S&W 4506 Pistol Guide: Full Review of This Classic .45 ACP

The S&W 4506 is a full-size, all-stainless-steel .45 ACP pistol built with third-generation Smith & Wesson engineering, a 5-inch barrel, an 8+1 capacity, and a reputation for unmatched durability.

Weighing around 41–42 ounces, the Smith & Wesson 4506 delivers extremely soft recoil for its caliber while maintaining legendary reliability and mechanical accuracy.

Designed during the era when American law enforcement demanded rugged service pistols in .45 ACP, the 4506 has become a prized classic for collectors and shooters who appreciate overbuilt metal guns.

Image credits

Why Is the S&W 4506 Still Relevant Today?

The S&W 4506 remains relevant today because it is one of the most durable, accurate, and reliable full-size .45 ACP pistols ever made, built from solid stainless steel and designed for decades of heavy-duty use.

Introduced in 1988 as the successor to the Model 645, the Smith & Wesson 4506 was a cornerstone of the company’s third-generation semi-automatic pistol lineup. During the late 1980s and 1990s, .45 ACP pistols were gaining renewed popularity, and law enforcement agencies sought dependable, rugged sidearms that could handle the heaviest loads—and the 4506 answered that demand.

Smith & Wesson, headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts, engineered the 4506 with all-steel components, a DA/SA action, an ambidextrous safety/decocker, and a long sight radius. The pistol’s lineage includes major refinements, culminating in the 4506-1 variant with improved mechanical strength and user-friendly updates.

The intended market included uniformed law enforcement, duty carriers, and shooters wanting a full-size .45 with exceptional recoil control. Today, its relevance extends to collectors, home-defense users, and enthusiasts who value “old-school” build quality.

What Are the Key Specs of the S&W 4506?

The Smith & Wesson 4506 is a full-size .45 ACP DA/SA pistol featuring a 5-inch barrel, 8+1 capacity, all-stainless-steel construction, and a weight of roughly 41–42 ounces unloaded.

These specifications define its performance and place it among the most robust service pistols ever produced.

Caliber

• .45 ACP

• Capable of handling .45 Super with upgraded springs (not factory rated)

Dimensions

• Overall length: approx. 8.5 inches

• Barrel length: 5 inches

• Height: approx. 5.9 inches

• Width: approx. 1.3 inches

Weight

• Unloaded: ~41–42 ounces

• Loaded: ~46–48 ounces depending on ammunition

Materials & Finish

• Frame: solid stainless steel

• Slide: stainless steel

• Barrel: stainless

• Finish: brushed or matte stainless

• Grip: Xenoy or Hogue wraparound (straight or curved backstrap)

Magazine Capacity

• 8+1 rounds (single-stack steel magazine)

These specs make the 4506 one of the heaviest .45 ACP service pistols ever issued—and one of the softest shooting.

Design & Build Quality — How Well Is the Smith & Wesson 4506 Made?

The S&W 4506 is built with all-stainless-steel construction, a DA/SA trigger, ambidextrous decocker, and robust internals, giving it exceptional durability and a lifetime of mechanical strength.

Frame & Slide Construction

• 100% stainless steel

• Extremely overbuilt with heavy rails

• Excellent corrosion resistance

• Big slide with strong barrel lockup

Ergonomics & Grip Feel

The 4506’s ergonomics are classic 1990s S&W:

• A slim but tall grip

• Optional straight or curved backstrap

• Front and rear strap serrations

• Long reach to the DA trigger for some shooters

Despite its size, many say the pistol feels surprisingly controllable thanks to its natural pointability and long sight radius.

Controls Breakdown

• Safety/Decocker: ambidextrous, slide-mounted

• Trigger: DA/SA, smooth DA, crisp SA

• Magazine Release: left side, easily accessible

• Slide Stop: steel, easy to actuate

• Firing Pin Safety: plunger-type

• Magazine Disconnect: present on most models

Controls are extremely durable, but the safety placement feels “dated” to shooters accustomed to frame-mounted levers.

Accessory Compatibility

• No rail on any 4506 model

• No optics-ready slides

• Novak-style dovetails allow sight upgrades

• No suppressor-height sight support

The 4506 predates the modern accessory era, so upgrades focus mostly on grips and sights.

Variants & Model Differences — What Versions of the S&W 4506 Exist?

The S&W 4506 family includes the original 4506, the improved 4506-1, and several related third-generation .45 pistols such as the 4566, 4586, and rare blued 4505.

Primary Variants

• 4506 (original, 1988–1995)

  • Square trigger guard

  • Flash-chrome trigger/hammer

  • Roll-marked slide

• 4506-1 (1995–1999)

  • Rounded trigger guard

  • Strengthened frame

  • Blackened trigger/hammer

  • Laser-etched markings

Other Related Models

• 4566: Mid-size 4.25" barrel, stainless

• 4546 / 4586: DAO models

• 4505: Blued steel version, extremely rare

• 4513 / CS45: Compact .45s from the same family

• TSW “Tactical” models: Improved triggers, accessories, and agency-specific runs

Comparison to Similar .45s

To help place the 4506 in context:

SIG P220

• Lighter, easier to carry

• 4506 is more durable and softer recoiling

Colt 1911

• Slimmer and more customizable

• 4506 is more reliable with diverse ammunition

HK USP .45

• Similar reliability

• USP offers modern ergonomics; 4506 has better recoil softness

The S&W 4506 is often considered the most “brick-strong” .45 of its era.

