Tell me about S/W's big autos

B

Blue Duck357

New member
Seems S/W's autos have had a bad reputation with most shooters for some time (poor accuracy and reliability). Never really saw one I liked much so really didn't worry about it one way or the other.

Recently though I've become a bit interested in the 1076 (comander size 10mm) and the 1006? (full size 10mm) models. Doing some searches I've found very little bad said about these pistols. Looking for opinons on them and their .45 auto counterparts (not up on the current model #'s).

Are the larger frame Smiths known for better accuracy and reliability than the others, or just the 10mm models?, is it just that 10mm folks have so little to choose from they give a bit of slack to SW? or was the whole reputation undeserved in the first place? Just looking for input, opinions and experience

Thanks,
Blueduck

PS:Before we even get into it, were talking used, pre-agreement guns per my personal choice so lets not get into that please!
 
I have to give S&W some kudos here.
Every S&W auto I have ever shot has had 5 things going for it.
1. A very smooth and crisp trigger.
2. Accuracy that was either On Par or Better than your average duty grade handgun.
3. Good sights.
4. Smooth action with well finished or polished rails.
5. Reliable. I've never had any problems with the examples I've delt with... In 9MM, .40, or .45 calibers.

The only downsides that I have to the autos are purely those of opinion:
1. The ergonomics of that grip design. My hands just can not get a good grip on them... so much so that I would never opt to spend my own money on them. I don't like the way they feel. I don't like the angle... I just plain don't like them.
2. Slide mounted safety levers. Hey S&W, I want my flesh back. For some reason, those damned lever ALWAYS snatch a chunk of flesh off my thumb knuckle no matter what I do short of wearing gloves. Why do they have to put the safeties on the slides? It's just not right I tell you! Not right at all.
 
The 1076 was the civilain version of the FBI gun. The only difference between the 1076 and the 1066 (?) was the frame mounted decocker similar to that found on the classic Sigs.
I had one once. Sold for a few reasons. Although the grip is relatively narrow, it is on the long side which made it difficult to maintain a good grip. I also learned I didn't much care for the magazine safety or the plastic grips that got really slippery with wet/sweaty hands.
For informal shooting, it was a lot of fun and mine was VERY accurate. But for my purposes, I had to sell it.
 
I carry a 1076 and have a 1006 for giggles. I also have a 1026 in transit and hope to carry it if it proves reliable. My 1076 has been very reliable and has eaten anything (various power levels) I have fed it and the pistol spit it out quite accurately. I prefer the frame decocker (xx26 and xx76 model numbers) triggers over standard Smith triggers as the DA pull is shorter and lighter. The straight backstrap grip is uncomfortable at first (kinda grows on you) but curved replacements can be had from Smith for $20. I still have a straight grip on my 4576 but my 1076 has a curved. I used to have a Hogue handall on the 1076 too but I am enjoying the gun now without it.

As for Agreement poster people, all Smith 10mm autos are fair game.
 
I don't have a new S&W auto, but I have an older, 2nd generation Model 645 (.45 ACP) and I also owned (past tense) a 469 small 9mm.

The 469 and I never got along and it got a new home. It was reliable, but extremely inaccurate in my hands.

The 645 is very reliable, very accurate and very heavy. It's easy to shoot and I like it very much-however, not enough to keep it. It'll probably get traded later on something else. Nothing wrong with the gun, at all, but I have no close ties to it and it's impractical for every day use and carry, except for uniformed duty, which I don't do.

Bob
 
Thanks for all the replies:)

While were on the subject can someone clear up the model# thing for me. (I think) 1076=commander size, 1006=fullsize, 1066= not a clue. Clarifying the 4 digit 45 models would also be appreciated.

And as I'm being a pest tonight, does the 4 digit model number indicate the "third generation" guns I hear reference to?

Thanks, Blueduck
 
Well, I can tell you that a 4516-X is the SS, short barrel (3.5" or 3.75"?) .45ACP pistol. I had a 4516-1 for about 10 years.

The gun was very reliable (functioned with about anything I wanted to feed it with), reasonably accurate, & IMO well built. That said, I thought it too heavy for consistant CCW use - the reason I bought it. My Kimber Ultra CDP is a feather-weight in comparison, and I carry it much more than I did the Smith.

Edited to add: yes, the 4 digit guns are "Third Generation" pistols, but then there are 3 digit guns that are too - the M459 comes to mind... :confused:
 
Blue Duck357:


Yes, the 4-digit #s are for 3rd Gen models. E.g.: 4506 = the full-size 3rd Gen model in .45acp, whereas the 645 = the fullsize 2nd Gen model in .45acp.

