Smith & Wesson 4506

Published on December 17, 2022
Duration: 10:49

This review of the Smith & Wesson 4506 highlights its robust, all-stainless steel construction, making it a heavy but durable pistol. It was one of the early 'Wonder 45s' offering double-action/single-action capability with both decock and safety features, distinguishing it from earlier decock-only models. The video details its production run (1988-1999), variations, technical specifications including trigger pull weights, and its historical significance in law enforcement and popular culture, noting its current status as a collector's item.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson 4506 is a classic .45 ACP pistol known for its robust all-stainless steel construction and a double-action/single-action trigger system. It offered advanced safety features for its era, including a decocker, manual safety, and firing pin safety, making it a popular choice for law enforcement. Produced from 1988 to 1999, it is now a sought-after collector's item.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Smith & Wesson Legacy Pistols
  2. 00:13Smith & Wesson 1006 and 10mm
  3. 00:24Introduction to the Smith & Wesson 4506
  4. 00:33Heavy Construction and 'Wonder 45s'
  5. 00:41DA/SA vs. Decock-Only Pistols
  6. 00:53Magazine Capacity and Single Column Design
  7. 01:04Decock and Safety Features
  8. 01:13First Double Action Semi-Automatic Pistol
  9. 01:17Model Variations: 4506 vs. 45-1
  10. 01:28Sight Options: Fixed vs. Adjustable
  11. 01:39Personal Memories and Competition
  12. 01:57Pop Culture Influence: Miami Vice
  13. 02:07Production History: 1988-1999
  14. 02:15Shift to M&P Series and Striker-Fired
  15. 02:19Collector's Item Status and Value
  16. 02:26Technical Specifications: Caliber, Weight, Barrel Length
  17. 02:35Trigger Pull Weights (DA/SA)
  18. 02:41Slide and Barrel Construction
  19. 02:45Safety Features: Firing Pin Safety
  20. 02:51Law Enforcement Carry Suitability
  21. 02:55Decock, Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
  22. 03:01Magazine Disconnect Safety
  23. 03:10Disengaging Magazine Safety
  24. 03:15Field Strip: Slide Stop and Hammer Drop
  25. 03:21Recoil Spring and Barrel Removal
  26. 03:29Firing Pin Block and Safety Mechanism
  27. 03:35Recoil Spring Guide and Plunger Function
  28. 03:38Frame Components: Disconnector, Ejector
  29. 03:50Frame Pin Safety and Decocker Lever
  30. 03:59Feed Ramp and Ammunition Considerations
  31. 04:04Reassembly Process
  32. 04:07Decocking Arm Fitment
  33. 04:16Slide and Ejector Reassembly
  34. 04:23Range Test Preview
  35. 04:59Range Test Ammunition and Performance
  36. 05:34Other Model Variations: 4516, 4546, 4563, 4566, 4567, 4505, 4586
  37. 06:04Law Enforcement and Military Application History
  38. 06:15Decline with Glock Introduction
  39. 06:26Smith & Wesson's Legal Issues and M&P Series
  40. 06:39Conclusion and Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Smith & Wesson 4506 a 'Wonder 45'?

The Smith & Wesson 4506 is considered a 'Wonder 45' because it was one of the first .45 ACP semi-automatic pistols to offer a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger system, combined with both a decocker and a manual safety, providing enhanced versatility and safety for its time.

What are the key construction features of the Smith & Wesson 4506?

The Smith & Wesson 4506 is built with a robust, all-stainless steel frame and slide, contributing to its substantial weight of approximately 2.6 pounds. This 'overbuilt' construction emphasizes durability and longevity.

What safety features are present on the Smith & Wesson 4506?

The 4506 incorporates multiple safety features, including a decocker lever, a manual safety, and an internal firing pin safety. It also features a magazine disconnect safety, which prevents firing when the magazine is removed.

When was the Smith & Wesson 4506 produced, and why is it considered a collector's item?

The Smith & Wesson 4506 was produced from 1988 to 1999. It is now considered a collector's item due to its historical significance as an early DA/SA .45 ACP, its robust all-metal construction, and its association with law enforcement and popular culture, especially its appearance in 'Miami Vice'.

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