3913 or 4516

[1775usmarine]

I have a 3913 right now and also have 5 4516 mags but no 4516. I have given thought to trading my 3913 for a 4516 so as to move up to a 45 instead of 9. Are the weights of each gun roughly the same, any great size differences, and advantage of one over the other besides what round they shoot.

 

[smithscott]

The grip frame of the 4516 is substantially larger than the grip frame of the 3913 due to the larger diameter .45 ACP round. For my short fingers, the extra width makes the trigger reach of the 4516 too long for accurate shooting. If your hands are closer to average than mine, the 4516 may fit better than the 3913.

The stainless 4516 frame also makes the gun heavier than the aluminum alloy frame of the 3913. Combined with the roughly double weight of each round (115-grain versus 230-grain, although 147-grain 9x19 JHP is available), the loaded 4516 will be noticeably heavier. Depending upon how you carry, the extra weight may not be an issue.

With modern JHP ammo, I rather have the slimmer, lighter 3913.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I had an early 4516-0........ not too big but way too heavy for it's size.....IMO.........

my compact .45 needs are now served by a Sig (alloy frame) 245. But an alloy frame Smith compact 45-- would do just as well.

I had a 4513TSW 6round version...... but could never get enough mags. to make me happy.... traded it for the Sig.

My EDC (90%) for 20 years now is a 3913/14 or 3913NL.........

My advice keep the 3913; search for a compact Smith .45...... you've got/will have 6-7 mags.....

 

[TercGen]

I'd agree with everything that BAM-BAM and smithscott have said already, the 3913 is a much more versatile model and I would keep that over a 4516 any day. If you're going all-steel in a .45, I like the 4566 better (though 8-rd mags are needed).

Have you considered a 457 to use your .45 mags on rather than a 4516? The alloy frame lightens the load for all-day carry, and you can still find 457's on the cheap at Gunbroker most of the time. A 4513TSW of some sort would be better, but you'll probably pay $200 more for it.

 

[1775usmarine]

I've thought of the 457 but never been warm to the value line in the way of their looks compared to my other 3rd gens.

 

[wheelgun1958]

You could sell the mags.

 

[1775usmarine]

yeah I got them up now on several sites for about a few weeks now. They are at a fair price but no bites.

 

[samwood]

I purchased a 4516 when they first came out; jammed all the time. I read the 4516-1 was much more reliable.

My 3913 is the most reliable semiauto pistol I've owned and much more comfortable to carry and shoot.

 

[dcsamps]

Just weighed my 3913 a couple of days ago;

Weight with empty mag: 25 1/2 ozs.
Weight with full mag and one in the chamber (8+1): 29 1/4 ozs.

Don't have a 4516, but hope the weight info on the 3913 is helpful.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I have a 3913 right now and also have 5 4516 mags but no 4516. I have given thought to trading my 3913 for a 4516 so as to move up to a 45 instead of 9. Are the weights of each gun roughly the same, any great size differences, and advantage of one over the other besides what round they shoot.

Sorry, but that is a bad idea. The 4516 is too heavy for its size. Been there, done that, about 20 years ago. Even tried a 457 thinking the alloy frame would make it all better. Still too "ungainly." Instead, trade your 4516 magazines for some 3913 mags. Much better idea.

 

[TTSH]

yeah I got them up now on several sites for about a few weeks now. They are at a fair price but no bites.

Just a guess but I suspect folks either want the newer black follower versions or just don't have a need for that many extra magazines.

 

[GaryS]

I agree that the 4516 is likely too heavy, but I've carried my 457 several times and it's not bad at all. The obvious difference would be the weight of the ammunition and maybe slightly heavier slide, but in reality it doesn't seem that much.

Sorry, but that is a bad idea. The 4516 is too heavy for its size. Been there, done that, about 20 years ago. Even tried a 457 thinking the alloy frame would make it all better. Still too "ungainly." Instead, trade your 4516 magazines for some 3913 mags. Much better idea.

 

[KS1800R]

I have the single stack 4013, built on the 45 frame. It's actually a good size gun; similar to a Commander size 1911 but slightly lighter. You definitely know you're holding a pistol, that's for sure.

 

[bossduce]

yeah I got them up now on several sites for about a few weeks now. They are at a fair price but no bites.

Where are these listed for sale?

 

[johnnyloco]

Sig P220 works

 

[1775usmarine]

Where are these listed for sale?

On here, ebay, INGO, and armslist. Certain places have certain prices.

 

[18DAI]

For everyday carry as Joe citizen I think a 39XX seriess gun is hard to beat. Especially if you find a 9mm defensive round with good performance like Federals offerings or the Winchester Ranger series.

That said as a plainclothes detective for twenty years I used the 4516 as my duty gun. I preferred the 45 ballistics and the weight and balance of the 4516 on those occasions that I had adrenaline running out of my ears.

I think it was the late great Jim Cirillo of the NYPD's Stakeout Squad who wrote; "when you find yourself in a situation where you are being shot at you will wish you had the biggest heaviest gun in the largest caliber available." OR words to that effect. Wise counsel.

These days, on my own time I am quite content with m
y 3914 loaded with Ranger 147 grain RA9B.

So, I guess my answer is..........it depends.

 

[10xatten]

I bought a 4506 from a LASD detective who told me " I never shot anybody with it, but it sure it is comforting in the hand." I guess heavier guns feel better when you need them. Maybe the 3913 feels better in your cummerbund. ;-) Probably why I don't have any plastic guns.

Richard

P.S. I have a 3913tsw which I love, and do not have a 4516, which I wish I did!

 

[1775usmarine]

Well the mags sold but after all your input I would still like to throw a 4516 in my collection someday. I do like the 3913 as it has become my daily carry, and was a wise decision to trade a LC9 I had bought for it.

 

[TercGen]

I agree that the 4516 is likely too heavy, but I've carried my 457 several times and it's not bad at all. The obvious difference would be the weight of the ammunition and maybe slightly heavier slide, but in reality it doesn't seem that much.

I like carrying my 457 with 230 +P HST's, but I can definitely feel the weight towards the end of the day. Lately I've been looking at Buffalo Barnes 160g TAC-XP +P offering, and will probably order a box or two soon to test them out. They cost almost 3 times as much, but offer the best performance for a 45 ACP defensive round, IMO.