The 4506/1006/1026 are fullsize (5" barrelled) models in 45acp/10mm/10mm, respectively - the difference in the 10mms being placement of the decock lever.

The 4566/1066/1076 are "Commander"-size (4.25" barrelled) models in 45acp/10mm/10mm (again with the 10mms having different decock levers). While the slides on these models are shorter, frame-size is identical to the full-size pistols.

On the factory 3rd Gen. grips, you have your choice btw the arched or straight backstrap in black derilin. If the pistol you get doesn't have the grip-shape you're comfortable with, both Smith and Brownells still stock these. All they (or you) need is the correct model # for that grip.

HTH. :)
 
Greeting's Folk's,

and a special hello to the thread originator, Blue Duck 357.
Well, you see I have never owned a Smith & Wesson semi-
auto in either .45 ACP or 10m/m caliber; so anything I say
should be considered second hand information. While the
Smith & Wesson 9m/m model 39-2 was and still is a very
fine weapon, I've heard various tale's and storie's about
this company's other semi-auto's. I know that several
agencies tested the 10m/m (model # eludes me at this time)
including the California Highway Patrol. Function wise, I
believe it pasted their test; but it was thought that the
female patrol officer's, and other's with small hand's would
have a very difficult time shooting this large frame potent
caliber handgun really well; so the idea was discontinued.


OTOH, I know a ex small town police chief here locally that
swears by his Smith & Wesson .45 caliber 4506. Now, grant
it he is a big man standing 6 foot 6 inches in height, and
weighing near 300 lbs. He has reported 0 malfunction's
from this weapon; and has on many occassions stated
that he preferred it over my Sig P220. I personally have
never witnessed his result's from the S&W 4506; but
he is known to be a man of his word. If time ever allows,
I want us to swap firearm's for a 60 round police combat
course; just to see if each of us can shoot the other's
weapon equally as well. If and when this ever happens
I will be glad to report the finding's here at TFL; but due
to my friend's busy schedule, it might be a while cuz he
plays the trumpet in backing up "The Temptations Review".

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Thanks Kevinch, and agtman for the information, and my friend AlaDan for sharing his thoughts (on special PM request I might add).

I've been in the Glock/SW revolver routine for awhile and it's really nice to get interested in a pistol outside my realm and I really know nothing about.

Thanks for all the help!
 
i only buy used smiths,perferably police trades since they have their own armourers.had a 4506 liked it but sold it to fund another project,but still have a 1006 with adjustable sights,which will never go away no matter what.the 4506 i had was a old loomis (like weels fargo)issued ,it looked new inside and had been totally inspected by smith.i've had trouble out of 3 new ones and will never buy new again
 
I used to actively dislike *&* autos, until I owned a 411 which was surprisingly endearing. One of my favorite carry guns these days is the Model 1066 I picked up as a police trade-in. Can't say enough good things about it...flat, easy to tote, sturdy as a tank, totally reliable with all kinds of ammo, and the most accurate *&* pistol I've shot so far.

*&* really outdid themselves with the 10xx-series, they're the best Smitty autos outside of the Performance Center.
 
I can't complain about big (heavy) S&W semi-auto's. For me, they've always been stone cold reliable and good, solid pistols. I've never owned a big 10mm but presently have a big 4506 and have absolutely no complaints. Best, J. Parker
 
I've got a 1066. It's a tackdriver. One of the most accurate pistols I own, solidly reliable, (I've had zero failures with it, except when a case split, leaving the front two thirds in the chamber.) Oddly enough, I rather like the grip. I have the straight backstrap, and very average-sized hands. I find the trigger index, both SA and DA, to be excellent for me. That, and the great trigger on this gun, really contribute to it's accuracy.

I've read someplace that the Commander-length 10mm's have a "magic" balance, bettter than on the 5" guns. I must admit I believe it, even though I've never tried the bigger guns. But Elmer Kieth talked about magic balance on skinny-barreled 4" N-frames, and he was right about that. The 1066 handles differently than anything else I've shot. It seems to quit bouncing with the sights lined up with less work on my part.
 
I had a 4516-1 that I really liked. I traded it for a SIG Sauer P229, then found that I wished I hadn't. (Hindsight, right?) I never had any of the problems that have been alleged of Smith & Wesson Third Generation Semi-autos.
 
I have had pretty good experience with the big autos. Over the last couple years, I have carried the 4566 and 4506, currently, on duty and off with no reservations. Granted they weigh a bunch, but that always felt comforting. Accuracy-wise, enough to shoot in competition and great for combat. They have proved more reliable than other autos I have owned, case in point my 4506. I was issued it used, and it has digested several thousand rounds without a hitch.
My 1076 fits the bill perfectly, and is soon to become my new off duty weapon. I love it.
 
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