Need info on a 457 .45

rogo123

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Are these any good, are they fragile, etc?
Are spare parts available?
Thanks
 
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The best .45ACP seven-plus-one option you'll find, all things considered including affordability: easily found in the $400 to $500 range in good to excellent condition with multiple mags.

Tough as nails, accurate, and yes, parts are available if needed but you're only likely ever to need to replace the normal "consummables" like recoil springs -- and the aftermarket Sprinco springs produced as a result of inquiry from this Forum will last in the thousands and thousands of rounds beyond the factory springs. Highly recommend the 457.
 
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I own two 457 pistols. One is a stainless model. They are excellent guns for concealed carry. I think parts could be a problem and when I called S&W about a year ago for what turned out to not be a problem they told me to send it in and wait for 10 months. That is the downside.

Although the 457 models lack the fancy milling they are basically the 3913 of the .45 world. Getting holsters for them might be a problem. I carry mine in a Highnoon that is somewhat like a Summer Special design.

Bill
 
I heard the plastic guide rod is a weakness. I contacted my favorite parts guy and he said he has none. He also does not like the third gen Smith autos as he says they are all problematic.

My concern is the small parts. I would presume Wolff has springs.
I know a gunsmith who will make parts for me but I would have to give him the deed to my house.

Just the same, I like this gun and still want one. I see there are some for sale on the internet. I can pay up to $500 for one, and I have three Glocks and that's enough. Thank you all for your help.
 
Wow.....third gen smith autos are all problematic huh? Guess I got really lucky with the 15 I own, including my 457. Wouldn't part with any of them and trust my life with all of them. Looks like you've been a member for a few years now....suspect if you searched the forum for comments on the 457 you'd find favorable comments outnumber unfavorable by probably 100:1. Just a guess on my part but perusing the forum daily for years I can't remember more than a rare negative comment on this particular gun. BTW they can usually be found in great condition and even occasionally NIB for less than 500. Good luck.
 
I carry 4563 as a duty gun, and have a 457 for a back up. Also a 380 BG. 6000 rounds thru the 4563, and one failure to feed on a cast bullet reload. The 457 has been perfect, but only gone a couple of hundred rounds, as has the BG. I'd rather carry a brick than a glock.
 
I heard the plastic guide rod is a weakness. I contacted my favorite parts guy and he said he has none. He also does not like the third gen Smith autos as he says they are all problematic.

My concern is the small parts. I would presume Wolff has springs.
I know a gunsmith who will make parts for me but I would have to give him the deed to my house.

Just the same, I like this gun and still want one. I see there are some for sale on the internet. I can pay up to $500 for one, and I have three Glocks and that's enough. Thank you all for your help.

Just to clarify about the guide rod: on some of the pistols (maybe all, I don't know) the plunger tip of the guide rod -- not the entire rod itself -- is plastic. Some owners have reported that the end of the rod can become a bit "chewed" and that while cosmetically it's a flaw, there is no effect on function.

Same with the magazine catch which, as I understand it, would require more disassembly that it would be worth to replace.

Long story short, I hope you follow through with your intent to purchase one. I think you will be very pleased with it.
 
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If I had not switched back to 9mm from 45 ACP because of arthritis in my right hand and wrist, the 457 would have been on my short list for an EDC (every day carry) weapon instead of the 669 I just replaced. I do admit, however, that I am generally an S&W 9mm guy, though.
 

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