Performance — How Does the S&W 4506 Shoot?

The Smith & Wesson 4506 delivers outstanding accuracy, extremely soft recoil for a .45, and near-flawless reliability even under heavy use or with varied ammunition types.

Accuracy

Thanks to its:

• 5-inch barrel

• Tight lockup

• Long sight radius

• Heavy slide

The 4506 produces tight, consistent groups. Shooters regularly achieve 1.5–2.5 inch clusters at 15 yards using quality ammo.

Recoil Management

The all-steel weight makes the pistol:

• Very soft shooting

• Easy to keep on target

• Excellent for rapid follow-up shots

Recoil is closer to a 9mm than a typical lightweight .45.

Reliability

The 4506 is known for:

• Digesting everything from FMJ to hollow points

• Handling +P loads without issue

• Running well into the tens of thousands of rounds

• Rare mechanical failures

It’s often described as “bombproof.”

Trigger Quality

• DA: long, smooth, predictable

• SA: crisp with a defined break

• Reset is audible and tactile

Not match-grade, but exceptionally serviceable for a duty pistol.

Ammunition Compatibility — What Ammo Works Best in the S&W 4506?

The S&W 4506 performs best with standard-pressure .45 ACP in 185gr, 200gr, and 230gr weights, and can handle +P loads reliably due to its robust steel construction.

Ideal Grain Weights

• 230gr: classic, soft recoil, highly accurate

• 200gr: balanced velocity and energy

• 185gr: flatter shooting but slightly sharper recoil

Top Defensive Loads

• Federal HST 230gr

• Speer Gold Dot 230gr

• Winchester Ranger T-Series

• Hornady Critical Duty 220gr +P

Practice Ammo

• Blazer Brass 230gr

• Winchester White Box 230gr

• Federal American Eagle 230gr

+P / .45 Super

• Handles +P with ease

• Can fire .45 Super with upgraded recoil springs and buffer (NOT factory rated)

Known Issues

None significant—avoid underpowered reloads due to the slide’s mass.

What Is the S&W 4506 Best Used For?

The S&W 4506 is ideal for home defense, duty use, range shooting, and collection value. Its size and weight make it less suitable for concealed carry but excellent for performance and durability.

Concealed Carry

Not ideal due to:

• Heavy weight

• Large size

• Long grip

Possible with a coat, but not recommended for everyday carry.

Home Defense

Excellent choice:

• Low recoil

• High reliability

• Accurate and easy to shoot

• .45 ACP stopping power

Competition

• Works well for informal USPSA or IDPA

• Not optimized for speed or modifications

Outdoor Use

• Stainless steel resists corrosion

• Good for field carry or woods defense

• Not ideal for backpacking due to weight

Range Use

Outstanding:

• Soft recoil

• Superb accuracy

• Fun to shoot for long sessions

Collector Value

Growing rapidly thanks to discontinuation and LE history.

What Is the Best S&W 4506 Holster Setup?

A S&W 4506 holster must support the pistol’s weight and size, offering strong retention and stable carry whether for range, field, or defensive use.

Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster

An inside-the-waistband option designed to distribute the 4506’s weight comfortably. It provides discreet carry with a supportive backing for improved comfort.

Belt Holster

A traditional OWB belt holster ensures maximum stability for this heavy .45. Ideal for open carry, range use, or home defense setups where fast access matters.

OWB Paddle Holster

A paddle holster offers quick on/off convenience without adjusting the belt. Its rigid structure supports the pistol securely and keeps it accessible.

Swivel Drop Leg Holster

This drop-leg configuration positions the firearm low on the thigh for rapid access. Useful when wearing outer layers or gear that would interfere with belt carry.

Chest Holster

A great option for outdoor carry, distributing the pistol’s weight across the torso. Ideal for hiking, ATV use, or field environments.

Hook & Loop Holster

This flexible system attaches to bags, vehicles, or modular panels. It provides secure retention and versatile mounting positions.

What Are the Strengths and Weaknesses of the S&W 4506?

Pros

• Extremely durable all-stainless construction

• Very soft recoil for a .45 ACP

• Excellent mechanical accuracy

• Ultra-reliable with all ammo types

• Classic DA/SA trigger with smooth break

• Increasing collector value

• Proven law-enforcement service record

Cons

• Very heavy for carry

• Large overall size

• Magazine disconnect disliked by some

• No optics or rail capability

• Discontinued, with limited parts availability

• Grip can feel thin for large hands

Final Verdict — Should You Buy the S&W 4506?

The S&W 4506 is one of the finest all-steel .45 ACP pistols ever produced. Built during an era when durability mattered more than weight savings, it offers outstanding accuracy, extremely soft recoil, and unmatched reliability. If you’re seeking a full-size .45 that can digest thousands of rounds and maintain performance for decades, the 4506 stands among the best.

Best For

• Collectors of classic S&W pistols

• Home-defense users who prefer .45 ACP

• Shooters wanting soft recoil and premium accuracy

• Fans of metal-frame DA/SA designs

Value for Money

Used models range from $650–$1,200, depending on condition. Considering the craftsmanship, the 4506 remains an exceptional value.

Long-Term Ownership

While parts availability is declining, the pistol’s overbuilt nature means fewer failures and a long service life. With routine spring replacements, the 4506 can last generations.

If you want a .45 ACP pistol that combines American machining, tank-like build quality, and trusted performance, the Smith & Wesson 4506 is an outstanding choice—and a true classic.