Smith & Wesson Model 4506

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The Smith & Wesson Model 4506 is a third-generation semi-automatic pistol from Smith & Wesson's 4500 series of handguns. The 4506 is chambered for the powerful .45 ACP cartridge, making it a favorite of law enforcement professionals and legally armed citizens alike. It is constructed almost entirely from stainless steel and is thus extremely resistant to harsh weather conditions. The 4506 is a traditional double-action pistol. It features one-piece Xenoy wrap-around grips with either a curved or straight back strap. The 4506 was produced from 1988 to 1989.

Smith&Wesson Model 4506
Smith&Wesson Model 4506


[edit] Variants

Smith & Wesson Model 4506: The original 4506 design. Featured a square combat trigger guard and stainless steel trigger and hammer.

Smith & Wesson Model 4506-1: Later, modified version of the 4506. Change to the slide manufacturing process. Trigger guard changed from square to round. Much later, the hammer and trigger were changed to being blued, and the S&W roll marks were dropped in favor of laser etching.

[edit] Law Enforcement Service

The Smith & Wesson Model 4506 was and still is a favorite duty weapon among law enforcement officers. Most notably the 4506 is/was used by the following police departments:

  • Los Angeles Police Department - could be privately purchased by Officers who wished to carry it instead of the Department issue Beretta M92F or Glock 22
  • New Mexico State Police - from 1992 until the adoption of the Glock 31
  • Tulsa County Sheriff's Office - until the adoption of the Glock 22
  • Columbus Police Department, Ohio - Until late 2006 when they switched to a .40 cal S&W.

[edit] In the Media

The Smith & Wesson Model 4506 has been featured in several prominent television series and movies.

  • Miami Vice - Miami Metro-Dade, Vice Unit, Detective James "Sonny" Crockett carried a S&W 4506 in latter seasons
  • The Shield - Los Angeles Police Department, Farmington Division, Strike Team Leader, Detective Sergeant Vic Mackey carries a S&W 4506-1 with factory adjustable sights (there are at least two on set as in some photos Mackey's 4506-1 has a stainless steel hammer and trigger and in other photos they are blued)
  • Training Day - Los Angeles Police Department, Narcotics Division, Detective Sergeant Alonzo Harris carries two S&W 4506's
  • Deep Blue - Los Angeles Police Department, Special Investigations Squad, Detective Sergeant Eldon Perry Jr. carries a S&W 4506
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