S&W 457s

[Jay521]

Since I have have seen a few 457 threads on here but most are the black or 2 tone versions I figured I'd share my "s" model 457.
From the info I gathered from calling s&w this model was made sept 2003, same birth month as me which was pretty cool to find out. I haven't shot it all that much but its a very enjoyable compact 45.

Only finish flaw is a slight bright spot in the top of the slide just ahead of the ejection port. Likely from being in a holster a few times before it came home with me. Don't think I want to even try to touch it up as I don't want to make the problem worse than it really is, because its minimal.

When I got it, it came with 3 factory mags and has been flawless every time I have brought it to the range.

Shortly after I bought it I have had a friend offer to buy it every time he sees me. I have resisted thus far, but I really don't shoot it much so I have considered lately...I have a feeling I may regret it down the road if I did sell it.

As many other threads mention, I think this is a very under appreciated pistol.

I have also considered getting some hogue's for it, anyone know of any wood grips that would fit a 457? If anyone has any pics of wood grips could you post?
Thanks

 

[18DAI]

Nice looking 457S. I would keep it were I you. I have regretted selling the 3rd gen guns I have had to sell.

The 457 is a ver reliable and accurate 45. Regards 18DAI

 

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Very nice 457s!

The grips for a 4516 should fit the 457.

I had some Hogue wood grips and will see if I have a photo of them. Just to let you know they do make the pistol a good bit thicker.

 

[pmosley]

S&W 457s

Beautiful gun - congrats

 

[jfd]

Very nice gun...without a doubt, you almost certainly WILL regret selling it if you do so. They are a great, very much underappreciated gun and I have seen very very few of them in an all stainless finish. Most are black (blued) followed by the bi-tones, seems to me. I really like the stainless look.

 

[Jay521]

Jfd- I agree that I think I have seen more duo tone models around and online than the all stainless. I really wish there was a listing of how many of each type was made. From what I understand the duo tone is apparently a one year deal and the stainless maybe 3 years. I certainly don't see 3x or even 2x as many stainless over 2 tones, I almost think I see twice the number of two tones over stainless. Just my opinion and observation at least, I could be totally wrong.

 

[s&wlover]

Since I have have seen a few 457 threads on here but most are the black or 2 tone versions I figured I'd share my "s" model 457.
From the info I gathered from calling s&w this model was made sept 2003, same birth month as me which was pretty cool to find out. I haven't shot it all that much but its a very enjoyable compact 45.

Only finish flaw is a slight bright spot in the top of the slide just ahead of the ejection port. Likely from being in a holster a few times before it came home with me. Don't think I want to even try to touch it up as I don't want to make the problem worse than it really is, because its minimal.

When I got it, it came with 3 factory mags and has been flawless every time I have brought it to the range.

Shortly after I bought it I have had a friend offer to buy it every time he sees me. I have resisted thus far, but I really don't shoot it much so I have considered lately...I have a feeling I may regret it down the road if I did sell it.

As many other threads mention, I think this is a very under appreciated pistol.

I have also considered getting some hogue's for it, anyone know of any wood grips that would fit a 457? If anyone has any pics of wood grips could you post?
Thanks

I have made a lot of my stainless pistols and revolvers look practically new again by using scotchbrite on any shiny spots. Take a small piece and rub softly in a circular motion over the spot. It will take the shine off and blend it back to an amazing condition. I had an "ugly duckling" unappreciated 659 that was horrible looking when I got it. After a cleanup, recoil spring, new grips and Flitz metal polish on the shiny parts and the scotchbrite on the slide, it is a knockout looking piece. Of course this won't work on alloy frames. If you get a really scuffed up slide and it needs new sights, send it to Novaks and they will bead blast it for you. They do fine work.

 

[ladder13]

That's a very nice looking 457S, I've been looking for a reasonably priced one myself. I've run across a few black ones, but they don't appeal to me, stainless is the way to go. Keep that one.

 

[GaryS]

A couple of years ago they were plentiful at gun shows in the northeast. Prices weren't all that high either. I haven't seen one in a gun shop ever that I can recall. My black 457 was a private purchase at a good price. I think I'd buy another one, maybe a Zander two tone, if I could fine one at a reasonable price.

