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What is the size difference for concealed carry?
Is one better than the other?
Is one better than the other?
457 vs 4516
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SW CQB 45
Member
weight is the difference
4516 sts frame, more refined
457 alloy frame, basic no frill
4516 sts frame, more refined
457 alloy frame, basic no frill
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No size difference. 457 has an alloy frame, so it weighs substantially less, which makes it easier to carry and harder to shoot alot. The pistols take the same mags. The 4516 is too heavy in relation to its size and if I were going to have an all-steel pistols, I would prefer the 4566 instead. The best choice for carry is probably the 4563, the alloy framed version of the 4566.
powerkicker
Member
I have a 4516-1 and a buddy has the 457. Both are good guns. I like the 4516 because I'll never wear it out but the 457 would make a better ccw in my opinion. I carry a SW99 for ccw when I carry a larger pistol.
I own examples of both the 457, an early blue version, and a 4516-3, late post official end of production LEO pistol.
My 457 gets carried more than the 4516-3. Lazyness on my part being the only reason. I can carry the 457 IWB without a gunbelt. My 4516-3 requires a reinforced gunbelt for comfortable secure carry.
Both are reliable, accurate, and similar in size. Be advised that while all 457 holsters will work with a 4516, the reverse is not always true. Especially form fitted holsters.
I'll tell you what, the S&W 45 pistol I like to carry most, is my 4563TSW with the stupid rail removed, and a spurless hammer installed. It just carry's great, IWB or OWB. Extra rounds over both my 457 and 4516-3 too. Just my 0.02. All are great 45's. Pick what works best for you. Good luck! Regards 18DAI.
My 457 gets carried more than the 4516-3. Lazyness on my part being the only reason. I can carry the 457 IWB without a gunbelt. My 4516-3 requires a reinforced gunbelt for comfortable secure carry.
Both are reliable, accurate, and similar in size. Be advised that while all 457 holsters will work with a 4516, the reverse is not always true. Especially form fitted holsters.
I'll tell you what, the S&W 45 pistol I like to carry most, is my 4563TSW with the stupid rail removed, and a spurless hammer installed. It just carry's great, IWB or OWB. Extra rounds over both my 457 and 4516-3 too. Just my 0.02. All are great 45's. Pick what works best for you. Good luck! Regards 18DAI.
Pioneer461
US Veteran
My 457 is my go-to carry pistol. I replaced the plastic sights first thing, and it has been a flawless shooter and my constant companion.
