4516-2 Range Report

[MattyD380]

So I got it to the range today. Shoots good. Feels good. Looks good.



Reliability

Put about 115 rounds through it. Mostly Federal FMJ (along with some leftover WWB) and 10 HST hollowpoints. Zero failures of any kind. Shot slow. Shot fast. Shot one handed. Never choked.

The only minor "issue"...

Ejection was slightly erratic. Most of the time it was fine, but I had a few instances of brass to the face. And every once in a while I could see it toss the brass short.

But when I shot the hollowpoints, it launched the brass waay behind me. So I'm think thinking the FMJ was a little underpowered--probably not hitting the ejector as hard as the JHPs. Pretty much the same story using cheap range reman with my 645.

Anybody experience weak ejection/brass to the face with a 45xx series gun? Any fixes?

I have NOT replaced the recoil springs that came in the gun. Racking the slide feels pretty stout as is, so I'm inclined to think these springs are still plenty springy--especially given the occasional weak ejection.

Accuracy

Not bad. Center group is about 30 rounds, 10 yards standing:



Groups very well. Just slips left (and high) on me.

The stock delrin grip feels a little narrow... probably not giving me the best control. Unfortunately, the rubber Hogues are just too fat for my hands (which are hilariously small, BTW). Something in between would be perfect. For instance, the Pachmayrs on my 645 are just about perfect.

Are the wood grips from Hogue any more svelte than the rubber ones? I looked on KSD's site--I don't think they make them for the 4516.

Conclusion

I love the gun so far. It's grouping very well for me, just need to bring the POI right. The gun's stout feel and generous heft make it really nice to handle (in my opinion) and make for a nice shooting experience. It really is compact, too. I've carried it around town, and even in shorts and a T-shirt, with a cheapo blackhawk. It conceals well and rides comfortably. Recoil is a bit more noticeable than my 645, but not much.

Last question...

Has anybody tried a lower weight hammer spring in a 4516? It seems like it might benefit from that. Doesn't need to be drastically lighter... just a touch.

Anyway, thanks for reading.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Glad to hear it shoots well & you're liking it! Not surprised though, most do.

I'd definitely suggest you replace the recoil, mainspring & firing pin springs, along with a good cleaning, to have a good known to start from. Especially if it'll be used for CC too. New mag springs would be good also. No telling how old they all are...assume the worse, they're not expensive.

I've had no issues going with a reduced hammer/mainspring in any of my 3rd Gens, within reason. I have a Wolff 17# mainspring (factory is 20#) in my 4516-1. It'll slightly reduce you SA trigger pull & the DA a bit more noticeably.

Since it also has an affect on the slide, during recoil, I go up a few pound on the recoil spring to offset it's reduction, which is easy on the -1 since it has a single spring.

Nobody makes a heavier dual/nested spring set so if you want to go heavier on the recoil spring, in the -2, you'll need to change to a flat spring like the ISMI GLC-20, or GLC-22. Try the 20# first. If you go this route, don't forget to verify the slide is not bottoming out on the new spring, but rather on the frame stop/abutment, & trim it if needed, it's not usual.

Happy 45-ing.

.

 

[18DAI]

Congrats and nice shooting!

A rubber grip sleeve or the Hogue rubber grip for the compact S&W 45 with decocker on slide should aid in centering the shot groups. Hogue also makes wood grips for the 4516. I dont know whether KSG does. I have the Hogues on my 4516-1 and 4516-3.

My 4516 no dash wears the factory OEM grips with a thin rubber grip sleeve. All 3 guns are extremely accurate and bet your life reliable.

Enjoy that fine 45! Regards 18DAI

 

[MattyD380]

Glad to hear it shoots well & you're liking it! Not surprised though, most do.

I'd definitely suggest you replace the recoil, mainspring & firing pin springs, along with a good cleaning, to have a good known to start from. Especially if it'll be used for CC too. New mag springs would be good also. No telling how old they all are...assume the worse, they're not expensive.

I've had no issues going with a reduced hammer/mainspring in any of my 3rd Gens, within reason. I have a Wolff 17# mainspring (factory is 20#) in my 4516-1. It'll slightly reduce you SA trigger pull & the DA a bit more noticeably.

Since it also has an affect on the slide, during recoil, I go up a few pound on the recoil spring to offset it's reduction, which is easy on the -1 since it has a single spring.

Nobody makes a heavier dual/nested spring set so if you want to go heavier on the recoil spring, in the -2, you'll need to change to a flat spring like the ISMI GLC-20, or GLC-22. Try the 20# first. If you go this route, don't forget to verify the slide is not bottoming out on the new spring, but rather on the frame stop/abutment, & trim it if needed, it's not usual.

Happy 45-ing.

.

Thanks for the feedback. I have a brand new set of dual recoil springs from Sprinco and a NIB magazine. Figured I'd try it with what came in the gun first, and go from there. Hadn't thought about the firing pin spring. Might add that to the next order of gun stuff.

Could old recoil/mag springs contribute to erratic ejection?

My understanding was that weak ejection indicated the recoil springs were too strong, if anything.

I did notice the extractor is super tight (tighter than my 645). I can barely move it by pressing the claw. Supposed to be that tight?