I just don't see them and I think the reason is that they are a really good firearm that is underpriced for what it is. People buy them and don't let them go.

That's a very nice looking 457S, I've been looking for a reasonably priced one myself. I've run across a few black ones, but they don't appeal to me, stainless is the way to go. Keep that one.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Quite a few years ago, when I was very active in cowboy action shooting, I saw some of the guys talking and looking at a gun. When the owner put it back in his bag and walked by me I said, "Billy, that's not a cowboy gun." He replied, "It is if a cowboy's carrying it". (He was kind of a real cowboy; he rode bulls and such.) I laughed and asked to see it, asked if it was for sale, end of story I had a S&W 457. WONDERFUL GUN!

A dear friend of mine gave his Para-Ord .45 to his brother-in-law after that in-law's parents were both murdered. That left him without a .45 so I gave him my .457. Presently, he is very close to acquiring another Para-Ord. I told him when he gets the Para the 457 comes home to Poppa!

NICE GUNS, PARD!

 

[XAVMECH]

Three of a kind...

The third piece to this puzzle arrived today: a very clean black 457, from a sporting goods store in MT. Priced at what some bigger, unnamed, outfits want for LE trade-ins, this one has been a personal gun and is in excellent condition, less some scratches on the grips. It joins my 457S, and my two-tone Zander Sports edition. The 457 is my favorite "Value-line" pistol. They handle well, and thus far have proven themselves very accurate. The black one gets some range time tomorrow morning... They're out there folks - just waiting for someone to adopt them!

 

[GaryS]

Can only "like" once!

The third piece to this puzzle arrived today: a very clean black 457, from a sporting goods store in MT. Priced at what some bigger, unnamed, outfits want for LE trade-ins, this one has been a personal gun and is in excellent condition, less some scratches on the grips. It joins my 457S, and my two-tone Zander Sports edition. The 457 is my favorite "Value-line" pistol. They handle well, and thus far have proven themselves very accurate. The black one gets some range time tomorrow morning... They're out there folks - just waiting for someone to adopt them!

 

[Jay521]

I have made a lot of my stainless pistols and revolvers look practically new again by using scotchbrite on any shiny spots. Take a small piece and rub softly in a circular motion over the spot. It will take the shine off and blend it back to an amazing condition. I had an "ugly duckling" unappreciated 659 that was horrible looking when I got it. After a cleanup, recoil spring, new grips and Flitz metal polish on the shiny parts and the scotchbrite on the slide, it is a knockout looking piece. Of course this won't work on alloy frames. If you get a really scuffed up slide and it needs new sights, send it to Novaks and they will bead blast it for you. They do fine work.

I have heard of the scotchbrite fix but I am scared to even try it. Its literally a thin line of shine that doesn't even stretch across the entire top of the slide. I feel like if I even try and remedy it I will end up with a much more noticeable spot.

 

[JGKC9AYC]

I just purchased a 457...blued.
Haven't had a chance to try it out yet.
Right now i'm looking for a LH holster & another magazine or 2. I'm confused about how some of the 4516 mags will fit & some won't, tho.
Hope this isn't considered a hijack....wasn't meaning for it to be.
Stainless looks like the way to go!!

 

[18DAI]

Congrats on your 457! All the 7-round mags will function in your 457. Even those marked for 4516-1 only. Those of us who carry these for serious purpose, only recommend using the last revision mags, the ones with the black follower.

But for the range, any 7 round mag will function.

I'm a lefty and have found that lh holsters for the Sig 228/229, HK USP45compact, Glock30 and some XD holsters will work with the 457. Hope this helps! Regards 18DAI

 

[Deputy]

Was digging around in my gun safe and found my 457S buried at the bottom. Hardly shot this beauty. Gonna lube it up and take it to the range on Friday. last I remember it was VERY accurate and a blast to shoot. Blast in a good way
I saw some 4516 versions on Gunbroker. That is the all-stainless version of the gun. Probably a better choice as a "range gun", as it won't wear like the aluminum frame. BTW...my factory recoil spring rod (plastic) got all chewed up after only one box of 50 standard ball ammo. So I asked S&W and they suggested replacing it with the 4516 rod. It is stainless and much more durable.