Thoughts on S&W model 457?

[LevelOne]

Opinions on this model? Seems like a nice compact .45. Can new grips still be bought for the 457? Thanks.

[vista461]

I have held a new one at the local Gander. I'm considering a 457 along with the 4516/4513 for my next gun.

[xopher88x]

Originally Posted by LevelOne

Can new grips still be bought for the 457? Thanks.

Yes, they can. I just got some from Midway USA. It's amazing how a set of fresh grips can bring an old gun back to life.

Here's a link to make life easy:
Factory Grips Straight S&W 4513TSW 4553TSW 4054 4516 4556 457 457D

I see they're back ordered. If you're in a hurry I happened to grab two sets and would sell you one for $20 shipped. PM me if interested.

[Dot_mdb]

I like my 457S very much. It is a very good .45 for concealed carry. The gun is not much bigger than the 3913. I carry mine in a High Noon leather holster but I will probably switch to a kydex holster to make the whole package even thinner. I find that the gun is even fun to shoot at the range. It is accurate enough and recoil isn't bad.

Bill

[LevelOne]

which you would you all prefer a S&W CS45 Chiefs Special 45 Pistol instead of the 457s?

[BaldEagle1313]

For me definitely the 457 over the CS45. CS45 is just too small for my hand. A 457 is my normal carry piece, with a set of Hogue grips replacing the factory ones.

[Dot_mdb]

If you are going to carry IWB, small differences in weight, grip length, and barrel length are not a factor in concealment. But the larger gun will handle better, give slightly better velocity, and a little more capacity.

I prefer to carry a larger gun as long as I can do it comfortably and that is why I prefer the 3913 and 457 size guns.

Bill

[jfd]

I have both 457 and CS45. They are both great guns, very controllable and accurate for their size, digest everything I feed them, utterly reliable. I conceal carry the CS45 more though. Its dimensions for me make it more comfortable to carry that way than the 457. Can't go wrong with either IMO.

[frank_drebin]

I bought a 457 at Arrowhead Pawn when they first came out. I shot the heck out of it and loved it. I didn't carry at the time and decided to "upgrade" to a full size 1911. I wish I could undo that one....

[LevelOne]

What about the blued 457s? Or should I keep look out for stainless? I see a nice blued one of gunbroker.

[BaldEagle1313]

Originally Posted by LevelOne

What about the blued 457s? Or should I keep look out for stainless? I see a nice blued one of gunbroker.

Stainless would be nice, but not mandatory IMHO. Both of mine are the blued version. A 457 is a tool, not a collectible, so I'm not overly concerned about a little holster wear. If you are going to carry it, you'll need to shoot it enough to be confident in its reliability, and in your ability with it to hit the target.

[Viper7]

I have both the 457S and a CS45. I also have six other 45's, 2 SIGs, and an HK, SA, STI, and Kimber, everyone of which was more expensive. If I have a 45 on my hip or in a carry jacket, nine times out of ten, it will be a S&W.

[Denver Dick]

If weight is not an issue, i.e., if you're not going to carry it, I would hold out for 4516-1 or 4516-2. I have both the -1 and -2 and prefer the -2. JMHO

[dinooch]

Originally Posted by Viper7

I have both the 457S and a CS45. I also have six other 45's, 2 SIGs, and an HK, SA, STI, and Kimber, everyone of which was more expensive. If I have a 45 on my hip or in a carry jacket, nine times out of ten, it will be a S&W.

I had a 457 and traded it because of the trigger. I replaced it with a Sig P245 and never looked back.