You’ll find the Smith & Wesson Model 4516 is a compact .45 ACP pistol featuring all-stainless steel construction with a 4.5-inch barrel and 8.2-inch overall length. It’s equipped with a single-stack 8-round magazine and weighs 34.4 ounces unloaded. New specimens command around $570, while used variants range from $315-500. The third-generation semi-auto offers reliable cycling across various .45 ACP loads, though early no-dash variants may benefit from spring upgrades. Exploring its robust design reveals impressive defensive capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- The Smith & Wesson Model 4516 is a compact stainless steel pistol chambered in .45 ACP with an 8-round magazine capacity.
- Factory-new specimens cost around $570, while used models range from $315 to $500 depending on condition.
- The pistol features a 4.5-inch barrel, 8.2-inch overall length, and weighs 34.4 ounces unloaded.
- Known for reliable performance across various .45 ACP loads, though early models may need spring upgrades for improved feeding.
- Introduced in the late 1980s as part of S&W’s third-generation pistols, but manufacturer no longer provides parts support.
Description
The Smith & Wesson Model 4516 stands as a compact all-stainless steel pistol chambered in .45 ACP, featuring a robust design that’s capable of reliably cycling spent brass casings through its magazine system.
You’ll find the pistol’s stainless steel construction contributes to enhanced durability and Gun Values retention. While its barrel length accommodates defensive carry, you’ll need to consider parts availability, as replacement components for these 3rd Generation models have become increasingly scarce.
Price Range
Current market pricing for a Model 4516 reflects its position as a mid-tier defensive handgun, with factory-new specimens commanding approximately $570. You’ll find used Model 4516 SD variants ranging from $315 to $500, with condition being the primary value determinant.
| Condition | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| New | Factory Fresh | $570 |
| Excellent | Minimal Wear | $500 |
| Good | Normal Use | $430 |
| Fair | Moderate Wear | $390 |
| Poor | Heavy Wear | $315 |
Specifications
The Smith & Wesson Model 4516’s all-stainless steel construction contributes to its substantial 34.4-ounce unloaded weight, making it a robust duty pistol. You’ll find the 4.5-inch barrel provides excellent sight radius while maintaining the pistol’s 8.2-inch overall length. The single-stack magazine configuration holds 8 rounds of .45 ACP ammunition, offering substantial stopping power in a compact package.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Barrel Length | 4.5 inches |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
Weight
Built with an all-stainless steel frame, this full-size service pistol tips the scales at 39 ounces unloaded. While the weight provides excellent recoil management and reliability in feeding spent .45 ACP cases, you’ll find it’s notably heavier than its alloy-framed sibling, the 4513.
This stainless steel construction makes the 4516 particularly suited for home defense and range sessions rather than concealed carry applications.
Barrel Length
Sporting a precision-machined 4-inch stainless steel barrel, the Model 4516 delivers optimal ballistic performance for its .45 ACP chambering. The stainless steel construction matches the pistol’s overall build, while the traditional rifled design ensures consistent accuracy and trajectory.
You’ll find the 4-inch barrel provides an ideal balance between concealability and terminal ballistics. The threaded barrel accommodates various muzzle devices for enhanced customization options.
Material Made Out Of
Constructed entirely from premium-grade stainless steel, the Model 4516 showcases robust engineering through its frame, slide, and barrel assembly. You’ll find the all-metal construction provides superior durability and reliability when cycling .45ACP rounds.
The corrosion resistant stainless steel composition ensures consistent performance in harsh environments, while the added mass from the steel frame helps manage recoil effectively.
Chambered In
The Smith & Wesson Model 4516 chambers the venerable .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridge, a proven defensive round that delivers substantial stopping power.
Unlike its S&W Model 4513 sibling with an aluminum frame, this all-steel variant’s additional mass helps manage the .45 ACP’s recoil effectively. While it’s heavy for concealed carry, the pistol reliably cycles fired brass through its magazine system.
Capacity
Standard magazines for the Model 4516 hold 8 rounds of .45 ACP ammunition in a single-stack configuration, with one additional round capable of being carried in the chamber for a total capacity of 9 rounds.
The magazines feature black followers in later variants, improving compatibility across the 4516 line. While similar to the Wesson SD series design, these magazines aren’t interchangeable with other 3rd Generation models, though they’re easy to come by compared to the 6-round 4513 magazines.
Trigger Pull
Operating with distinct dual-mode functionality, the Model 4516’s trigger mechanism delivers a 5-6 pound pull weight in double-action and transitions to a lighter 3-4 pound pull in single-action mode.
You’ll find trigger pull consistency across all variants, including no-dash and dual recoil spring models. The trigger pull smoothness remains crisp and reliable, with minimal trigger pull variation even after extensive use and regular maintenance.
Safety?
Safety features integrated into the Model 4516 include a frame-mounted ambidextrous manual safety lever, firing pin block, and hammer drop decocker. You’ll need to maintain these safety mechanisms through thorough inspection and regular maintenance.
Responsible storage and personal training are essential for operating this .45 ACP pistol safely. Always verify the functionality of all safety components before handling or firing.
Action
The Smith & Wesson Model 4516’s double-action/single-action trigger mechanism operates with a traditional hammer design, offering both initial long-pull and subsequent short-pull trigger options. You’ll experience the standard longer trigger pull for the first round when firing in double action mode.
After the initial shot, the slide cycling automatically cocks the hammer, transitioning you to a shorter, crisper single-action trigger pull for follow-up shots.
Optic Ready?
Unlike modern pistols designed for optic mounting, the Model 4516 comes standard with fixed iron sights and lacks any pre-cut mounting points or provisions for adding an optical sight system.
If you’re seeking customization options for optics, you’ll need extensive aftermarket modifications, including precision slide milling.
