My 457 gets a lot of use. But it is a pistol I have had to work with regularly to shoot well. Unlike all my other compact 45s in general and my 3rd gen 45s in particular. Some days it was vexing trying to shoot it accurately. Yes, vexing! 
I wasn't sure whether the problem was my deteriorating eyesight or the pistol. Experience told me it was probably me. Usually its the Indian, NOT the arrow. So for a few months I just went slow with the 457 and practiced the basics with it. The results were......mediocre. it would shoot a large pattern at 15 yards. Around 5 or 6 inches. At 10 yards 4 to 5 inches. Where every other 3rd gen compact 45 I own would do 3 inches with the same ammo.
I read a report of some Detectives 457s at a NC LE Agency getting "loose" with a high round count. Due to frame wear. My 457 has a high round count, but the rails and frame look ok.
Then I started noticing the sights. It was on its 3rd rear sight. I'm left handed and my guns get banged into things. Car doors, counter corners, desks ect. The metal Novak sights on my other 3rd gen 45s are no worse for the wear, but the nylon sights on the value line guns get chipped, cracked and sometimes they can be moved in the dovetail with just thumb pressure. Not good.
So I decided to upgrade the 457 with decent sights. And I wanted BMCM to do the work becuase he is a craftsman and also a fine gentleman.
BMCM put up with my stream of PMS asking questions and discussing options. I value his opinions. And I went with his suggestion for an SA28 front night sight. Bright with a white plastic ring insert that stands out in daylight. Makes my eye go right to the front sight.
For the rear, I wanted a Novak. BMCM had a like new, but slightly dim Novak Low Mount Rear sight in stock for a S&W 45. He measured it and it would work with the SA28 to achieve POA = POI. As always his work is outstanding! The gun looks like it came from the factory wearing this sight setup. And if S&W had not chose to avoid paying Wayne Novak royalties on his fine products, it would have come from the factory with them.
Just drawing and dry firing I am already seeing an improvement. I will go to the range and test it this afternoon or tomorrow morning and report the results. I will also try to post a pic of the 457 wearing the Novaks.
Thin, light weight, black, 45 caliber, reliable and now looks good doing all that. Thanks again BMCM! You are an asset to this board and I appreciate you!
You just may have made the 457 my new favorite carry gun! Best regards, 18DAI
I wasn't sure whether the problem was my deteriorating eyesight or the pistol. Experience told me it was probably me. Usually its the Indian, NOT the arrow. So for a few months I just went slow with the 457 and practiced the basics with it. The results were......mediocre. it would shoot a large pattern at 15 yards. Around 5 or 6 inches. At 10 yards 4 to 5 inches. Where every other 3rd gen compact 45 I own would do 3 inches with the same ammo.
I read a report of some Detectives 457s at a NC LE Agency getting "loose" with a high round count. Due to frame wear. My 457 has a high round count, but the rails and frame look ok.
Then I started noticing the sights. It was on its 3rd rear sight. I'm left handed and my guns get banged into things. Car doors, counter corners, desks ect. The metal Novak sights on my other 3rd gen 45s are no worse for the wear, but the nylon sights on the value line guns get chipped, cracked and sometimes they can be moved in the dovetail with just thumb pressure. Not good.
So I decided to upgrade the 457 with decent sights. And I wanted BMCM to do the work becuase he is a craftsman and also a fine gentleman.
BMCM put up with my stream of PMS asking questions and discussing options. I value his opinions. And I went with his suggestion for an SA28 front night sight. Bright with a white plastic ring insert that stands out in daylight. Makes my eye go right to the front sight.
For the rear, I wanted a Novak. BMCM had a like new, but slightly dim Novak Low Mount Rear sight in stock for a S&W 45. He measured it and it would work with the SA28 to achieve POA = POI. As always his work is outstanding!
The gun looks like it came from the factory wearing this sight setup. And if S&W had not chose to avoid paying Wayne Novak royalties on his fine products, it would have come from the factory with them. Just drawing and dry firing I am already seeing an improvement. I will go to the range and test it this afternoon or tomorrow morning and report the results. I will also try to post a pic of the 457 wearing the Novaks.
Thin, light weight, black, 45 caliber, reliable and now looks good doing all that. Thanks again BMCM! You are an asset to this board and I appreciate you!
You just may have made the 457 my new favorite carry gun! Best regards, 18DAI
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So why did I buy it like that? 
The story goes that it formerly belonged to one of our New England Patriots... one who obviously fumbled his balls and guns from time to time! 
