4516 and 4566 questions

[Mman]

HAve searched for the info and would like to hear what the owners have to say.
Looking for a 45 that would be carried at times, but not on a regular basis. What is the difference between the 2 model? Length, weight, and why did you choose the one you did.
Thanks Rick

 

[Mman]

HAve searched for the info and would like to hear what the owners have to say.
Looking for a 45 that would be carried at times, but not on a regular basis. What is the difference between the 2 model? Length, weight, and why did you choose the one you did.
Thanks Rick

 

[18DAI]

I've got both. I chose the 4566 for a duty gun, when I was with another agency. The 4516 I got for off duty and then wound up carrying it in plainclothes too.

They are similar pistols, with the 4516-3 being shorter..........thats about it.

Both are reliable, accurate, and a little heavy. A good gunbelt and holster eliminates the weight problem. I preferred carrying those two pistols IWB. They stay put, and felt......lighter?

You would be well served by either one, but I would advise you that no matter which one you choose, you will wind up with both models in the end. Regards 18DAI.

 

[smith10]

I prefer the 4566, but that's just my preference. Keep in mind that there are lightweight versions of both guns available.

 

[Gunhacker]

I have a 4516-1, it shoots very well, but if I had to do it over again, I would rather have the 4566 with the longer 8 shot mag grip frame.

On the 4516, the 7 shot mag base plate with the finger hold on the front, extends about 1/2" from the bottom of the frame, which gives your pinky finger something to hold onto.

But at the rear of the mag, the grip/frame is about 3/8" shorter than the bottom of the mag, so there is kind of a "gap" where your palm extends past the rear of the grip unsupported, while on the front of the grip frame, all fingers are in contact.

It may not bother other people, but I find it annoying because it doesn't give me the feeling that I have a secure hold on the weapon, plus there is less contact with the palm of your hand to distribute the felt recoil more evenly.

To me the recoil feels more pronounced and sharper with the shortened grip/frame back strap, than with the longer frame/grip of my 4506-1.

Since I do have a 4506-1, I experimented by putting the 4516-1 slide assembly on it... now that made a nice combination, that configuration is basically a 4566, but with a 3-3/4" barrel instead of the normal 4566 4 1/4" barrel.

 

[Zebulon]

IMO. the 4566 is the best balanced of the two...Much easier for me to shoot well....Zebulon

 

[4864]

Both are great guns. I carry a 4516 for CCW. I find the 4566 a bit to big for my frame to cover year round.

 

[powerkicker]

I have only the 4516-1. It is a good,solid piece and it shoots very well. It sure it fairly heavy though and after carrying for my ccw for a couple of weeks after getting my permit, I switched to a M640 j-frame. I rarely carry that 4516 or 640 now. I carry a kahr 9mm mk9.