457 New To Me

[xfarfuldog]

Confession - I'm really a Colt, Sig, and HK guy. But since I begin reading in this forum years ago, I have really gotten into Smiths. With my 2 Pythons, a Pony, and a DS, I now have 8 S&W revolvers. A couple of years ago, I got bit by that nasty 3rd gen bug. I have owned 2 different 4506's and a 4566. I found them too heavy. I purchased a 4516-2. Still too heavy. The 4516 was sold due to a purchase of a TSW 4513. Then last week came a 457.

Not just any 457 but I believe it is a Zander. I had been watching the big auction site and found a few 457s including an all silver one. There was also other 4513s but they were higher than what I got mine for. So when a two tone 457 popped up here locally I jumped on it. I have got extra 7 and 8 round magazines for it. I hope to go to the range still this week.

 

[gdogs]

When it comes to auto's I too am more of a Sig/HK guy than Smith, but I will say one thing about my 457... it holds 1 more round in the standard mag than my P245. Of course the nicest thing about both of them is that you can use the full size variant magazines in them from the 4506 and P220 respectively.

 

[Shutthefrontdoor]

Quick question, but the 457 is miles above quality wise from the CS45 - correct?

I've never handled either, but just looking at them both, the 457 looks like a vault and the CS45 more value driven. Is it just me? And to be honest, I never would have even thought twice with a 457 had it not been for the wonderful write-up by 18DAI - May he rest in peace.

 

[GaryS]

Incorrect. The build quality is about the same. Individual guns will vary in appearance, but both are Value Line guns and share a lot of internal components.

I've never handled a CS45, but from everything I've read, they are a good sub compact gun.

As to Zanders, they look nice ANIB the box. The problem being that the finish of the slide is a place where S&W saved a lot of money in production. If you look at a regular production third gen in black, such as a 3914, you'll find a much better finish on the slide.

Stainless slide 457s are rare compared to the carbon steel slide versions.

Word seems to have gotten out about the 457 as they don't seem to be for sale as often as they used to. Once people buy one and shoot it they realize how this "cheap" .45ACP pistol is amazingly accurate for the price point it was built for.

Quick question, but the 457 is miles above quality wise from the CS45 - correct?

I've never handled either, but just looking at them both, the 457 looks like a vault and the CS45 more value driven. Is it just me? And to be honest, I never would have even thought twice with a 457 had it not been for the wonderful write-up by 18DAI - May he rest in peace.

 

[4T5GUY]

Quick question, but the 457 is miles above quality wise from the CS45 - correct?

As Gary said other than size they are the same.

I like the “Value Line” series even though there were a few design changes to reduce production costs. The frames have the short grip tangs and somewhat raked, (angled,) dust covers which I think are plus’s. Of course the slides are a bit blocky and heavy looking but guzzitaco can remedy that.

Even though there were some cost saving changes there was no compromise done to flawless function and accuracy.

Jim

 

[GaryS]

The Value Line guns I own are two 457s and a CS9S. My CS9 is came with night sights and ambi safety levers. I swapped out the ambi for a left side only safety. The night sights will likely have to be relamped at some point.

I don't know if that combination makes it a LE version, but it certainly would be suitable for someone to use it as such.

As Gary said other than size they are the same.

I like the “Value Line” series even though there were a few design changes to reduce production costs. The frames have the short grip tangs and somewhat raked, (angled,) dust covers which I think are plus’s. Of course the slides are a bit blocky and heavy looking but guzzitaco can remedy that.

Even though there were some cost saving changes there was no compromise done to flawless function and accuracy.

Jim

 

[Dparker]

I enjoy my Zanders S&W 457!

Cheers!!!
David

 

[GaryS]

And I enjoy my UnZander special.

 

[MDB1056]

457 is a great gun. Reliable as any 3rd gen and easy to carry. If I were to go to 45 for EDC that would be my choice. Until then I just keep it exercised .

 

[xfarfuldog]

Couple of questions. What is the difference between the two tone Zander vs the above non Zander? Probably just the same gun from 2 different S&W sources? And why did Smith produce the TSW 3913 and 4513 with one less round than the standard model?

 

[GaryS]

If you are referring to my "unZander" special, it started life as a 457S. I bought a used slide on Ebay and sent it to member Guzzitaco for a complete rework and refinish.

It's a one of a kind 457 to the best of my knowledge.

The early TSW guns had smaller magazines and no rail. They had short productions lives and were replaced by the later "full size" guns with rails. Those were aimed (no pun intended) at the LE market more than the earlier guns.

Why? Only S&W would know and I don't know that anyone involved in those decisions is still with the company.

Couple of questions. What is the difference between the two tone Zander vs the above non Zander? Probably just the same gun from 2 different S&W sources? And why did Smith produce the TSW 3913 and 4513 with one less round than the standard model?