Upgrading the Value series

[Practical]

I have seen some threads on upgrading the value series.

The sights are plastic, the guide rod can be plastic and the magazine release button, latch and spring/bar can be plastic.

Does anyone have a list of parts that can be upgraded with another models metal parts?

I am particularly interested in the 457 and 908 upgrades using metal parts and putting together one thread with the information.

 

[cpeblue]

The sights can be changed but I do believe you are stuck with the mag release. The plastic guide rod takes about a ounce off the pistol, so unless you can find a aluminum rod I see no point in changing it. I have yet to see a plastic guide rod fail. Being right handed I have never seen a reason or had the need for a ambi safety but that could be another change. The American Heritage series pistols are more squared because of less machining but that gives them there own character. At the current prices for a 4513 or a 3913 the 457 and 908 are screaming deals that most likely will not last much longer. Good Luck

 

[Dot_mdb]

Search the forum and you will find very few reports of parts breaking on the value series guns and no more than any of the other guns. The plastic sights are actually pretty good. They are not pretty, but they work. Instead of "upgrading" one gun, just buy two and enjoy.

Bill

 

[texasjarhead]

I had a 910 I thought I'd üpgrade". I tried to order the parts from S&W while their parts page was still on their website. That put me into perpetual "backorder". Anyway, I agonized over drilling a hole in the frame for the magazine release plunger, and decided against it. So, I cancelled my "backorder", sold the 910, and bought a 5903. Upgrade!!!

 

[GaryS]

As cpeblue points out, there are a lot of threads on this. The magazine release is different than on the regular series pistols which is what texasjarhead refers to when he talks about drilling out the frame for the plunger. Also, I'm pretty sure that the dovetails for the sights are different and will require machining, but that might only be for the CS series of firearms.

I have a 457 that I carry occasionally and there is really nothing on it that I'd change. I don't have a 908, but they are very popular and prices are rising. Not as much as the 3913/14, but those are getting harder to find as people realize how good these single stack 9mm semi autos are.

I'd just shoot them and enjoy the heck out of them.

 

[Hill_Country]

I've had a 908 for at least 15 years and recently picked up a 457. I did change out the plastic guide rod on the 908, but now I kind of wonder why. I've certainly had no problems with any of the plastic parts and, in fact, I don't think I've even seen any report of a problem with the plastic parts.

The exception that I would like to change is the plastic sights. I dropped the 908 one time and - naturally - it landed on the rear sight. However, the replacement sights are readily available and reasonably priced - no big deal to replace. I think trijicom makes night sights for the 908 and 457, or I could send the slide to Novack's and let them recut the dovetails. FWIW, the dovetails on both guns are different from the 39xx or 45xx models.

Frankly, after learning how easy it is to touch up scratches or wear on the slide and alloy frame, I think it is an advantage over the stainless models (which require a complete detail strip to bead blast).

 

[MR.G]

I've had a 908 for at least 15 years and recently picked up a 457. I did change out the plastic guide rod on the 908, but now I kind of wonder why. I've certainly had no problems with any of the plastic parts and, in fact, I don't think I've even seen any report of a problem with the plastic parts.

The exception that I would like to change is the plastic sights. I dropped the 908 one time and - naturally - it landed on the rear sight. However, the replacement sights are readily available and reasonably priced - no big deal to replace. I think trijicom makes night sights for the 908 and 457, or I could send the slide to Novack's and let them recut the dovetails. FWIW, the dovetails on both guns are different from the 39xx or 45xx models.

Frankly, after learning how easy it is to touch up scratches or wear on the slide and alloy frame, I think it is an advantage over the stainless models (which require a complete detail strip to bead blast).

How do you touch up the scratches or wear on the slide and alloy frame?

 

[oldandslow]

pr,

I have a 457 along with a number of 3rd gen pistols. I put trijicon night sights on mine as I like all my defensive pistols to have them. Trijicon was the only maker I could find who made them for the 457 and even then it was a special order. The sights arrived quickly and they work well. I haven't replaced any other parts- no need to.

best wishes- oldandslow