Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols > Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols
o

Notices

Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols Other Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols from the 1950's to Present


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 04-04-2018, 09:34 PM
Jon651 Jon651 is offline
Member
Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516  
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 1,683
Likes: 1,699
Liked 4,139 Times in 1,282 Posts
Default Hybrid 4506/4516

Greetings,

I have a question about my 4506/4516 Hybrid and I am hoping someone can provide some good advice. This pistol uses a first-run 4506 lower (no dash) and a matching 4516 upper. The slide uses the two factory-spec recoil springs. It shoots wonderfully, very smooth and accurate while providing the combination of the compact build I want with the 8-round magazine and longer receiver I like.

My question is: Since this is a hybrid combination, is there anything I should be concerned about when it comes to either (mal)function or unusual parts wear? I've passed hundreds of rounds through this pistol without a single issue - never a mis-feed or ejection issue. Over the years I have replaced the recoil springs and added Hogue grips. It is my favorite pistol.

Any sage advice, moderate wisdom or even a little well-intentioned sarcasm would be welcome!
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #2  
Old 04-04-2018, 09:48 PM
k22fan k22fan is offline
Member
Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,835
Likes: 5,161
Liked 5,242 Times in 2,483 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jon651 View Post
[...] Any sage advice, moderate wisdom or even a little well-intentioned sarcasm would be welcome!
Your quote allows most any babble I type. During the early 1990s your combination of slide and frame was sold as the Model 4596 through, if I recall correctly, Lew Horton. Is that what you have or was yours assembled outside of the factory? Either way I would not expect wear atypical of a standard 4506 because the 4516-1 was designed with a heavy for its length slide. The set up appears custom made for a horizontal shoulder holster.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #3  
Old 04-04-2018, 10:07 PM
Jon651 Jon651 is offline
Member
Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516  
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 1,683
Likes: 1,699
Liked 4,139 Times in 1,282 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by k22fan View Post
Your quote allows most any babble I type. During the early 1990s your combination of slide and frame was sold as the Model 4596 through, if I recall correctly, Lew Horton. Is that what you have or was yours assembled outside of the factory? Either way I would not expect wear atypical of a standard 4506 because the 4516-1 was designed with a heavy for its length slide. The set up appears custom made for a horizontal shoulder holster.
Not a Lew Horton or factory combination - it was put together in the wild. Never heard of a 4596, but I can certainly see where it would be good for a horizontal shoulder holster set-up. I put it together because I wanted something easier to handle than the standard 5" 4506 but retain the longer grip for my hands, plus I like the 8-round magazine instead of the 7.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #4  
Old 04-04-2018, 11:29 PM
Catshooter Catshooter is offline
Member
Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: East river South Dakota
Posts: 678
Likes: 6
Liked 107 Times in 57 Posts
Default

A solid stainless steel S&W 3rd generation pistol, in .45? Wear? You mean like, wear?

Pics, or it didn't happen! (I think that's a great slide/receiver combo.)

Wait, you said 4516, that's with no dashes. Is it? Oh dude, you gotta post some pics if so. That is such a classy slide! Pleasepleaseplease!


Cat
__________________
Think for yourself.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #5  
Old 04-05-2018, 09:06 AM
stansdds stansdds is offline
Member
Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Virginia
Posts: 8,707
Likes: 19,260
Liked 11,729 Times in 5,348 Posts
Default

My only advice would be in regards to the recoil spring. Short barreled semi-auto's need the recoil spring to be replaced more often. I change the recoil spring in semi-auto's with barrels less than 4 inches every 3000 rounds.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #6  
Old 04-05-2018, 09:14 AM
6actual's Avatar
6actual 6actual is offline
US Veteran
Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Stuart, Fla
Posts: 470
Likes: 1,071
Liked 586 Times in 217 Posts
Default

Pictures if you can, I would like to see it
__________________
It is the Indian not the arrow
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 04-05-2018, 01:48 PM
TercGen TercGen is offline
Member
Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 5,684
Liked 1,664 Times in 730 Posts
Default

A 4516 top end with a dual-recoil spring sounds like it's a -1 variant or later (*edit* - I'm completely wrong about that). IIRC the no-dash models had a lighter slide and a few other differences that could be problematic.

If the gun functions fine then the only real concern is if the decock timing is within spec with the 4516 top end on it. A quick check involves cocking the hammer, then placing a 5/64" drill bit end in the channel under the left-hand decock lever and attempting to decock it. It should not decock with this bit in place.

If it does, then the foot of the sear release lever needs to be adjusted with a file/diamond stone, keeping the same angle as the original, until the gun does not decock with that bit in place. This can be tedious and involves a lot of dissasembly/reassembly of the small pistol parts.

The second check would be to then place a .045" bit (3/64" is close) in the channel and make sure that the gun does decock with that bit in place. If not, then the lever has been over-filed and you'll need to start on a new one.

