a M457 project
- Thread starter guzzitaco
- Start date
OP
Thank you T44spl...for your kind words...I enjoy working on guns...I really do...this was a great project, took me a long time...but I learned a lot...
Thank you Forte...you are most kind...
I think the value series are a bit "unfinished" and they can be a good base for customization...
Now I am trying to decide what I will do to mine...
guzzitaco,
This is the thread that started it all 11 years ago!
We're way beyond Dremel now, Melted & Melonited 4516-1
When BMCM burst onto the forum people were astounded by what he was doing to a 4516. If you haven't read the thread, it's interesting.
As you'll see early when I say "astounded" I don't mean it in a good way.
There were some comments by people that I am sure later on wished that they could retract. Maybe some did, but at 270 posts I'm not going to go back and find them all.
I post it only because it might give you some ideas of what you want to do. Personally, a "melt" of the slide on a 457 would be a nice touch.
BTW, if you want a 908 (I think) slide to practice on PM me.
This is the thread that started it all 11 years ago!
We're way beyond Dremel now, Melted & Melonited 4516-1
When BMCM burst onto the forum people were astounded by what he was doing to a 4516. If you haven't read the thread, it's interesting.
As you'll see early when I say "astounded" I don't mean it in a good way.
There were some comments by people that I am sure later on wished that they could retract. Maybe some did, but at 270 posts I'm not going to go back and find them all.
I post it only because it might give you some ideas of what you want to do. Personally, a "melt" of the slide on a 457 would be a nice touch.
BTW, if you want a 908 (I think) slide to practice on PM me.
OP
guzzitaco,
This is the thread that started it all 11 years ago!
We're way beyond Dremel now, Melted & Melonited 4516-1
When BMCM burst onto the forum people were astounded by what he was doing to a 4516. If you haven't read the thread, it's interesting.
As you'll see early when I say "astounded" I don't mean it in a good way.
There were some comments by people that I am sure later on wished that they could retract. Maybe some did, but at 270 posts I'm not going to go back and find them all.
I post it only because it might give you some ideas of what you want to do. Personally, a "melt" of the slide on a 457 would be a nice touch.
BTW, if you want a 908 (I think) slide to practice on PM me.
Thanks a lot Gary,
yes, I have read that thread, in fact, I have read all of BMCM's threads many times, over and over. I got into this forum, when I stumbled upon one of them in google...(my favorite thread is the 10mm conversion of the 4014...)
Without a doubt, he is one of the guys with the best knowledge of S&W semi autos (and revolvers too)...it was by trying to imitate what he does, that I started tinkering guns...
And, as I mentioned before, he has helped tremendously by teaching and guiding me on how to do many (most) of the things I did on this project.
However, I never thought about doing a "melt" project...I like clear cuts and straight lines and I am always having a battle on how to deal with a "sharp corner' without sacrificing the straight look...sometimes the "melt" changes a lot the look and lines of the gun...but, you can never say never...I will give it some thought...
What I am thinking is making a cut on the slide that removes a bit more material...perhaps something like a Shorty 45, but less rounded to maintain the straight lines of the M457...
I will PM later on...
thanks again...
cherrypointmarine
Member
Have to say I feel privileged . I have this post based on my 457 by Guzzitaco , and the one by BMCM about my 745 . I feel extremely lucky to have had both work on my Smiths and look forward to the future .
When I first started here I would never have imagined I would have gone this far . I've had extremely talented individuals work on my Smiths , met some really nice and helpful people and bought more than a few S&W's with the input from some of you .
All in all , I consider myself a very fortunate person and very lucky to have found this Forum .
When I first started here I would never have imagined I would have gone this far . I've had extremely talented individuals work on my Smiths , met some really nice and helpful people and bought more than a few S&W's with the input from some of you .
All in all , I consider myself a very fortunate person and very lucky to have found this Forum .
OP
thank you Cherrypointmarine...your comments mean a lot, you know 3rd gens and have an outstanding collection...
I agree with you, this forum is a great place...I have met a lot of people that I talk to a regular basis and plan to meet them in person soon...
Thank you wyo-man... my M457 is jealous too...I will address that issue soon...