I've read a few threads on the ISMI springs. Seems like people have had good luck with those. If I decide to go down in hammer spring weight, I will try those.

Thanks again.

 

[MattyD380]

Congrats and nice shooting!

A rubber grip sleeve or the Hogue rubber grip for the compact S&W 45 with decocker on slide should aid in centering the shot groups. Hogue also makes wood grips for the 4516. I dont know whether KSG does. I have the Hogues on my 4516-1 and 4516-3.

My 4516 no dash wears the factory OEM grips with a thin rubber grip sleeve. All 3 guns are extremely accurate and bet your life reliable.

Enjoy that fine 45! Regards 18DAI

Thank you, sir.

Good call on the grip sleeve. I think that might be the best solution. Might try the wood grips from Hogue as well--though they look almost as fat as their rubber grips. Might shoot KSG a note to see if they've got any options for 4516 grips (didn't see any on their site).

 

[18DAI]

I would agree with you that the ejection variations were likely due to the variations in ammo.

If it was not kicking them in your face using carry ammo, then you should be GTG. Regards 18DAI

 

[MattyD380]

I would agree with you that the ejection variations were likely due to the variations in ammo.

If it was not kicking them in your face using carry ammo, then you should be GTG. Regards 18DAI

Makes sense to me. Thanks.

 

[MattyD380]

One last question...

Is it normal to have a gap like this between the bushing and the slide?





Shot fine. Just haven't noticed that before on other 3rd gens (or 2nd gens).

 

[BMCM]

Is it normal to have a gap like this between the bushing and the slide?

View attachment 289110

View attachment 289111

Shot fine. Just haven't noticed that before on other 3rd gens (or 2nd gens).

I've seen this before...
The back end of that bushing has a raised ring a few thousandths high that should prevent it walking out. If that gap is bothersome you can use some Loctite 290 (wicking grade threadlocker). Apply a generous amount of 290 to the gap and allow a few moments for it to wick into the joint space... Then tap the bushing back flush with a non marring soft face hammer or wood block. Allow the adhesive to cure for a day or so then you can wipe away the excess and go play. It's unlikely the bushing will ever move again That's how I fixed a flappy bushing on one of mine.

Cheers
Bill

 

[GaryS]

I find the Hogue rubber grip quite comfortable on my 457 and it provides a more secure grip to the OEM Delrins. On my 3rd Gen compact 9mm, the Pachmyar slip on grips accomplish the same thing. The grips are good and not as bulky as the Hogues are.

Congrats and nice shooting!

A rubber grip sleeve or the Hogue rubber grip for the compact S&W 45 with decocker on slide should aid in centering the shot groups. Hogue also makes wood grips for the 4516. I dont know whether KSG does. I have the Hogues on my 4516-1 and 4516-3.

My 4516 no dash wears the factory OEM grips with a thin rubber grip sleeve. All 3 guns are extremely accurate and bet your life reliable.

Enjoy that fine 45! Regards 18DAI

 

[vigil617]

+1 on GaryS and 18DAI's suggestion on the Hogue grip sleeve for your Third Gen semi-auto. They're the perfect step between too-thin factory Delrins and too-thick Hogue grip panels. Here's a Shorty 45 I used to own and it's wearing this. I think it's called Hogue Hand-All. About $14 at my LGS. My 4513TSW and 457S wear these too.

 

[MattyD380]

I've seen this before...
The back end of that bushing has a raised ring a few thousandths high that should prevent it walking out. If that gap is bothersome you can use some Loctite 290 (wicking grade threadlocker). Apply a generous amount of 290 to the gap and allow a few moments for it to wick into the joint space... Then tap the bushing back flush with a non marring soft face hammer or wood block. Allow the adhesive to cure for a day or so then you can wipe away the excess and go play. It's unlikely the bushing will ever move again That's how I fixed a flappy bushing on one of mine.

Cheers
Bill

Cool. Appreciate the advice. Honestly, it really doesn't bother me from a cosmetic standpoint. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't going to fly off at some point, or affect lockup.

Still, might take your advice and go for that fix.

Thanks.

 

[MattyD380]

+1 on GaryS and 18DAI's suggestion on the Hogue grip sleeve for your Third Gen semi-auto. They're the perfect step between too-thin factory Delrins and too-thick Hogue grip panels. Here's a Shorty 45 I used to own and it's wearing this. I think it's called Hogue Hand-All. About $14 at my LGS. My 4513TSW and 457S wear these too.

Nice looking piece. The PC shorties are on my grail gun list (yes, I have a list of "grails").

But I think the slip-ons will probably do the trick. Thanks.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Good call on the grip sleeve. I think that might be the best solution.

I neglected to think of them too, which is odd because I recently added a grip sleeve to my Shorty 40. My similar compact 40s have the Hogues & on the double stack compacts they're almost too big. Thought I'd try something different & I've found they work fine. Cheap enough choice to try.

.

Shorty 40 Mk.I - Zero 165gr JHP & 6.7gr Unique

.

 

[MattyD380]

Really nice shooting.

To be honest, slip ons don't do much for me in the way of looks... but if I can come anywhere close to getting a group like that at 13 yards... who cares

 

[Spokes]

I have had my 4516-2 since they came out. One of my favorite 45's..
Think I will take it out tomorrow and put a box of ammo through it..