4516 vs 457
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Leiden
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I carry a 4516 every day and wouldn't trade it for anything. It's never malfunctioned, is extremely accurate and performs as well as the full size version, the 4506.
Here are the reasons I'd use a 4516 over a 457:
1. It uses easy to find parts that are readily available from midwayusa.com, while the 457 parts are usually on backorder
2. It's steel and isn't that much heavier than the aluminum framed 457. I shoot a lot and like knowing the steel framed 3rd Gens simply won't wear out, the frame rails won't get gouged and there is no anodized aluminum to get chipped
3. If the steel frame and slide get too beat up, it's a simple job to bead blast them to look new again
4. They easily fit in P228/9 holsters
5. They take Novak steel sights that aren't "economy line plastic"
6. I think the lines of the pistol look better....just like a mini-4506
7. It is steel.....steel, not aluminum or plastic.
Here are the reasons I'd use a 4516 over a 457:
1. It uses easy to find parts that are readily available from midwayusa.com, while the 457 parts are usually on backorder
2. It's steel and isn't that much heavier than the aluminum framed 457. I shoot a lot and like knowing the steel framed 3rd Gens simply won't wear out, the frame rails won't get gouged and there is no anodized aluminum to get chipped
3. If the steel frame and slide get too beat up, it's a simple job to bead blast them to look new again
4. They easily fit in P228/9 holsters
5. They take Novak steel sights that aren't "economy line plastic"
6. I think the lines of the pistol look better....just like a mini-4506
7. It is steel.....steel, not aluminum or plastic.
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I agree with Lieden. I would not trade my 4516 for anything.
I also owned an early production blue 457. There was nothing wrong with it. It was accurate and reliable. The blue wore quickly as I find most blue/black semi auto finishes to do.
The barrel of the 457 was eating into the frame. This is before i found out that such activity is normal and self limiting.
I would advise that if you don't shoot alot, and simply want a compact 45 for carry, you will be well served by the 457.
If you want to shoot - often - and alot - go with the 4516. with a good holster and belt I don't find the weight of a 4516 to be an issue. Good luck! Regards 18DAI.
I also owned an early production blue 457. There was nothing wrong with it. It was accurate and reliable. The blue wore quickly as I find most blue/black semi auto finishes to do.
The barrel of the 457 was eating into the frame. This is before i found out that such activity is normal and self limiting.
I would advise that if you don't shoot alot, and simply want a compact 45 for carry, you will be well served by the 457.
If you want to shoot - often - and alot - go with the 4516. with a good holster and belt I don't find the weight of a 4516 to be an issue. Good luck! Regards 18DAI.
Dot_mdb
Member
In Smith & Wesson .45s, I own a 457S and a 4506. They represent the two extremes in the model being about the lightest and the heaviest.
I agree with the points of view expressed in the prior posts.
However in my opinion if you owned both you would carry the 457. I don't think there would be enough performance difference to warrant carrying the heavier gun. The 457 might wear out sooner but you would have a lot of warning and they are cheap to replace.
I give my 457 and my 3913 about equal carrying time. The 457 is only about 3 ounces heavier than the 3913 and conceals almost as well. The 3913 is considered by many to be S&Ws best CCW pistol so with the 457 having similar characteristics it is well worth considering.
Bill
I agree with the points of view expressed in the prior posts.
However in my opinion if you owned both you would carry the 457. I don't think there would be enough performance difference to warrant carrying the heavier gun. The 457 might wear out sooner but you would have a lot of warning and they are cheap to replace.
I give my 457 and my 3913 about equal carrying time. The 457 is only about 3 ounces heavier than the 3913 and conceals almost as well. The 3913 is considered by many to be S&Ws best CCW pistol so with the 457 having similar characteristics it is well worth considering.
Bill
PaulS 0706
Member
I have been very pleased with my 457. It has never failed to go bang and it is plenty accurate. It is of course easily concealable and that's why it is my carry gun. As noted the finish is prone to holster wear.
I am a moderate shooter and I have no fear that I will wear the pistol out in my lifetime. Which ever model you opt for I am sure you will be pleased. Good shooting.
Paul S
I am a moderate shooter and I have no fear that I will wear the pistol out in my lifetime. Which ever model you opt for I am sure you will be pleased. Good shooting.
Paul S
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