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,