New to me Smith Wesson 457D

[MET21]

I was fortunate enough to spot a 457D at the local GS. Their usual prices are a bit high but when I spotted the tag at $375 I had to have it. I have a small collection of 3rd Gens and some revolvers but have to admit I am hooked on the autos and am 7 deep now. I would appreciate any info on this .45 from the Masters of the Forum.
Also, thanks to all for the wealth on knowledge on the site!!
MET

 

[18DAI]

Congrats! That 457D is a beauty! And a rare bird too. You got a GREAT deal on that one. Enjoy that fine 45! Regards 18DAI

 

[SmithNut]

Nice...

Ahhh, but one of my many mistakes over the years was letting go of my M457D. Yours is the only other one I've seen posted on this forum, congrats on a very scarce pistol!!!

I do not know how many were made, but we have a couple members here that were members of the Chicago PD back when these were used and maybe they can offer some info on quantities.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Nice gun, good price. May it serve you well.

 

[opaul]

I didn't even know there was such a model......very nice.

 

[joeintexas]

Excellent buy! That piece looks almost untouched, even the grips are in new condition. Good job.

 

[GaryS]

There was a thread on the forum about them a few years ago. As I recall, they were made only for Chicago PD as an off duty option for their officers to purchase. Similar, if my memory isn't faulty, to NYPD making approved off duty weapons available to officers.

Like the better known 3914DAO, it was converted from the TDA gun to preserve the second strike capability. Which makes is different than the regular 3rd Gen DAO guns.

Here is one of the earlier threads http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/317403-457d.html

I didn't even know there was such a model......very nice.

 

[SmithNut]

There was a thread on the forum about them a few years ago. As I recall, they were made only for Chicago PD as an off duty option for their officers to purchase. Similar, if my memory isn't faulty, to NYPD making approved off duty weapons available to officers.

Like the better known 3914DAO, it was converted from the TDA gun to preserve the second strike capability. Which makes is different than the regular 3rd Gen DAO guns.

Here is one of the earlier threads http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/317403-457d.html

FYI, there were some early models of the M457D delivered that had second strike capabilities, but later all the guns operated like the traditional S&W DAO models, i.e., they did not have second strike capabilities, I can confirm that the one I owned (pictured above) did not have the second strike feature. Still a neat gun in either case. These did also feature a plastic recoil spring/rod assembly, however I changed mine out for one of the metal models found on the majority of the S&W DAO models.

 

[GaryS]

Another wrinkle in the 3rd Gen history.

FYI, there were some early models of the M457D delivered that had second strike capabilities, but later all the guns operated like the traditional S&W DAO models, i.e., they did not have second strike capabilities, I can confirm that the one I owned (pictured above) did not have the second strike feature. Still a neat gun in either case. These did also feature a plastic recoil spring/rod assembly, however I changed mine out for one of the metal models found on the majority of the S&W DAO models.

 

[MET21]

This one does not have second strike capabilities. It seemed nice and clean inside but I oiled the rails a little for a trip to the range. The hammer was not striking the primer hard enough. It seemed a little weak at first and I did try the pencil in the barrel trick and that showed some weakness also. I cleaned the hammer area and lubed some more and now I can get it to fire on live primers in empty cases. I have watched the videos on taking down a Gen 3 but am not confident to tackle that myself.
Any insight would be welcomed, thanks! MET

 

[18DAI]

Probably dirt or accumulated sludge in the firing pin channel. Or a weak or rusted firing pin spring.

Both issues are easily addressed. If you dont feel able to tackle it, a local gunsmith should be able to rectify the problem for not too much money. Regards 18DAI

 

[MET21]

I finally built up the courage to try and remove the firing pin on my 457D. It was not all that bad, just a little patience and I had it out thanks to many wise people here. The channel was caked with grease, the spring had hardened grease on it. Cleaned her last night and went out to the range today. It ran like a race horse!!
What a fine weapon. I'm proud I did it myself and really happy to have found such a fine firearm.
MET

 

[Ozark Marine]

My eyes and hands ain't what they used to be or I would attempt to do as you did on my 457.
They are sweet 45's.
Keep up the good work.

 

[Teddy P]

457D

I was fortunate enough to spot a 457D at the local GS. Their usual prices are a bit high but when I spotted the tag at $375 I had to have it. I have a small collection of 3rd Gens and some revolvers but have to admit I am hooked on the autos and am 7 deep now. I would appreciate any info on this .45 from the Masters of the Forum.
Also, thanks to all for the wealth on knowledge on the site!!
MET

I see you posted this in 2016. I don't know if you still have the 457D, but I have one and am the original owner. I bought the gun at Ray O'Herron's. Smith & Wesson agreed to make the 457 in double action for CPD if we had 200 or 250 signature's that wanted one. That became the 457D. I carried it until retirement in 2009. I still have it. It's a good shooter. I'm finally thinking of selling it. Excellent condition.

 

[ACEd]

I see you posted this in 2016. I don't know if you still have the 457D, but I have one and am the original owner. I bought the gun at Ray O'Herron's. Smith & Wesson agreed to make the 457 in double action for CPD if we had 200 or 250 signature's that wanted one. That became the 457D. I carried it until retirement in 2009. I still have it. It's a good shooter. I'm finally thinking of selling it. Excellent condition.

Is yours Double Strike capable? 3 letter prefix and date code if you have box? Were all the CPD pistols Double Strike Capable? Do you know anything about other 457D, possibly a standard non Double Strike version? My 457D VJBxxxx dated 1997 is not double strike capable.

 

[ACEd]

I see you posted this in 2016. I don't know if you still have the 457D, but I have one and am the original owner. I bought the gun at Ray O'Herron's. Smith & Wesson agreed to make the 457 in double action for CPD if we had 200 or 250 signature's that wanted one. That became the 457D. I carried it until retirement in 2009. I still have it. It's a good shooter. I'm finally thinking of selling it. Excellent condition.

Post it in the Classifieds here - more knowledgeable buyers and you will probably get more since a purchase on GB typically adds about 20% above bid price by the time you get it home - but you will need more details - particularly is it a Double Strike capable (not a big deal technically - but rarity would add value). Simply pull the trigger twice and if nothing happens second pull, you have the garden variety 457D.

 

[GaryS]

I can see I'm going to have to start picking up cans and bottles and going to the redemption center.

Post it in the Classifieds here - more knowledgeable buyers and you will probably get more since a purchase on GB typically adds about 20% above bid price by the time you get it home - but you will need more details - particularly is it a Double Strike capable (not a big deal technically - but rarity would add value). Simply pull the trigger twice and if nothing happens second pull, you have the garden variety 457D.