S&W 457 ??

trailblazer02 · #1 11-08-2009, 08:42 AM

good morning all:

i just tried a forum "search" for any 457 postings & came up blank. not sure how that happens, but...

you folks that own a 457, can you tell me what it's like to shoot 45s out of a 3 3/4" BBL?

my son is hell bent on a .45 & i'm not sure in which direction i should proceed...i.e., previously enjoyed S&W, or new something else.

any advice will be greatly appreciated.

trailblazer

Winger · #2 11-08-2009, 09:00 AM

While felt recoil is a highly subjective thing, I feel the 457 is very comfortable to shoot. I was actually surprised at how mild it was, around that of a full size steel framed 1911 or maybe a little less.

The Rabbi · #3 11-08-2009, 09:09 AM

I have one for sale in my shop and I have shot the gun.
Very nice. Triggers on the 3G Smith and Wessons are fantastic. The gun is quite accurate and recoil was pretty manageable. Honestly I find the recoil in a 1911 to be harsh so there is a comparison for you.

CTSWnut · #4 11-08-2009, 12:49 PM

I love my 457. I have only fired a 1911 once & I believe the 457 has a milder recoil.

David1958 · #5 11-08-2009, 01:24 PM

I have a 457. Fits my needs perfectly. I believe it is considered one of the "Value Series" pistols (like the 908) and not as "highly refined" in finish and has sharper edges. Some have commented on the plastic sights, but I'm told that is a relatively simple change-out for the more gunsmith inclined among us. Recoil is really not an issue (to me) with this pistol even for its size and weight. If the price is right, it is a VERY good gun for the money.

jfd · #6 11-08-2009, 11:22 PM

I find my 457 very comfortable to shoot, very manageable and accurate, utterly reliable with every kind of ammo I have ever run through it. I'm avg build with avg size hands. Might try your search again, I have seen and contributed to many posts on this forum about this very gun. IMO can't go wrong with a 457 if you want a compact reliable semiauto 45. Good luck.

4864 · #7 11-09-2009, 01:17 AM

I have a 4516-1 that is my EDC gun. It is almost like the 457 but a steel. Not to bad to shoot at all. As the others have said this is a very comfortable gun.

mstuhr · #8 11-09-2009, 11:16 AM

Howdy,
I'll disagree that it kicks less than a 1911 but they are very shootable and a lot more compact than a 1911.
I shot mine in the local pin matches in pocket auto class.

It is the only gun I carry anymore when I leave the house and ties for the most reliable .45 I have. Neither of them have missed a lick yet.
Good luck
Mike

PALADIN85020 · #9 11-09-2009, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trailblazer02

good morning all:

i just tried a forum "search" for any 457 postings & came up blank. not sure how that happens, but...

you folks that own a 457, can you tell me what it's like to shoot 45s out of a 3 3/4" BBL?

my son is hell bent on a .45 & i'm not sure in which direction i should proceed...i.e., previously enjoyed S&W, or new something else.

any advice will be greatly appreciated.

trailblazer

Trailblazer:

I have just the thing for you. A number of years ago I wrote an article comparing the S&W 457 to three other compact .45 ACP handguns, including the Springfield V10 ultra compact, the HK USP .45 ACP compact, and the Glock 30. You can access this article on line.

First, go to this link:

The Sight's M1911 .45 ACP Page

Then in the upper left-hand corner of the opening page, click on "Library."

Then click on "Reviews."

Then click on "Other Pistols."

Scroll down the list of articles, and the 4th one from the bottom is titled "Up Close and Personal", which I wrote. Click on that. There you will get a very thorough review of the 457 in comparison to the other pistols mentioned.

Hope this helps.

John

RRH · #10 11-09-2009, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PALADIN85020

Trailblazer:

I have just the thing for you. A number of years ago I wrote an article comparing the S&W 457 to three other compact .45 ACP handguns, including the Springfield V10 ultra compact, the HK USP .45 ACP compact, and the Glock 30. You can access this article on line.

First, go to this link:

The Sight's M1911 .45 ACP Page

Then in the upper left-hand corner of the opening page, click on "Library."

Then click on "Reviews."

Then click on "Other Pistols."

Scroll down the list of articles, and the 4th one from the bottom is titled "Up Close and Personal", which I wrote. Click on that. There you will get a very thorough review of the 457 in comparison to the other pistols mentioned.

Hope this helps.

John

I know that this response was for Trailblazer, but thanks for the link. The comparison was very informative as I am presently considering a couple of 457's for purchase.

PALADIN85020 · #11 11-10-2009, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RRH

I know that this response was for Trailblazer, but thanks for the link. The comparison was very informative as I am presently considering a couple of 457's for purchase.

You're welcome! Glad you found the link useful.

John

SmithNut · #12 11-10-2009, 12:03 PM

Great!
Have always looked at the M457 as a real sleeper model, with all the right features (compact, good trigger, etc.). The plastic sights and recoil guide are the only drawbacks, but as part of the Value Series, the dramatic cost difference (at least back when they originally released these models) made the decision easier.
At the time, the only other alloy framed compact 45 that S&W offered was the PC produced Shorty 40 which was 2 1/2 times the cost.
I'd not worry about the M457, it works and is a great value.

Pioneer461 · #13 11-10-2009, 01:36 PM

My 457s is my primary off duty carry gun. The only change I made to it was to replace the factory sights with XS-24/7 night sights, but I put night sights on all of my potential carry pistols. I've never had a malfunction, with any kind of ammo I feed it and it is a remarkably accurate "budget" pistol. I have many options for SD carry, and I choose the 457.

trailblazer02 · #14 11-10-2009, 07:42 PM

thanx guys, i appreciate all the info.
t/blazer