed on me.
 
Originally Posted By: yaris0128
Originally Posted By: AZjeff
What made you choose this particular pistol? Price? Brand? Made in USA? If I were looking at full size steel frame 45 pistols I'd have to look at 1911s.

BTW, Yaris, the 4506 is not a 1911, not close.


Hmm not only does it look shockingly similar to a 1911 its also in .45ACP, which was first developed for the 1911.... so is this a 1911? No. Is it pretty much a 1911? Ya. Is it as cool as a REAL 1911? Not so much.


Huh?? "Shockingly similar"??? Sure, and a Ford Grenada looks just like a Mercedes...remember the ads?

Here's a 1911: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M1911_pistol

Here's a 4506: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_%26_Wesson_Model_4506

Anyway, the 4506 doesn't look anything like a 1911. Different frame, slide, slide release, operating mechanism, trigger guard, magazine release, trigger, beavertail and safety mechanisms...You sure you're looking at the same thing? S&W makes several 1911 models that look EXACTLY like the Colt 1911 - and they're good guns.

But this 4506 is a 3rd generation S&W Auto - I own a couple and they're a great line of guns, reliable, durable...maybe a bit heavy but that's because the majority are made with steel frames.

Frankly, I've carried the M-9 (Baretta 9mm), 1911 and a 5906 (3rd gen in 9mm) and I like 3rd gen best of all those - accuracy and reliability are paramount to me. I am comfortable with the 1911, the grip safety and the 3 conditions of carry, but the simpler safety of the DA/SA S&W 4506 is a better choice as a first gun.

The 4506 is a very well-made, reliable, accurate .45 auto pistol that coincidentally uses the same ammo as the 1911...but is nothing at all like the 1911...

Cheers,
 
Originally Posted By: yaris0128


Hmm not only does it look shockingly similar to a 1911 its also in .45ACP, which was first developed for the 1911.... so is this a 1911? No. Is it pretty much a 1911? NO. Is it as cool as a REAL 1911? Not so much.


Fixed for you.
 
Originally Posted By: dparm
Also shot my dad's old-school 1911 from WWII.

Unless its a Mixmaster I wouldn't shoot it. Last time I checked they were not making anymore. Heat treating wasn't the best and you could wind up with a $2000 paperweight.
 
Originally Posted By: greenaccord02
Originally Posted By: yaris0128


Hmm not only does it look shockingly similar to a 1911 its also in .45ACP, which was first developed for the 1911.... so is this a 1911? No. Is it pretty much a 1911? NO. Is it as cool as a REAL 1911? Not so much.


Fixed for you.


What?! Look at the picture. That S&W screams modern 1911.
 
Internally different. Obviously, the look is there and makes you wonder who they were marketing to.

S&W:
4506-3.jpg

1911:
1911A1-JH02.jpg
 
Well geez guys, there's only so many parts to a handgun. You think there's going to be some similarity on the internals?

I never asked if this gun was considered a 1911. Even if someone wants to call it a 1911 clone, so be it. Makes no difference to me.
 
Originally Posted By: yaris0128
Originally Posted By: greenaccord02
Originally Posted By: yaris0128


Hmm not only does it look shockingly similar to a 1911 its also in .45ACP, which was first developed for the 1911.... so is this a 1911? No. Is it pretty much a 1911? NO. Is it as cool as a REAL 1911? Not so much.


Fixed for you.


What?! Look at the picture. That S&W screams modern 1911.


You ever shoot either of them? Without the hammer cocked on the 1911 - you're done...it doesn't fire, it's SA only...and when I carried one, SOP required that it be condition 3...requiring me to rack the slide to get it ready for use. If you wanted to use it for home defense or carry, I would go Condition 1, "cocked and locked".

On the 4506, it's DA/SA...totally different design and workings...fires on the first pull...better choice for first gun, much simpler manual of arms.

So, even though the firing mechanism is different, the internal workings are different, the safety is different and all the parts are formed differently...you still think it screams 1911?

OK...then I've got a Mercedes to sell you...don't mind the blue oval on the steering wheel...

To the OP: it's a great gun - more reliable operation and easier manual of arms than the 1911 but in the same great caliber. Buy it and enjoy it.

cheers,
 
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Originally Posted By: Astro14
Originally Posted By: yaris0128
Originally Posted By: greenaccord02
Originally Posted By: yaris0128


Hmm not only does it look shockingly similar to a 1911 its also in .45ACP, which was first developed for the 1911.... so is this a 1911? No. Is it pretty much a 1911? NO. Is it as cool as a REAL 1911? Not so much.


Fixed for you.


What?! Look at the picture. That S&W screams modern 1911.


You ever shoot either of them? Without the hammer cocked on the 1911 - you're done...it doesn't fire, it's SA only...and when I carried one, SOP required that it be condition 3...requiring me to rack the slide to get it ready for use. If you wanted to use it for home defense or carry, I would go Condition 1, "cocked and locked".

On the 4506, it's DA/SA...totally different design and workings...fires on the first pull...better choice for first gun, much simpler manual of arms.

So, even though the firing mechanism is different, the internal workings are different, the safety is different and all the parts are formed differently...you still think it screams 1911?

OK...then I've got a Mercedes to sell you...don't mind the blue oval on the steering wheel...

To the OP: it's a great gun - more reliable operation and easier manual of arms than the 1911 but in the same great caliber. Buy it and enjoy it.

cheers,


I could say the same thing about every AK on the market. Yet we all accept these copies at AK's. The S&W is awesome and stands on its own not as a 1911 copy but you can see where the inspiration comes from.
 
Originally Posted By: unDummy
Internally different. Obviously, the look is there and makes you wonder who they were marketing to.


People who think a dog has five legs if you call his tail a leg.
 
S&W would definitely not be Oreilly's. But, the 1911 is available from generic Oriellys-type and boutique Amsoil-like manufacturers.
I'd take the S&W on their reputation and the quality look of the gun. I would not buy some 1911's based on price alone.

Actually, I now think it screams, better choice than a 1911.
 
Originally Posted By: unDummy
S&W would definitely not be Oreilly's. But, the 1911 is available from generic Oriellys-type and boutique Amsoil-like manufacturers.
I'd take the S&W on their reputation and the quality look of the gun. I would not buy some 1911's based on price alone.

Actually, I now think it screams, better choice than a 1911.


Did not mean to dis the S&W. Sometimes people operate with too little knowledge about which they speak. You get what you pay for, including 1911s.
 
My 2cents.. I wouldnt suggest a 45 or a semi-auto for a first gun. Then again I am old fashioned and most people laugh if you suggest a revolver as a first gun. Good luck
 
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