I recently picked up a decent condition 4516-1 and I'm needing to know what I need to replace in the way of springs to make it a reliable carry gun. I did order a single 16lb. recoil spring from Wolff and after doing more research maybe I should gotten a heavier spring for it? So far I've put about 100 rounds through with no hiccups and very accurate.

Congrats on your 4516!

On any "new to me" 3rd Gen I always replace the recoil, hammer/mainspring, & firing pin springs as well as the magazine spring to have a good known starting point to work from.

As you know the 4516-1 model has a single recoil spring, while the other dash versions have the dual/nested recoil spring set.

And because it has the single recoil spring you have various spring strength options while the dual/nested models are limited.

If you only shoot light/moderate 45ACP in your 4516 then the 16# will be fine but if you mainly shoot (+P) I'd suggest going with the 19# (Wolff doesn't make an 18#) recoil spring.

The 19# will be good too if you go down a pound or two on the mainspring (which will lighten the trigger pull slightly).

Verify operation/reliability after any spring substitution especially if used for CC/SD.

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Waiting for the break of day

Thanks for answer on Springs for my 4516-1. I've been looking at a barrel replacement for my 4516-1 as rifling is just about gone. Midway has them on sale but I'm wondering if it will require a gunsmith to install or is it a drop in?

As far as I know all the -1 barrels have the same hood width (my two measure between .348-.365") & the later rev was wider.

With the right width hood typically the hoods length, where it contacts the face of the slide, might need a little clearancing if it's too tight when it unlocks.

That's the common item I'm aware of & the only thing I had to deal with when I did one.

The lands on 45s typically are not quit as deep as other calibers. What problem is the "wore" barrel causing you?

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Waiting for the break of day

I would definitely replace the recoil spring. I am not a fan of significantly heavier recoil springs. S&W spent quite a bit of time developing their pistols and balancing the mechanics. With a factory hammer spring, the factory recoil spring should be all you need with standard pressure ammo.

As for replacing the barrel, if it is reliable and accurate, do not worry about it. Replace the barrel when accuracy falls off. The rifling in most factory 45 ACP barrels is pretty shallow and can make a person think the rifling is worn, yet it is as it was intended to be. Shallow rifling actually works really well with jacketed bullets. Deep rifling is usually better for lead bullets.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA