3rd Gen Gurus, need your help, S&W 457

[UnstopaNole99]

Ok all my 3rd Gen experts, need some knowledge dumped on me. I have been looking at 457s and noticed two different slides. Some slides are strictly the black finish, and others have Smith & Wesson and the logo on the slide. Anyone know what the difference are? I'm going to try to find some pics to post.

Thanks

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[UnstopaNole99]

Here are some pics

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[SVT28]

Initially these guns did not have the banner like the top picture but the value line ran until the late 2000s when they started putting Springfield and the logo on the slide. The later production guns even shipped in the newer blue factory plastic cases.

I'm unsure of any differences other than the slide markings.

SVT28

[UnstopaNole99]

Thanks SVT28, I missed out on one of the newer models that went for a steal at $350.

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[18DAI]

In addition to what SVT28 pointed out, some of the early 457s with the roll marks also had forged hammers and triggers.

The later guns with the laser etched markings all had MIM hammers and triggers. Regards 18DAI

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by SVT28

Initially these guns did not have the banner like the top picture but the value line ran until the late 2000s when they started putting Springfield and the logo on the slide. The later production guns even shipped in the newer blue factory plastic cases.

I'm unsure of any differences other than the slide markings.

Originally Posted by 18DAI

In addition to what SVT28 pointed out, some of the early 457s with the roll marks also had forged hammers and triggers.

The later guns with the laser etched markings all had MIM hammers and triggers. Regards 18DAI

Yeah, the all-black version Model 457 had a relatively long and late production run (1996-2006), so there should be no surprise to see different markings and materials between the early vs. later guns.

I guess it all boils down to what is more important to you. Perhaps getting a newer, fresher, less "used & abused" handgun... or going for an older one with the more traditional roll markings and certain forged parts.

I'm not picky! I always go for the very best condition guns I can find regardless of vintage.

[tjtoolbox]

Originally Posted by UnstopaNole99

Here are some pics

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Have one similar to the one on the right, changed the safety to ambi. (I am Left handed), changed the hammer to a spurred because it is what I like. My 457 custom.

[TNZ71]

Same question I asked exactly one month ago on the 908. But which came first the rollmarked or laser etched?

Roll Marks vs Laser Etched

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by TNZ71

Same question I asked exactly one month ago on the 908. But which came first the rollmarked or laser etched?

Roll Marks vs Laser Etched

See my reply in your referenced thread.

[GaryS]

My roll marked 457 has a KMF prefix and appears to have been a December 1998 gun (Spec Ord 8307). My Laser etched 457 has a TDP prefix and appears to be a late 1999 gun (Spec Ord 9136).

My railed 3913TSW is Laser etched and has a VJH prefix. I called CS and they said October 2002. That matches the info in the SCSW 4th edition. I have a box for a 3913TSW (not matching the gun), and that looks to be a mid 2001 gun.

My pre rail 3913TSW and 3953TSW are both Laser etched and have MSE pre fixes. No box for the 3913 and the label on the 3953 is damaged where the Spec Ord number is, but that appears to be a mid 1997 production.

I think all TSW guns have Laser etched slides, but the serial number ranges might help.

Speaking of Laser etching, there is a shop near me that just announced that they now can do Laser etching. I don't know if they can replicate the S&W etching, but it might be something people in eastern MA would be interested in exploring.