Which 3rd Gen 45 to buy

[Handgunner50]

So here is my dilemma...The local gun store has 3 used 3rd Gen 45 pistols. They include a 457 two tone, 457s and the CS 45. Right now being retired I can only afford one. For this discussion they are in like condition which is 95%, which one should I get and why?

 

[squidsix]

Whichever 457 looks nicer to you.
It fills more roles than the CS45.
457 is small and light enough for carry, and large and comfortable enough for real range time and defense of the home.

 

[vigil617]

That's a tough one. i lean to the 457S, though there's nothing wrong with the two-tone version. But if pricing on the three is nearly the same, you probably make a better buy with the CS45. Taking the long view, either 457 is probably easier to shoot well from the get-go than the CS45, which takes some getting used to, I understand. Never owned or shot one myself, so this is pretty subjective based on others' reported experience.

 

[guzzitaco]

Whichever 457 looks nicer to you.
It fills more roles than the CS45.
457 is small and light enough for carry, and large and comfortable enough for real range time and defense of the home.

I also like the 457, I wish I had bought a two tone one...

 

[squidsix]

The CS45 has those play-do grips which suck horribly. Tercgen could fix you up a nice set of grips, but you have to factor their cost.
Makes the 457 a better deal.

 

[WTN1271]

457s would be my recommendation. My 457 is plenty accurate and a pretty soft shooter. The Chief Special series are also plenty accurate but the grip is just a bit short for a comfortable 3 finger hold. Can't go wrong with any of the choices, go with what feels best in YOUR hand.

 

[kraynky]

I think you need a 4516! But that's not one of them is it. LOL!

I think (as a complete rookie) that a CS45 is harder to find, (which may affect value) but I really like the 457's myself. I took a pass on one at a shop one day, then decided overnight that it was a mistake. Went back the next morning and it was gone.

This was about a year and a half ago, and I think it was around $400 bucks, maybe $375 (my mind is is going). I've regretted it ever since. Photo's please of what you settle on.

 

[BAM-BAM]

get the 4566...................

 

[cherrypointmarine]

Seeing as I own all three , I can give you an unbiased opinion . I am a fan of both the 457 and the CS line . The 2 tone 457 is a Zanders Special . I won't say they are scarce , but you don't see a lot of them . Their problem is the finish , it doesn't wear well . The hardest one to find , and the one that cost me the most out of all of them is the 457S . It has the SS finish so it will handle abuse . It's a 457 , so it's a good carry gun . Does it come with the box ? It's not a deal breaker , but it helps if you ever want to sell it . Really , any of them would be a nice piece to own , it will probably come down to price . If it was me , and you are asking , buy the 457S .

 

[Handgunner50]

Which 3rd Gen to buy

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. To the suggestion to get a 4516, already have one and I love how it feels and shoots. Wanting to add to the "Smith" family is what prompted me to place the question. I will have an opportunity to go back to the gun store tomorrow and see if one of the three guns speaks louder to me than another or if something else in the 3rd gen series is there. With this gun store one never knows!

 

[Dogbone44Spl]

Pinto's Firearms in Renton has a 457 for< $400.00. I don't work there only spend money there. I'd call them before making the drive.

 

[squidsix]

If you already have a 4516, the mags and holsters will fit the 457. This is becoming silly.

 

[SMSgt]

I would second seeking out a 4566 . . . and I miss eastern WA badly.

 

[Redcoat3340]

Yer getting good advice here...get the 457. (And I'll check the price of one I know was sitting in the case at DJs guns in Bothell, near where I live in Western WA.)

 

[18DAI]

So, OP, which one did you get? Regards 18DAI

 

[Handgunner50]

Haven't made up my mind yet. I think I can pass on the cs45. Suffering with "analysis paralysis" on the other two. I'm leaning toward the two tone 457 because a bit harder to find (maybe), but all my other Smiths are stainless so the 457s would match up better. Thinking in terms of collectability not a carry piece.

 

[Jeppo]

A different point of view.

Haven't made up my mind yet. I think I can pass on the cs45. Thinking in terms of collectability not a carry piece.

I stayed out of this for a couple reasons, including that I've never owned or shot a 457. But now, I just can't help myself. Assuming you believe that older Smith semi-autos are/will be "collectible", my money is on the CS45 if the condition is high enough; literally.

Personally, I'm on a quest to accumulate at least one example of every CS version S&W produced. My third CS45 should land at my FFL tomorrow.

My rationale for preferring the CS45 over the 457 has to do with their respective "quality". As mentioned here previously, the 457 was a "value" product, wherein then factory took some steps to economize on manufacturing costs. On the other hand, the CS series was an example of the factory's mass production capabilities (not to be confused with those of the Performance Center).

I'm quite sure the 457 is easier to shoot and I'm not intending to denigrate the value guns. I own several in 9mm and they're excellent guns. But, I personally don't believe they'll ever be "collectible". Just one guy's view and YMMV.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Before I saw the choices, I was with Bam Bam and was ready to say 4506, one of the top semiautomatic handguns ever made. Given the choices, I am all in for the CS45 as it was very underrated in its production years and is a great, versatile gun. I will shoot as well at the range with the CS45 as a 457. The old Smith & Wesson "value line" is now "they don't build them like that anymore". Nothing wrong with a 457, and if that is what you want, you should get it, but a CS45 can be carried anyway imagined, including in your pocket and is far more accurate than many shooters would expect. The Cs45 will sell before the 457s, maybe buy the CS45 now and come back for a 457 later if you want one. Good luck whatever you get.

 

[BOBBY137]

Which one did you end up with?

 

[18DAI]

Actually the CS series of pistols ARE value line guns. The early versions all sported the same cost cutting measures - plastic sights, less milling, cheap black finishes ect.

The later production CS guns and the ones produced for LE orders after the official end of production have metal Novak sights and a couple of other upgrades......which escape me at the moment.

Owning and having shot both the 457 and CS45 extensively, my preferance - for a CARRY GUN - is the CS45. It is easier to carry all day and Ive yet to shoot a 457 that was as accurate as any CS45, for me.

But the OP is looking at collecting, not carrying. So the two tone 457, made in the smallest numbers, should be the most collectable. If it is in good condition with box and docs. Regards 18DAI