4516: any reliability issues due to its size? (i.e. 1911 vs. officers ACP)

[Malpasowildlifer]

Did a search but couldn't find anything.

I'm first and foremost a 1911 guy when it comes to autos: however, the 3rd gen 10mm bug bit hard. I have a lead on a 4516, (since there is not a 10mm equivalent) and I've read great reviews on it. I think it might be a nice second BUG for my vest. I personally don't think it's that heavy or bulky.

Is it inherently accurate, like the 4506?

Were there any functioning/reliability issues due to it's size? I thought back about the argument that some believe a 1911 can be made only so small before there are issues about them running correctly.

Thanks!

 

[SW CQB 45]

There is a very good article started by 1/74SIS over smaller guns failing in shootouts in off position shots.

I have been packing a officers acp in a plain clothes capacity since 2006 and recently replaced it with a DWCCO.

The OACP has always gone bang in quals or practice and keep the springs fresh.

I once had a 4516-2 which was hvy and by no means considered a BUG. I carried it it plain clothes narc and it was quite accurate. I replaced it with a lighter 4013tsw.

I am a believer that as long as you keep your gun properly maintenance....you have taken care of the negative side if you don't. Those what ifs are what always pop up. Mag changes, clearance drills and a second gun should be kept in ck or close by.

The 4513tsw or cs series would be smaller/lighter and fit the bill of BUG.

 

[SW CQB 45]

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...1908-experiences-s-w-stainless-steel-45s.html

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

copy thanks

 

[marsco]

I finally got to shoot my 4516-1 and it was totally reliable an accurate . Shot over 200 round of various HP ammunition and FMJ .
Some people think they are heavy , I don't think they are . weight is perfect for fast follow up shots . I don't think you can go wrong with a 4516. I am also looking for a 1006 or 1076 in the Los Angeles area

 

[Catshooter]

Of my five or so 4516s, none ever malfuntioned.


Cat

 

[andrewb70]

I picked up a gently used 4516-2 about 2 months ago. Since then I have put about 250 rounds through it at the range and it has never, ever, failed. I've used all kinds of ammo, from Tennessee Cartridge reloads, Winchester FMJ, and Winchester hollow points. The 4516 also has the excellent trigger that all 3rd gen S&Ws have with the very short trigger reset. It's an amazing gun and to me it is way better than any 1911.

If you pick up a used one, I would suggest changing out the recoil springs (it has two) and getting new magazine springs, just as a precaution.

Andrew

 

[ColColt]

I don't have a 4516 in either the -1 or -2 flavor but, I did have a 457 with dual springs and you couldn't get them from Wolff...perhaps the factory still has them for the 4516 but may be hard to come by.

 

[squidsix]

The 4516 uses a single recoil spring similar to the 4566. No problems getting the spring, and in a bind, the 4566 spring works fine.

 

[totin'45]

Search for the thread I did a year ago titled "Virtues of the 4516". You will see that I and many others are true believers in that little pistol.

 

[Leiden]

I have and do carry a 4516-1 as my plain clothes sidearm as a police detective. I use a 4506 when in uniform, but the 4516-1 for everything else. I've never had a malfunction, but the first thing the armory did was to put a heavier recoil spring in it from Wolff...I think it is a 19# or so.

I use 4506 magazines as spares on my weak side and carry the one 7 round 4516-1 magazine in it. We use the Speer Gold Dot hollow point and I've never had an issue with feeding or ejecting. The pistol routinely puts all the round in a 4" circle at 25 yards which is fine with me.

I did replace the thin plastic grips with the rubber ones from Hogue, but that's just personal preference.

Finally, the pistol works great in P228/P229 holsters and since I added a full size hammer to it I just think of it as a mini-4506.

I know some don't like the 4516 series. I like it as I have no doubts it'll work every time and deliver a 230 grain bullet where I need it, and then repeat without issue.