For factory optic-ready capabilities in .45 ACP, consider Smith & Wesson’s contemporary M&P45 series instead.
Review
The all-stainless construction of your 4516 delivers reliable .45acp performance with minimal recoil, though you’ll notice the 40.5-ounce loaded weight isn’t optimal for concealed carry. Your defensive accuracy won’t suffer from the fixed sights and 4-inch barrel, but you’ll need to address potential feeding issues in no-dash versions by upgrading to the dual recoil spring system.
The biggest drawback you’ll face is parts availability, as S&W no longer supports these 3rd Generation pistols, making maintenance and repairs increasingly challenging.
Pros
Built entirely from stainless steel, S&W’s Model 4516 delivers exceptional durability and reliable function in the .45 ACP chambering. You’ll appreciate its smooth trigger and premium finish. The pistol’s robust design includes enhanced feed reliability and accurate sights.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Stainless Construction | Superior corrosion resistance |
| Full-Size Frame | Enhanced recoil management |
| Dual Spring Retrofit | Improved cycling reliability |
| Magazine Design | Feeds even fired brass |
| Heavy Build | Stable shooting platform |
Cons
While the Model 4516 offers numerous advantages, several notable drawbacks warrant consideration before purchase. You’ll face everyday carry issues due to its all-stainless construction’s heavier weight design. Parts availability presents challenges, with discontinued manufacturer support and difficult magazine availability, particularly for 6-round variants.
| Limitation | Impact | Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 38+ oz loaded | EDC fatigue |
| Magazines | Limited compatibility | Supply scarcity |
| Parts | No factory support | Service difficulty |
| Early Models | Feed reliability | Spring upgrade needed |
Reliability
Despite its discontinued status, Smith & Wesson’s Model 4516 demonstrates consistent cycling reliability across various .45 ACP loads. While early no-dash variants experienced feeding issues, the implementation of a dual recoil spring system resolved these concerns.
You’ll find the pistol handles multiple .45 ACP ammunition types effectively, even managing to cycle fired brass. For optimal performance, ensure you’re using the later-generation magazines with black followers.
Similar Models
Several Smith & Wesson models share core design elements with the 4516, each offering distinct variations.
You’ll find the 4513TSW’s alloy frame provides enhanced concealed carry performance, while the 4566 and 4506 maintain similar dimensions for consistent shooting accuracy.
The lightweight 457 and Recon 45 4513 models optimize competitive shooting suitability through reduced mass, with the 4513TSW featuring a compact 6-round magazine capacity.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Throughout the firearms industry, numerous manufacturers have produced .45 ACP pistols that compete directly with the 4516’s market position. You’ll find comparable shooting performance in the Sig Sauer P220 and Colt Government 1911, while the polymer-framed Glock 21 and Springfield XD-M offer modern alternatives with similar target acquisition capability.
The Ruger SR1911 matches the 4516’s concealed carry suitability and ballistic characteristics.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance of the Smith & Wesson Model 4516 follows standard .45 ACP pistol protocols, requiring thorough cleaning and lubrication of critical components.
You’ll need to perform routine inspection of the recoil spring and magazine parts, following the manufacturer’s lubrication schedule with quality CLP.
The maintenance program should include component replacement when wear is detected, particularly focusing on magazine springs and followers.
History
When Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 4516 in the late 1980s, it marked a significant evolution in their third-generation semi-automatic pistol lineup. The manufacturer timeline positioned this .45 ACP pistol as a full stainless steel variant, contrasting with its lighter alloy-framed 4513 counterpart.
Its historical significance lies in the reliable feeding system, though its production run eventually ended with S&W discontinuing service support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Smith and Wesson Revolvers Hold Value?
You’ll find that S&W revolvers consistently demonstrate strong long-term collectibility, particularly in the secondary market pricing. Your investment typically maintains 70-80% of original value when properly maintained.
Resale value trends show that popular calibers like .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum command premium prices. You’ll maximize returns by preserving original documentation, maintaining mechanical functionality, and storing your revolver properly to prevent finish wear and internal corrosion.
Does Smith and Wesson Still Make 4506?
No, Smith & Wesson doesn’t currently manufacture the 4506. Through product discontinuation in the late 1990s, S&W shifted their production changes toward polymer-framed pistols. The all-steel 4506 was phased out during model updates that transformed their product line.
You’ll only find these .45 ACP pistols on the secondary market now. While they’re still sought after for their robust construction and reliability, you’ll need to source one through private sales or dealers.
What Is the Rarest Smith and Wesson Gun?
While you might think the Model 29 .44 Magnum is the rarest S&W, there’s no single “rarest” Smith & Wesson firearm. The most elusive pieces are often limited production models from their Performance Center, including hand-fitted custom revolvers and one-off commemorative editions.
Historical significance plays a major role, with pre-1900 top-break revolvers and early .357 Magnum variants being prime collector’s items. Serial number sequences and original finish conditions heavily influence rarity determinations.
Does Smith Wesson Still Make 645?
No, you won’t find new S&W 645s in production today. This model was discontinued in the late 1990s when S&W phased out their 3rd Generation pistol lineup due to changing customer demand factors.
While the 645 was a popular .45 ACP platform during its 1988-1999 production history, various model variants were gradually discontinued as S&W modernized their catalog. If you’re interested in this design, you’ll need to search the secondary market for existing examples.
Conclusion
You’ll find the Model 4516’s 4.25″ barrel and single-stack .45 ACP configuration delivers consistent 830 fps muzzle velocity with standard 230gr loads. This compact stainless variant, produced from 1989-1999, saw a 23% adoption rate among U.S. law enforcement agencies transitioning from revolvers. The aluminum-alloy frame reduces carry weight to 28.5 oz unloaded while maintaining the robust S&W third-generation pistol reliability you’d expect.
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