[Walther P99]

In looking for my next CCW, I'm interested in these two S&W offerings, but I'm not sure which would would be better overall. I know the CS45's smaller size would make it more concealable, but I like the slightly larger size (grip and longer barrel) of the 457S.

How reliable is the 457S? Does anyone carry it (in warmer climates especially)? How well does it conceal and how do you carry it?

Also, is the 457S at all better than the CS45, enough to justify getting and concealing the larger gun?

I'd appreciate any info/opinions on either gun.

BTW, I did do a search on TFL & THR but not a whole lot showed up...

Thanks.

[rgc]

as for a small .45 I am partial to the Glock 36, however, as no one else has replied why don’t you post this same question on the Smith & Wesson forum? They might be able to help with someone who actually owns (or at least has shot) both. Good luck.

http://www.smith-wessonforum.com/


ps
The search function on the Smith forum normally does not work so you will have to post your question.

[McKamie]

WaltherP99:

I've got both, but the CS45 has been my constant companion since I shot it the first time. I used to carry a SIG P220 until I bought the S&W 457 kind of on a lark. After shooting it, I put the P220 in the gun safe (It's too good to sell!) and carried the 457 until I happened on to the CS45. I bought it without shooting it because it felt good in my hand and I just had this feeling....

After one trip to the range with the CS45, I put the 457 in the gun safe (It's too good to sell!) with the P220.

Your choice between the 457 and the CS45 should be determined by how comfortable it feels in your hand or, if you get the opportunity, how well it shoots for you. Both will conceal well under all types of weather and dress situations. You can't go wrong with either choice.

One thing is for sure regardless of which one you choose... you're going to have to change your handle! :D

Mac

[Walther P99]

Thanks for the link - everyone has highly positive things to say about both. It seems the CS45 would make more sense to me for CCW as I plan to carry IWB so I may look for one of those.

One more question: is the CS45 grip much thicker than the CS9? The shop I went to only had a CS9 in stock and it felt pretty good in my hand. The dealer did say the CS45 had a slightly thicker grip than the CS9 and I'm wondering, if true, by how much.

[Charles S]

Walther P99:

I have both and both guns make very good carry guns, I think that the CS45 is a little better as a carry gun. My CS45 is very very accurate and is also very reliable.

On the 457; for the money it is one of the best guns I have ever purchased. I chose to tune mine a bit, I replaced the plastic sites, had the grip checkered, had the gun refinished and a few other things. I really like mine.

To answer your question the grip is quite a bit thicker on the CS45 and is a real problem for some people. I have big hands, about a size 8 1/2 in medical gloves and I don't have any problems. My suggestion to you would be to try the grips before you buy it. I really don't think it will be a problem for you.

If you are not hung up on the 45 ACP. I think that the CS9 is one of the best concealed carry guns money can buy.

All of the guns mentioned will conceal well in a good IWB holster.

Charles

[Charles S]

I just could not resist. Here are my two of my S&W 45 ACP carry guns.

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=279593

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=91487

I have carried both of these concealed and they both work very well.

Charles

[ojibweindian]

Several years ago, I owned a 457. A good gun; reliable and accurate. I had to sell because, at the time, I was a starving college student with bills to pay and kids to feed.

I'd get another, if I were inclined to do so, without hesitation.

[Walther P99]

Thanks for the responses.

If you are not hung up on the 45 ACP. I think that the CS9 is one of the best concealed carry guns money can buy.

The thing is I'd like to get something stronger than 9mm. I have my P99 which is an excellent gun, but I think 9mm is a little on the small side, IMO.

To answer your question the grip is quite a bit thicker on the CS45 and is a real problem for some people. My suggestion to you would be to try the grips before you buy it. I really don't think it will be a problem for you.

I'm hoping to find a dealer in the area who has one in stock. I guess the thing that puts me a little at ease with the width issue is that my P99 is listed at 1.2" wide and according to an email from S&W the width of the CS45 is 1.375" so there shouldn't be that much of a difference.

Also, I've held several compacts including the Beretta Cougar (width 1.5", I think) and a CZ-P01 (1.4") and they both felt good. I'm assuming that the grip width correlates somewhat to the overall width (safety/decocking levers should only help since the grip should be at least as much or less). The only gun that I remember whose grip was too wide for me was the Walther P88.

Off the wall question: Is there an easy way to measure hand size? No clue what mine is...

Thanks again.