I recently purchased a 4516-1 and am wondering how everyone carries their 4516-1. I'm also interested in how you carry your 457 and even 4513. I know the sig p228/p229 holsters fit the 4516-1 well, but what specific holsters do you like and use on a regular basis?!




-ep

by dept regs, when I carried SW 3rd gen, it had to be some sort of thumb break.

I always carried with decocker on (blocked) because I liked the sound it made when I swept the decocker off.

it made several look at my gun when I went to draw and possibly left a mental aspect of them giving up.

of course, one would have to practice, practice, practice to ensure the decocker lever was swept every time leather was broke.

I am not saying decocker down, on or blocked is the right way....its the way that I preferred.

When I carried a 4516...one that looks suspiciously like the one pictured =)...it was always with the decocker OFF. The double action first shot makes it operate like a j-frame revolver, heavy first shot means there is not much chance of an accidental discharge. And with practice, I was able to get that first shot off pretty quick and accurate.

I now have 3 3rd Gen S&W's with decockers, and they all get carried that way.

In terms of a holster, I carried the 4516 in a Canute by Ugly Bald Guy. Very comfy and well built.

Galco and Desantis both make good mid priced holsters for it under $100, they will serve you well. Round in the chamber, decocker off, just like any Gen 3 gun.

Lol. I'm sure it does look very similar to yours. As soon as I receive the last item from my seller, I'm planning on writing a big post on how awesome of a seller he is, and how smooth the transaction was.


-ep

I carry mine with a round in the chamber and the decocker in the "off" position. As has been said, the long trigger pull of the double action first shot makes it a very safe way to carry.

I use a Crossbreed Supertuck IWB and it is extremely comfortable as long as you have a very good gun belt. I use a Crossbreed belt as well.

Andrew

After 30 years of carrying my suggestion to you is to check out Desantis holsters seecamp 32 , sw 38 or 5906 I have never been disappointed.

I carry my 457S in a High Noon IWB holster. The gun is carried with the decocker in the off position ready to fire when the trigger is pulled.

Bill

Milt Sparks, SS2 for IWB or 55BN for a belt holster.
Mitch Rosen is also very good and his express line ships much quicker.

With confidence!

I use a supertuck or an old Ted Blocker IWB that I came across.

Lad

Since I have a lot of 4516-1 owners here, I'll hijack my own thread instead of making a new one. I was reassembling my 4516-1 yesterday, and the slide wouldn't come back all the way even with pressing down on the three clips. When I looked at it, there was a plastic piece on the top of the rail that was stopping the slide from moving past the clips. I forced it, and the plastic piece broke kind of. It's still there mostly, but def not like it was before. I don't remember this plastic being there when I cleaned it before I shot it on Saturday. So my question is, does anyone else have this plastic piece, how important is it, and where can I get a replacement. Thanks!!


-ep

That plastic thingy is the Ejector Depressor Plunger. S&W part number 101420000. It is also integral to the magazine disconnect function. To gain access to it you must remove the rear sight. You can remove it entirely with no real ill effects however this will disable the magazine disconnect safety which I think is unwise. I'd call S&W customer service first and see if they have it otherwise, Numrich shows it in stock.

Cheers
Bill

I use a Nevada Leather belt slide made for an XD pistol. Fits my 457 and my former 4516-1. No movement at all, fits it like a glove.

I carry mine in an Urban Carry IWB Lock Leather holster. It's a good holster...but it does need breaking in, and you'll have to make adjustments as it does, but it's pretty simple. It's been my EDC for about a year now (the holster). Chambered, decocker on, lots of practice drawing and flipping the switch!

Although I have a DeSantis Speed Scabbard for it, my 4516-1 has been New in its Box since I purchased it NEW, in the mid-late 70’s. Yes, a true safe Queen. I’ve been tempted to sell it in the past, but came to my senses. Only have the two original MAGs for it, with upgraded followers.

Hit up Gordon. SEE this post. Well worth the contact.

Searching for 3rd Gen holsters?

Pictured are my 457 in an SIS and my 6906 in a Rhodesian. Both are perfect (for me) carry.

Your Welcome!

Best, Dave

Attached Images

	S&W 6906-457 Holsters BK.jpg (51.9 KB, 61 views)
	S&W 6906-457 Holsters FRT.jpg (44.8 KB, 48 views)

2012 Necro thread! LOL!

I carry mine in a Safariland 513 paddle holster. I don't have to worry about the decocker being on or off because all of mine are decock only--always ready to fire. When I get one with a safety, I get it converted to decock only.

Don Hume leather makes a number of very good holsters for that pistol.

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2 Cor 5:17
John3:16

That's why I don't carry mine as of right now. ( I don't want an on-off switch on my carry pistol ). just personal choice. I'll have to send it out to make it decock only.
I do love the 4516-1 shoots like a laser. YMMV

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2 Cor 5:17
John3:16

All my guns are carried the same way, Milt Sparks VMII. I was told by a very good gun guy to try one and never looked back. CZ75BD is carried decocked and I practice on steel. draw shoot DA, shoot 2 round SA, reholster, repeat.

Lobo OWB pancake holster (decocker off)

I carry my 4516 no dash, IWB, in a Bianchi Professional. I think the size is the 100 model.

OWB I use a Don Hume JIT for a Colt Officers model. It is open top and bottom and fits the thin 4516 like a glove. I wear a gunbelt everyday, so the weight (the no dash is the thinnest and lightest of the 4516s) is not an issue. Regards 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

Here is the info on the back of a holster I got from a retired LEO whom said his partner carried a S&W 4516 with 4506 magazines.

DON HUME

MIAMI, OKLA.

H 738 SH L NO. 30 - 4 1/4"

That's how I practice with my CZ po9

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2 Cor 5:17
John3:16

I just jam mine in the waistband, and roll out.

I carry my 457 in a MTR speed scabbard.
https://www.mtrcustomleather.com/pro...bbard-holster/
They also list as available for the 4516.

wyo-man

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Live free or die

Really? A Necro thread from 2012? (OP date).

Does the OP even still have this 4516-1?

I carry in a custom appendix carry holster, by Watchdog Tactical of Charlotte, NC. The 457 and 45XX series pistols have different shaped slides. The 457 has square edges. The regular 45XX have more radiused edges. I had Watchdog Tactical mold the holster from a 457 so that both pistols fit.

I did a post on this in the CCW or Carry Gear forums. Will try to find / link it here: Appendix Carry Holster for 457/4553/4513/4516, etc.

Many people own a 4516, and 3rd Gen owners are always in search of quality holsters. In reality, the best/most informative 3rd Gen threads are from the past. Don't let the date of the posts convince you that the info provided is outdated and worthless.

Precisely.

Like Mike, I always preferred to carry my 4516-1 with decocker on, but I gave up on it because of weight and went back to the Commander. As was said earlier, mine shot like a target pistol.

For the two months of the year where I can wear a cover garment, I carry a 4506 in a Don Hume JIT on a Wilderness Instructor belt. Works great.