457S to the Range

[GaryS]

The weather was sunny and warm for December, so I took my new to me 457S to the range.

Overall, the results were quite satisfactory. I was using 230gr Federal JRN range ammo. All shots went into my "minute of paper plate" target. After a while, I started punching a very large hole in the center as rounds hit very close to each other at 21 feet.

Only one hitch. One one magazine, the slide failed to lock back. A follow up magazines worth had no issues, so I don't know what that was all about.

I then put 7 rounds of 230gr WWB JHP using the magazine that came with the gun. Accuracy was good with that ammo to. One slight hitch, one round hung up on the feed ramp, again for reasons unknown. I don't think I've put a new spring in this magazine yet, so that will be my first step.

Once I'm sure that's all cleared up, this beauty will join my carry rotation. Well, after a couple more trips to the range for practice.

[KWIndy]

I enjoy shooting my 457 everytime it comes out of the safe, which isn't very often. It fits my hand perfect.

[cherrypointmarine]

I've shot my other 457's but haven't shot my 457S yet . They are great guns . I got my S in like new condition in the box here a while ago , it's too pretty to shoot .

[stansdds]

Failure of a magazine to lock the slide after the last round could very well be a weak magazine spring, but also check the follower. The portion that contacts the slide stop may be worn.

I had a Model 6946 that would sometimes get rounds stuck on the opening to the barrel chamber. On this particular barrel, there was no radius on that edge and the case mouths were getting caught on that sharp edge. Just a very slight radiusing of the edge of the entrance to the chamber solved the issue.

[GaryS]

Thanks. I'm going to look at that magazine and unless the spring is brand new, I'll replace it. I'll look at the barrel for rough spots. I'll also replace the spring in that magazine.

Shucky darn! That might require another trip to the range!

Update:

I took all four magazines apart and ended up replacing three springs. Two were of the correct length, more or less, but just looked like they needed replacement. The the one that failed to feed was the one on the left in this picture,



A bit shorter and although it doesn't show all that well, the wire gauge seems a bit thinner.

Also, one of the four has a bit of a bind at the top of the magazine. I can't see any issue with the feed lips, but it just feels a bit tighter when I push the follower down from the top. I marked that and will do some more testing on my next range trip.

I'm not going to touch the feed ramp until I put another 1100 or so rounds through the gun. If all goes well, there won't be any need.

Originally Posted by stansdds

Failure of a magazine to lock the slide after the last round could very well be a weak magazine spring, but also check the follower. The portion that contacts the slide stop may be worn.

I had a Model 6946 that would sometimes get rounds stuck on the opening to the barrel chamber. On this particular barrel, there was no radius on that edge and the case mouths were getting caught on that sharp edge. Just a very slight radiusing of the edge of the entrance to the chamber solved the issue.

[Fastbolt]

Originally Posted by GaryS

Thanks. I'm going to look at that magazine and unless the spring is brand new, I'll replace it. I'll look at the barrel for rough spots. I'll also replace the spring in that magazine.

Shucky darn! That might require another trip to the range!

Update:

I took all four magazines apart and ended up replacing three springs. Two were of the correct length, more or less, but just looked like they needed replacement. The the one that failed to feed was the one on the left in this picture,



A bit shorter and although it doesn't show all that well, the wire gauge seems a bit thinner.

Also, one of the four has a bit of a bind at the top of the magazine. I can't see any issue with the feed lips, but it just feels a bit tighter when I push the follower down from the top. I marked that and will do some more testing on my next range trip.

I'm not going to touch the feed ramp until I put another 1100 or so rounds through the gun. If all goes well, there won't be any need.

That older spring on the left in your pic doesn't look like it has the normal upward lift in the top coil. Compare it to the one in this pic.



Are you using the Wolff mag spring (on the right)?

I tend to like the way the factory spring's top rounded loop engages the front of the follower a bit further forward.

[GaryS]

I replaced the short yellow and non OEM springs in two other magazines with OEM mags that I bought from Midway or Brownells a few years ago.

I thought that I had replaced all of the springs as I acquired new magazines, but now I'll have to go back through them and make sure. I only have one OEM spring left, so I'll probably have to order more.

Because I don't know what previous owners did with springs, it's just easier to replace them. As replace the recoil spring and magazine springs, but haven't found a need to do the others as of yet.

Originally Posted by Fastbolt

That older spring on the left in your pic doesn't look like it has the normal upward lift in the top coil. Compare it to the one in this pic.



Are you using the Wolff mag spring (on the right)?

I tend to like the way the factory spring's top rounded loop engages the front of the follower a bit further forward.

[Fastbolt]

Midway has them in-stock and available at the moment.
Smith & Wesson Mag Spring S&W 4513TSW 4553TSW 4566TSW 4583TSW 4586TSW

FWIW, I've seen the coil winding go in either direction over the years, depending on when I've ordered new batches of springs. (Top coil's small "circle" winding left or right, and the open leg of the bottom being on the left or right side.)

[GaryS]

The weather was nice today, so I took the 457S back to the range. The new magazine springs cured whatever the issue was. I fired a mix of brass and aluminum cased ammo with no issues.

All founds loaded, fired, extracted without an issue. Accuracy was very good, in fact a bit better than I usually do with a 3913.

[Fastbolt]

Originally Posted by GaryS

The weather was nice today, so I took the 457S back to the range. The new magazine springs cured whatever the issue was. I fired a mix of brass and aluminum cased ammo with no issues.

All founds loaded, fired, extracted without an issue. Accuracy was very good, in fact a bit better than I usually do with a 3913.

Nice. Replacing "used" (mags left loaded) mag springs every few years, or every few thousand rounds fired, can do wonders for maintaining normal reliability.

Does your 3913 have Hogue rubber grip stocks, instead of the stock plastic? If not, you might try some and see if the resulting slightly thicker grip frame helps with your practical accuracy. The slightly wider grip frame of the 4513TSW/457 does help some folks with their trigger reach and contractile press technique (without moving the muzzle).

It's all a compromise, though. Pick where it works best for you.

[GaryS]

I use the Pachmyar or Hogue "grip sleeve" over the stock grips for the most part.

It's mostly a matter of concentration and paying attention to the basics, which for some reason I seem to do more of with the 457.

I've developed the routine of replacing the springs on all new to me magazines. In the case of the 457s, I just forgot to do that for some reason.

Originally Posted by Fastbolt

Nice. Replacing "used" (mags left loaded) mag springs every few years, or every few thousand rounds fired, can do wonders for maintaining normal reliability.

Does your 3913 have Hogue rubber grip stocks, instead of the stock plastic? If not, you might try some and see if the resulting slightly thicker grip frame helps with your practical accuracy. The slightly wider grip frame of the 4513TSW/457 does help some folks with their trigger reach and contractile press technique (without moving the muzzle).

It's all a compromise, though. Pick where it works best for you.