Last edited by TercGen; 04-24-2018 at 01:08 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 04-05-2018, 04:33 PM
Jon651 Jon651 is offline
Member
Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516  
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 1,683
Likes: 1,699
Liked 4,139 Times in 1,282 Posts
Default

Here are some pics. I am obviously biased, but for my hands and shooting style this is the best feeling .45 semi-auto I've ever owned. You can tell it's not a -1 from the model number, the squared trigger guard as well as the machined step in the side of the frame above the trigger. So far as I know, a 4516-1 slide will not fit on a "no dash" lower (but I've been know to be wrong. Just ask my wife...).
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 4506-4516 Hybrid 1.jpg (100.1 KB, 93 views)
File Type: jpg 4506-4516 Hybrid 2.jpg (97.4 KB, 98 views)

Last edited by Jon651; 04-05-2018 at 08:41 PM. Reason: Added info and commentary
Reply With Quote
The Following 9 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 04-05-2018, 09:39 PM
Catshooter Catshooter is offline
Member
Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: East river South Dakota
Posts: 678
Likes: 6
Liked 107 Times in 57 Posts
Default

All the no-dashes I owned had dual recoil springs.

The no-dash has a sighting rib running between the two sights. This rib isn't present on later models.

I can't quite tell from your pics but it looks like there's a rib.

Sweet piece man. Thanks.


Cat
__________________
Think for yourself.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #10  
Old 04-06-2018, 01:56 AM
BLUEDOT37's Avatar
BLUEDOT37 BLUEDOT37 is offline
Member
Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: N.E. OKLA.
Posts: 6,460
Likes: 5,857
Liked 9,262 Times in 3,478 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by TercGen View Post
A 4516 top end with a dual-recoil spring sounds like it's a -1 variant or later.
The 4516-1 had a single recoil spring. The -0 & -2 had the dual springs.

I have, & like, the -1 because Wolff makes XP springs for them so it's easy to try different ones.

.

S&W 4516-1 Wolff 21# recoil spring


.
__________________
Waiting for the break of day
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #11  
Old 04-06-2018, 03:50 AM
TercGen TercGen is offline
Member
Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 5,684
Liked 1,664 Times in 730 Posts
Default

Looks great Jon651! I like the square trigger guard.


Quote:
Originally Posted by BLUEDOT37 View Post
The 4516-1 had a single recoil spring. The -0 & -2 had the dual springs.

I have, & like, the -1 because Wolff makes XP springs for them so it's easy to try different ones.
Thanks for the info, I had always thought they started with a single spring and went to a dual spring for the later revisions. I've still got a lot to learn about the 4516 variants...

My only experience is with a recently acquired 4516-2, and I honestly didn't even fire it before swapping a 4566TSW slide on top to make a 3rd Gen CCO. I prefer the frankenguns with compact grips and longer barrels.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 04-06-2018, 10:55 PM
BLUEDOT37's Avatar
BLUEDOT37 BLUEDOT37 is offline
Member
Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: N.E. OKLA.
Posts: 6,460
Likes: 5,857
Liked 9,262 Times in 3,478 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by TercGen View Post
...I had always thought they started with a single spring and went to a dual spring for the later revisions.
.
I prefer the frankenguns with compact grips and longer barrels.
I did too, it seems like that would have been the natural progression.

.

Here you go, something for everybody.

.



.
__________________
Waiting for the break of day
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #13  
Old 04-14-2018, 07:45 PM
ChiefTJS ChiefTJS is offline
Member
Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 153
Likes: 64
Liked 308 Times in 71 Posts
Default

Here's a pic of my 4596 to go along with this thread. Great gun, just had it at the range this morning. Single recoil spring on the 4596. Originally came with the straight backstrap grip but my hand prefers the curved, it now wears a Hogue.



Last edited by ChiefTJS; 04-14-2018 at 07:47 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #14  
Old 04-17-2018, 04:38 PM
Jon651 Jon651 is offline
Member
Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516 Hybrid 4506/4516  
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 1,683
Likes: 1,699
Liked 4,139 Times in 1,282 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by ChiefTJS View Post
Here's a pic of my 4596 to go along with this thread. Great gun, just had it at the range this morning. Single recoil spring on the 4596. Originally came with the straight backstrap grip but my hand prefers the curved, it now wears a Hogue.
I didn't know about a 4596 before I came here when I put together my pistol, but I can say that this configuration is my favorite .45.

I can see the primary differences being the trigger, slide stop, thumb levers and hammer on mine are all stainless finish - unlike the genuine article (yours) which are black. I also use the no-dash receiver with the step machined in the sides above the trigger and dual recoil springs, where yours appears to use the -1 receiver with smooth sides and a single recoil spring.

I'm having a stainless guide rod custom made for mine as we speak. Can't wait to install it and see how it runs.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
WTB 4506 or 4516 Mithrandir WANTED to Buy 0 07-02-2014 08:24 PM
WTT - S&W 4506-1 for 4516-1 gunhobbit GUNS - For Sale or Trade 0 07-18-2013 10:16 PM
WTB - 4506 OR 4516 zerbertz WANTED to Buy 0 03-24-2012 04:46 PM
WTB:4506 OR 4516 zerbertz WANTED to Buy 0 05-30-2011 10:32 AM
WTB S&W 4506 or 4516 big_gun_man WANTED to Buy 1 06-04-2009 07:56 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:59 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)