need help just purchased a 457 in 45acp blued great condition having trouble finding anything on it, questions it has a metal guide rod with what looks like a shock absorber on it dual spring, it's bent it has a slight bow to it seems to function fine just ordered a new one is this usual? next underneath the slide theres a what looks like a white polymer type plunger looks worn what is it? next I would like to swap out the plastic mag release with a metal one what parts are interchangeable with this gun? any and all knowledgeable info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance
S&W 457
- Thread starter rick0067
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JohnHL
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Hi, Rick!
Welcome to the forum!
I'm not sure I understand the first part of your question.
The guide rod is not supposed to be bent and it is not usual. If it is bent you are right to replace it.
If by "shock absorber" you mean some kind of plastic recoil buffer, that is not a stock part and if your recoil springs are healthy (replaced every 3000-5000 rounds) then recoil buffers are a waste of money.
The "white button" underneath the slide is the "ejector/depressor plunger". Without going into too much detail, it's part of the magazine disconnect safety system (the pistol won't fire without a magazine in place). It gets worn looking from sliding over the ejector, but they never seem to wear out.
The only plastic part of the mag release is the button itself. Unfortunately it is not replaceable with a metal part without replacing all of the mag release parts AND re-machining the frame.
Fortunately, the plastic mag release button rarely fails. The button itself is a "single use" part and if you pry it off it should be replaced with a new button.
Overall, the 457 is a terrific compact .45 with only one drawback IMO, the rather thin "bluing/blackening" of its carbon steel slide. It seems to rust easily in a humid environment without regular protective attention. Keep it wiped down with decent oil/protectant and it should be fine.
Keep it lubed and clean according to the Owner's Manual, feed it good quality ammunition, replace the recoil and mag springs every 3000-5000 rounds, and fire it with a solid hold and a locked wrist and your Model 457 will serve you and your descendants well for generations.
John
Welcome to the forum!
I'm not sure I understand the first part of your question.
The guide rod is not supposed to be bent and it is not usual. If it is bent you are right to replace it.
If by "shock absorber" you mean some kind of plastic recoil buffer, that is not a stock part and if your recoil springs are healthy (replaced every 3000-5000 rounds) then recoil buffers are a waste of money.
The "white button" underneath the slide is the "ejector/depressor plunger". Without going into too much detail, it's part of the magazine disconnect safety system (the pistol won't fire without a magazine in place). It gets worn looking from sliding over the ejector, but they never seem to wear out.
The only plastic part of the mag release is the button itself. Unfortunately it is not replaceable with a metal part without replacing all of the mag release parts AND re-machining the frame.
Overall, the 457 is a terrific compact .45 with only one drawback IMO, the rather thin "bluing/blackening" of its carbon steel slide. It seems to rust easily in a humid environment without regular protective attention. Keep it wiped down with decent oil/protectant and it should be fine.
Keep it lubed and clean according to the Owner's Manual, feed it good quality ammunition, replace the recoil and mag springs every 3000-5000 rounds, and fire it with a solid hold and a locked wrist and your Model 457 will serve you and your descendants well for generations.
John
IraIII
Member
The plunger in the end of the guide rod locks the slide stop in. It fits in the recess of the slide stop.
t-bird
Member
Never happened without Pics.