Last edited:
JohnHL
Member
At first glance, this 457 looks like almost any Zander 457.
Nothing special...
However, unlike most customizations, Guzzi has eschewed the Baroque (dare I say almost Rococo) embellishments and flourishes that drag many projects (kicking and screaming) "over-the-top" and down that sickeningly sweet, slippery slope of "just too darn much".
Instead, he chose the path of subtle, yet striking detail applied with a craftsmanlike execution.
Every angle was thoughtfully considered and carefully marked, every line was diligently cut, and every finish was lovingly bestowed.
As I have previously mentioned, early on I was impressed by Guzzi's prodigious curiosity, resourcefulness, and dedication.
Combined with an artistic temperament, he has achieved a level of mastery that can only be a product of great talent, finely honed by an abundance of hard work.
Many before me have seen fit to compliment Guzzi's endeavors with an eloquence that I can only hope to equal with my limited vocabulary, but I still wish to join with others to convey the delight I feel when I see a thread started by him, and the sublime joy of following it.
With humbled admiration and respect, I remain simply,
John
Nothing special...
However, unlike most customizations, Guzzi has eschewed the Baroque (dare I say almost Rococo) embellishments and flourishes that drag many projects (kicking and screaming) "over-the-top" and down that sickeningly sweet, slippery slope of "just too darn much".
Instead, he chose the path of subtle, yet striking detail applied with a craftsmanlike execution.
Every angle was thoughtfully considered and carefully marked, every line was diligently cut, and every finish was lovingly bestowed.
As I have previously mentioned, early on I was impressed by Guzzi's prodigious curiosity, resourcefulness, and dedication.
Combined with an artistic temperament, he has achieved a level of mastery that can only be a product of great talent, finely honed by an abundance of hard work.
Many before me have seen fit to compliment Guzzi's endeavors with an eloquence that I can only hope to equal with my limited vocabulary, but I still wish to join with others to convey the delight I feel when I see a thread started by him, and the sublime joy of following it.
With humbled admiration and respect, I remain simply,
John
Last edited:
Great job, guzzitaco! I have a run-of-the-mill 457, and your work makes mine look like something discovered after a few years lying on a railroad track....
Congrats on a really great work of art!
John
Congrats on a really great work of art!
John
Beautiful work! Tastefully done and everything not only adds beauty but addresses function as well. That is the mark of a Gunsmith. I look forward to what you will accomplish in the future. As far as working on other people's guns, I get the part about taking some of the fun out of it. That said, if you ever decide you'd like to, I'd love to do a project with you. I'd be more than proud to own a gun with such craftsmanship. Skilled you are. With the Force you are strong.
CPM, nice pistol! Hope you have some good leather for it. Too pretty for Kydex!
CPM, nice pistol! Hope you have some good leather for it. Too pretty for Kydex!
Hard work and patience.
OP
John,
thank you for your kind words; they mean a lot to me.
thank you for all the time answering all my questions about permutations and combinations of slides and frames, and modifications of slides to fit other frames...
thank you for keeping many threads alive and always fostering a good discussion...I have learned a lot from them...
thank you for all the great advice...
but above all...thank you for the friendship
humbly,
Guzzi
Thank you John...the M457 is a great gun...!!!
Thank you lihpster for you kind comments...still much to learn...but in time I will be able to tackle more complex projects and to work in other people's guns... with confidence...
Thank you Gary...yes...try, try and try again...
Green Frog
Member
JohnHL said it. Friend guzzi has shown not only technical skill but artistry as well. Hgis alterations each have a positive effect on the finished project and they have a unity to them as well. This is where an artist's eye comes in, and guzzi is showing his with a flair!
Froggie
Froggie
Last edited:
OP
Thanks a lot my amphibious friend...
WickedWally
Member
Currently two 13rd mags available BUY IT NOW on GB for $115 each
Last edited:
cherrypointmarine
Member
If they are going for that much , I ought to throw some out there . I can understand wanting more than 2 mags , but not at the expense of being foolish .
Prices for 457 and similar 3rd Gens start at $60.00 and go up from their on Ebay.
cherrypointmarine
Member
I have a BNIB , one of the old style packaging , 52 mag . That ought to bring a pretty penny in that case .
