Help!!! 457 or 4516?

[BigRich315]

I've found myself in a small predicament, but the good kind. I'm trying to decide between a 457 or 4516, both NIB stainless models and about the same price. Let's call it for use as a collectible shooter/possible house gun, not a workhorse carry gun. I'm leaning toward the 4516, but I'd appreciate some further input.

So, which should it be, 2nd Gen or 3rd?

Also, I've heard that the warranty doesn't apply to 2nd Gens, is that true? TIA.

 

[RufusG]

I don't think a 457 would be considered second generation despite the numbering. It was introduced sometime in the 90s as part of the value line of lower-priced (cheaper to manufacture) alternatives to the third gen guns. As far as I know it's an alloy 4516 (4513?) with less machining and some plastic parts.

 

[BigRich315]

I've been doing some further research and I found the plastic parts as well. I think that settles it right there. Thanks Rufus.

 

[Mack]

I have and like both, as far as I know the only plastic parts on the 457 are the sights and the mag catch retainer. I shoot the 457 a little better than the 4516 and it is a lot nicer to carry.

 

[cabezaverde]

Get both - I did. 4516 for practice, 457 for carry.

 

[BigRich315]

The 457 is, indeed, 3rd Gen (not sure why I thought differently...) and also has a plasic guide rod. I've seen this becomes a common problem and is best replaced with a steel alternate, so why not jump the gun a bit? I also like the extra heft of the all steel 4516. It won't be regularly carried so the extra ounces are a plus with the big bore.

Next I'll begin working on a 4013 little brother, but that might be a while...

 

[BigRich315]

Get both - I did. 4516 for practice, 457 for carry.

It's nice to dream

 

[Sod]

I just bought a NIB 457s and it has a SS guide rod not a plastic one.
I believe it was made in 2006 (casing test date) but I would have to check to be sure.
Mike

 

[Mack]

I have not seen a plastic guide rod on a 457, but if it had one it is a less than $20 upgrade.

 

[lrad]

I too have heard of the plastic guide rods but have not seen one. I own 3-457's, 2-411's and 2-915's none of which have plastic guide rods.
Roy

 

[Mack]

I too have heard of the plastic guide rods but have not seen one. I own 3-457's, 2-411's and 2-911's none of which have plastic guide rods.
Roy

This reflects what I have found, I have a 457 and a 457s and a 411 all of which had metal guide rods and mag catches. I also have two 908's that had plastic guide rods and one had a plastic mag catch that would not hold the mag high enough to release the mag disconnect. I replaced the guide rods on the 908's with ones for the 3913 which costs about $12 each plus shipping and when I ordered the mag catch the one I got was metal. I believe the 410 and 910 and maybe the 457's during the ban had the plastic parts but I suspect that later S&W went back to metal. At least they did on the 908 mag catch. Even though I don't need one I am tempted to order a 908 guide rod on my next order just to see if it comes in plastic or metal.

m.