Looking for the one that is easier too carry.
I have the 9mm 908 which is close to 457 but never held a CS45. Carry is #1 priority.
What do S&W fans prefer?
Regards.

Looking for the one that is easier too carry.
I have the 9mm 908 which is close to 457 but never held a CS45. Carry is #1 priority.
What do S&W fans prefer?
Regards.

Well, size wise the CS 45 is going to win because it is smaller, you give up on shot of capacity, that may or may not be a big deal.

But......

The CS 45 comes with rubber grips only, which are a pain to deal with when it comes to cover garments hanging on the rubber and what have you. The good news there is that there have been a number of people here on the board that have sucessfully manufactured a set of stock Delrin grips from a larger 4506 grip. If you don't feel handy and all that, Big Dog here on the board has manufactured a number of sets of Delrins for people. So there you have it. I like my Chief well enough, but I would love to have a stainless 457 or a 4516, just to round out my 45 Smith carry system, I have the 4566 and the Chief now and I want an in between gun.

Here is a picture of mine to show you what I meant about the grips. Mine are a little rough, but they are quite functional.

I recently acquired a CS45 and like it a lot. Have only been to the range once with it, shooting about 75 rounds and found it very manageable and accurate to shoot despite small size. My hands are avg size and I'm 5'9"/165lbs. As mentioned, you will give up capacity compared to 457. Mine has factory Hogue grips which I hope to replace. Even so, concealability is acceptable. Also sometimes carry a M&P 45C but prefer to carry the CS due to smaller size.

I have the CS 45. It is like 6 oz lighter & 3/4 of an inch shorter than the 457. You loose one round difference. I carry mine in my crotch in a thunderwear holster along with a 4516 7 rd magazine. Go for it. Bob

I've never held the 457 but absolutely love to carry and shoot the CS45. Nice compact package of .45 ACP goodness. Easy to carry for a .45 and easy to shoot.

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NRA Life Member

I'm a big-time 457 (stainless) fan. I have a variety of options in my safe, but the 457 is my go-to carry gun. I replaced the funky, plastic factory sights with XS 24/7 night sights.

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Retired Police, Life NRA

457 is one of my dream guns but I think that the CS45 is THE mini.45 and the new 1911 micro .45 by S&W will only serve to increase demand for "the Chief" as that package is already delivered (except for the Big Dog grips option!). Please believe that I have had a lot of fun shooting out the center of many, many 9" paper plates at 15yds. with only minimal concentration. (my normal state!)

I have held only the Chief's Special in .40 and it was the only S&W I ever said no thanks to (Big Dog's grips would probably change my mind). I do however have a 457 and I sold my Colt 1991A1 Compact soon after. The 457 surprised me with its accuracy, and has had zero funkiness unlike the Colt I sold. I just use my 4566's mags as spares.

**I have noticed though that the 457 will occasional ftf when using swc bullets. My 4566 doesn't have this issue however. Not a big deal imo as this is not a target gun**

I am a big fan of the Chief's Special series, and endorse the CS9 and CS45 for CCW.

Although I’ve never held or fired a model 457, I’ve always been intrigued with that pistol too.

I’ve had a CS45 for about six years and I carry it in many different holster styles such as OWB, IWB and a Gould & Goodrich shoulder system. The holster selection doesn’t seem to be as abundant as it used to be, but nevertheless they’re still a few out there.

The CS45 is an accurate and (I’ve found to be) flawless CQ carry weapon. I have zero regrets about purchasing it and would do it again.