I just acquired a new (to me) 4516-1 that was sold as being in like new condition. Overall, I agree with the sellers description, and believe the gun to probably have no more than 4-5 boxes ammo through it.

However, upon field stripping it, I noticed that on the left side, the upper frame rail has several holes near the end, just under the ejector. They vary in size, but are all small. One of them extends up and over to the top of the rail. It looks as though these pinholes have been present ever since the frame was made, and corresponding area on the slide is smooth.

Although I can not be certain if these holes were in fact present ever since the frame was mode, nor how or why they got there, my guess is that it will not cause any issues.

I was thinking of carrying this gun, so I'd appreciate any feedback as to whether or not anyone has seen this before, feels it could cause cycle issues, or indicate a structural problem with the metal.

Also, on the underside of the trigger guard, there is some gouging that almost looks like the letter "U" has been stamped. If that's what it is though, it looks like it was stamped 3 times, and the first two times only a part of the letter stamped in. Has anyone seen that before?

I just acquired a new (to me) 4516-1 that was sold as being in like new condition. Overall, I agree with the sellers description, and believe the gun to probably have no more than 4-5 boxes ammo through it.

However, upon field stripping it, I noticed that on the left side, the upper frame rail has several holes near the end, just under the ejector. They vary in size, but are all small. One of them extends up and over to the top of the rail. It looks as though these pinholes have been present ever since the frame was made, and corresponding area on the slide is smooth.

Although I can not be certain if these holes were in fact present ever since the frame was mode, nor how or why they got there, my guess is that it will not cause any issues.

I was thinking of carrying this gun, so I'd appreciate any feedback as to whether or not anyone has seen this before, feels it could cause cycle issues, or indicate a structural problem with the metal.

Also, on the underside of the trigger guard, there is some gouging that almost looks like the letter "U" has been stamped. If that's what it is though, it looks like it was stamped 3 times, and the first two times only a part of the letter stamped in. Has anyone seen that before?

Looks to me that it could be a small spot of corrosion,or (less likely) perhaps a slight mnufacuring flaw. But I wouldn't worry over it at all -- the chance that will affect operation in any way is nil.

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Pisgah

Think of them as lubricant resevoirs

No problem at all. Even my 2 ton Model 639 stainless has a few nicks and dents in the frame, just like me.

Oh, yeah.....a dab of Tetra grease ought to do it.

I would use a 8x or 10x loupe and make sure there is no active corrosion in or around the pinholes. Once I made sure there's no active corrosion, I would lube it up (I like what Bullman said, "lubricant resevoirs") and enjoy it. The little pinholes are extremely small and in an area of the rail that I don't believe is subjected to any real stress. In fact, that area of the rail on a Springfield XD-45 pistol is plastic. It's my understanding that the area subjected to real stress is far forward the pinholes.

FWIW

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

Welcome to the forum itguy!

Quit worrying about those cosmetic blemishes, it will only drive you crazy!

Go shoot that very nice, like new 4516!!

Regards 18DAI.

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

Thanks everyone. 18DAI, you are right. I was looking for a 2nd opinion, now that I became a member of this forum. That "other forum" may not have had many S&W 3rd Gen experts...

Regarding the "U" stamped under the trigger guard... Any chance that stands for "Used"? Looking at the factory box it came in, it appears that the gun was sold by S&W as used (maybe a refurb?), possibly years ago, or maybe to the dealer I bought it from 2 weeks ago.

Thoughts?

Yes, the U was stamped on the used/refurbished pistols at the factory.

Lots of nice folks here, with extensive collections. Perhaps one will post a pic of the "U" mark for you. Regards 18DAI.

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change