Since I can't seem to find both at the same place to compare directly, how much taller from bottom of mag to top of slide is the 4566 vs 4516. I have a desire for a 3rd gen .45 to carry. Since I will be carrying IWB its the grip that will be the part I am concerned with.
They look very similar in height in pics, but that can be deceiving.

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M&P .40, M&P 9c & Shield 45

I just measured a 4506 compared to a 457. An eight round compared to a 7 round capacity. I came up with slightly less than 1/2 inch difference in height. There is also a difference in the shape at the bottom of the grip.

In my experience the difference in length is not significant if you carry IWB with a large amount of forward cant to get the grip pretty vertical. That method of carry makes for fast acquisition and small differences in grip length will not effect the ability to conceal the gun.

Bill

Hmmm, I wish I could decide. Don't have the money to get both. It does seem like the 4516/457 short grip with bigger mag extension would be kind of like the bobbed/angle cut mainspring on a 1911 where the grip appear shorter in the holster in the back, bit you still get a good grip for the fingers of the longer front.

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M&P .40, M&P 9c & Shield 45

What you want is a 4566 slide on a 4516 frame. This is an easy fix for you: Buy both, swap the slides, and sell the "SSV" 4566 to another shooter who wants that configuration.

Not a 4566 and 4516 but the grip lengths should be the same.

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Thanks,
KPSqured

That is more significant than I thought.

Thanks man!

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M&P .40, M&P 9c & Shield 45

From my experience with carrying these guns. Get one with an alloy frame. Get one with the shorter beaver tail. Get one with the bobbed hammer. In other words, unless your hand is too large to fit, get a 457 or a 4513TSW.

Bill

Yeah I think I'm going to go for the 457/4513/4516.

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M&P .40, M&P 9c & Shield 45

Here is an alternate size comparison photo with a 1076 (basically a 4566 in 10mm w/frame mounted decocker) and 4536 (basically a 4516 w/frame mounted decocker). I think the size differences are a little bit easier to see when both pistol are fitted with the factory flat back strap grips. The size differences of the beavertail is fairly significant, and when combined with the shorter backstrap, makes it easier to conceal.

The extended mag base plate gives the compact frame nearly the same size area for your fingers as the mid/full size frames. For me, the early 4513 version (and other six round .45 compacts) with the recessed six round mag and flat base plate was a touch too short and I found the dangling pinky somewhat bothersome. Others may not be bothered by the less than three finger on the front strap, but I find it hard to get past.

Attached Images

Copy of IMG_6242.JPG (56.8 KB, 97 views)

Looks something like this...

Attached Images

copy1076-4536 slide swap.jpg (45.8 KB, 89 views)

A homemade SSV, how cool is that!