3rd Gen S&W compact 45's? what to look for?

tomshilling

tomshilling

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I believe I am on a big-bore kick. I love my S&W 3953... DAO, easy to conceal, plenty of firepower but only 9mm.. so I am pending the arrival of a 4053. More punch and should share the same holsters as my 9mm...

But what about the .45's?

I have seen the 457, but it is DA/SA and 2nd generation. Was this "budget" version offered in DAO?I want the compact version, but not the CS45: I need a full grip, such as the 3953 and 4053, and prefer DAO.

Any help as to model numbers and barrel lengths that are assigned to each?

As best I can tell, I should be looking for:
4553 compact, alum frame, SS slide DAO
4554 compact, alum frame carbon slide DAO
4555 compact, all carbon steel DAO
4556 compact, all stainless steel DAO

Is this correct? any missing (aside from the CS45)? Were all of these actually produced?

You guys are a great resource, and I appreciate your help!
 
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How do the different frames hold up to each other in terms of longevity?
 
The 457 is a third gen value line series. It was only offered in DA/SA. There were no 4554 or 4555 models. There was also a Performance Center 45 CQB model that you might be interested in.

Bill
 
I'd recommend the 4556 - my 4516-1 became my favorite gun to shoot shortly after getting it. the all steel frame is just an absolute delight.
 
I have a 45 Recon that is my everyday carry gun. About the size of a Colt Commander. I think it is basically a PC version of a 4513. I love 1911's but I carry the Recon. Magazines can only be bought from Smith at about $35 a copy, and recoil springs are also a Smith only item.
 
457

Never really thought much about this model - most of my stuff is 3rd GEN. A friend got one sometime back and really liked it. I thought he didn't know any better. I had the opportunity to buy one the other day - holy cow, it's a shooter! It's experienced, not as nice looking, but it has a very smooth action. For a short barrelled 45, I am surprised at its accuracy. Probably the smoothest DA of any of my S&W semis. Hmmmm. Value model, eh? I may have to buy another one just to make sure this isn't a fluke. :)
 
I have a 457 and it is basically a poor man's version of a 4513. The reason that they are "value" guns has nothing to do with the functionality. Both guns have alloy frames made out of the same material. The frame on the 457 lacks some of the details that the 4513 frame has. For instance, the 457 frame does not have stippling machined on the front of the trigger guard or on the front of the grips. The slide on the 457 is also rather angular and lacks the smooth contours of the 4513 slide. All of these changes in manufacturing made the guns less expensive, thus "value" series.

I am not aware of any value series guns that were DAO. If that is your battery of arms preference, I believe you have fewer options.

Personally, I prefer the DA/SA but I plan on converting my decocker/safety into a decocker only.

Andrew
 
Love the Gen3's! I found a 4536 last year at a show. Short bbl and all stainless, single stack like the 4053 and 4014 shown in attachment. 4536 is on top and the 40's beneath it.
Similar to a 4516 except for the frame (Sig Style) decocker. Not many made, how many???...I'm too cheap for a letter....so far. Everyone that has handled it, LOVE it.
 

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I just got a 4513TSW and I can tell you it is such a dream to shoot...
I actually laugh when I pull the trigger. It's a real cream puff. Accurate and smooth as silk, I can't believe any company would have ever stopped making the 4513.... :confused:
 
ILLWIND said:
Love the Gen3's! I found a 4536 last year at a show. Short bbl and all stainless, single stack like the 4053 and 4014 shown in attachment. 4536 is on top and the 40's beneath it.
Similar to a 4516 except for the frame (Sig Style) decocker. Not many made, how many???...I'm too cheap for a letter....so far. Everyone that has handled it, LOVE it.
Click to expand...


I've been told as few as 600 were made. I found this one NIB at my LGS. :D

There is a recall on the decocker. Forget the exact markings but they should be visible with the drcocker pressed down.

Now I need a 4576 & a 1076. ;)

SW4536.jpg
 
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sintered said:
I don't know how many DAO 457s were made, but I have one of them. It is a Model 457D.
Click to expand...

Yes, that is correct. I have forgotten about that model. Pictures have been posted of the 457D and if I remember correctly they were a special order for a police department. Could it be Chicago? I think some searches on this forum will lead to answers.

Edited to add. I found a file on my computer of an image of the gun posted by Smithnut about 6 years ago. The gun was indeed ordered by the Chicago PD. Smithnut copyrights his photos so I am reluctant to repost without permision.

Bill
 
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I bet you are right about Chicago PD. I purchased the pistol last year from a Sports store in Tinley Park, IL. Lots of grip wear but the barrel and internals showed very little use. Interestingly, it would not detonate a round. The hammer struck with significant force, but no detonation. Reading how to do it on this forum, I removed the firing pin and it was covered in what appeared to be solidified cosmoline. Hard to believe someone would carry a non-functioning firearm. Cleaned and re-assembled it worked perfectly. The hammer is rounded in the back and is unlike any of the other Smiths I own.
 
I like the 4516-1. My father owns one that he purchased new back in the early 90's. Very nice pistol. Solid and well made. The model did have some troubles at the beginning, but Smith fixed it. They don't seem to be very common (not here I Idaho at least), but they solid little beasts.
 
I found a 457 in stainless, and IMO, it's a great gun. It's compact enough to conceal and big enough to get the job done. Everyone has their own preference. I'd go with the 457.
 
Got to love the 4516-1...just darn fun to shoot!

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