The Smith & Wesson 4505 was the blue steel variation of the company’s full-sized stainless steel .45 Auto, the 4506. Both pistols featured the rugged new S&W “Third Generation” design with 5-Inch barrel, DA/SA trigger, eight shot magazine and a recoil-absorbing heft of 41 ounces. While the 4506 remained in production from 1988-1999 the 4505 was just produced one year, 1991. Only approximately 1200 of the blued models were made and it is estimated that less than a third featured the factory adjustable sights as pictured on this gun.
This is an excellent article. I have one of the 4505’s with adjustable sights. I don’t have the original box or any of the documentation. I’m having some trouble tracking down Smith & Wesson’s specific information on it. Please let me know where you found the information cited here. I appreciate your time & any help you can pass on.
All of the information is from the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Supica and Nahas. I believe the book is up to the third edition now. I have also read that S&W made the entire run of 4505 pistols for the US Customs Department originally but they didn’t use them very long. I have not been able to confirm that though.
Thanks! This is a gun I’ll pass down for sure. One of my favorites. Really appreciate the information you took the time to share. Thanks again
No problem. Enjoy that S&W, it’s a great one!