That is exactly why folks like me who cherish their beloved, irreplaceable 3rd Gens buy cheap, soulless plastic wonders to carry.

I haven't got to read the entire article yet, but the part I read was interesting. I'll get to the rest of it after the grand kids go to bed.

I like the black finish on the 3rd Gen guns, but it wears quickly if they are carried. Which is why I almost always carry one of the stainless guns, especially in humid weather. I'd guess that's why S&W started producing so many SS guns for PDs. They wear much better and probably need a bit less in the way of upkeep.

Depending on cost, if I were going to carry a 457 on a regular basis, I'd probably pay to have the slide Cerakoted. Like 18DAI, any gun I buy, I buy with the expectation that it will earn it's keep.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

I have a 457d that use occasionally. Good summer carry

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NEVER FORGET SEPT. 11th 2001

I for one am glad the 457 is an under-appreciated model - it makes it very affordable for those of us who do appreciate them!

My 457 was found New Old Stock for less than $500, and it replaced an unreliable Kimber that was more than double in price. Great gun, very concealable, never skipped a beat, and with the XS Big Dot's it's plenty accurate for defensive purposes. Mine is a later laser-etched model that came with a metal guide rod, and it sports slim Delrins and grip tape for traction. Probably one of the smoothest triggers on any of my 3rd Gens, I'll never get rid of my 457!

Attached Images

457.jpg (105.7 KB, 33 views)

Had a chance to take a few photos this afternoon of my 457S and 4513TSW side by side for comparison. These are EDC guns, so overlook any marks associated therewith.

By the way, these photos are from my new account with photo hosting site imgbb.com. It's SO much easier than Photobucket ever thought about being. I'm a convert!

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

Nice looking guns. What brand grip sleeve is that on them?

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Can open, worms everywhere.

It's the Hogue Hand-All, Gary. About $13 at my LGS, and it's perfect for these.

I had to trim some on the one for the 4513, obviously. On the 457, I chose to let the sleeve come down to the pinky rest on the magazine, sorta like an extension of the sleeve. Makes the mag a bit harder to insert, but that's not a big deal for me. I don't plan to have to reload if I ever have to use it "for real," but I could if I wanted to and the adrenaline rush would probably be enough by itself to make this a non-issue.

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

Found one a few months back, I was leaving the local range and I always take a look at the "used" section, a guy was selling his 457s to the shop... so needless to say I bought it and it's a great gun, but I've never carried it...


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Here is one I picked up awhile back at a local gun show. I've never understood why it isn't more popular and sought after.
It makes a great carry gun.

S&W 457.jpg