A Question on compact .45s and the S&W 457

[10 Ringer']

I've had a blast carrying for protection and shooting for fun my Taurus .357 snubbie at the range. But... its time to turn over a new leaf and add an autoloader to the stable for CCW, and where else to turn but the trusted .45ACP! Problem is, I've never shot one in a compact package, only in the full size beatup GI issue 1911 and though I did as well as I do shooting my CZ75 in 9mm, finding a compact in .45 in a modern DA or DAO design at a local range to rent is a tough job.

I was wondering if a modern compact .45ACP shoots anything like .357 magnum out of a 2 1/4 inch snubbie like my Taurus in terms of recoil and muzzle flip? Also, in terms of hand fit and budget (which is a big consideration when shooting isn't you're only expensive hobby), I recently found a new S&W 457 that I liked a lot in stainless (stainless steel??) finish priced at $570 in a Texas shop. Is this a good gun at a fair price or should I look elsewhere or at a completely different gun? Thoughts/comments?? Thanks.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

The .45 ACP should jump a little more, but the will be less harsh. You're shooting a heavy bullet at (most times) a subsonic velocity whereeas with the .357, you're shooting a much lighter bullet real fast. So you'll probably notice a little more muzzle flip, but less of a straight back push.

The 457 is an excellent gun. I've had one for years and love shooting it. Very accurate. Honestly, I think you should be able to do better for a stainless (maybe $450-500 tops) if you look around a bit more. $570 is about what I could get a TSW series around here. You might look at a Glock 30 also. Should be close to the $570 price. Compact 1911s will cost you and sometimes it takes a little bit of tweaking to get them to work reliably. Usually they are much expensive. Maybe the .45 Chief's Special S&W also. This is much smaller and you'd feel the recoil a bit more.

 

[Poohgyrr]

To me, the small alloy framed .45's kick more than the steel framed ones, but much less than a snub .357. I've heard a lot of good about the S&W 457, and I like the G30 a lot. Best.

 

[Deepdiver]

My 457 doesn't seem to kick much worse than my 38 snubbie, but I really haven't done a real comparison, as neither one is objectionable to me in terms of recoil.

Mine is blue (not really bright blue - but the S&W special finish). I like it a lot. It is very accurate, and, so far, has eaten everything I've fed it. I paid $449 NIB for it, and picked up some extra mags (promag) for about $15-20 a peice (can't remember exactly).

As you know is is DA/SA (first shot is DA - then subsequent shots are SA). It also has a decocker/safety, as well as a magazine disconnect (which I don;t much care for).

Overall, a lot of gun for the money - but $569 seems a little high even for a stainless.

 

[MoNsTeR]

My wife recently acquired a Kimber Compact, which has a short grip, 4" barrel, and is all steel. It not only has less muzzle flip than either of my 5" 1911's, but far, FAR less muzzle flip than either of my 4" .357's (a 686 and a Security Six). I think even a 3" aluminum-framed .45 will be MUCH easier to shoot than a snubbie .357.

 

[longeyes]

Check out the Glock 30 and 36. Both are good guns and, my experience,
easy to shoot and maintain.

 

[J. Parker]

The Smith 457 is a very nice little pistol. I've had two (older blued ones). Never a malfunction, lightweight and small enough to hide away. $570 seems kinda steep but you know how that goes....location, location, location. A few months ago I saw a new stainless one for $519 I believe it was. Good luck, John

 

[Spackler]

Going rate for the 457 is about $450-475 around here. I was thinking about picking one up - I had a dream a few months ago that I should be carrying a .45ACP. Don't know what it means, but it may be an excuse to buy a new pistol.

 

[The Reverend]

Compact .45s

I know that a good many of the folks you will read here and in other forums will speak poorly of the 3rd generation S&W handguns. While I cannot dispute the experiences of others, I can attest of the successes I have had with these particular pistols (915, 4506, 4516-2). I also do not allow the extremes of politics stand in the way of my obtaining a superior product...at least in most cases.

As for the S&W 457... I would expect this model to perform as a capable product, similar to the 4513 in its handling characteristics. I have personally handled a 4513 and while it proved to be a flawless performer, it was a bit on the light side (for me). I do not mind, and never have, the extra ounces of a solid steel pistol on my hip or in a shoulder rig, so I opted for a 4516-2. Which I must say has out-performed every 1911 clone I have ever had the opportunity to fire, just as my 4506 has. That being said, I will now don my flame retardant suit as the 1911 folks will now proceed to chase me down and roast me like a chestnut.

I will also say that in the realm of compact .45s, the SIG 245 is a viable option. I cannot speak from experience specifically here, but my 225 and 226 are about the finest engineered pistols I have ever had the privilage to own.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

My dad bought the 4516 and I bought the 457. He paid about $200 more for his 4516 than I paid for my 457. And my cheap, budget model was notably more accurate than his top of the line pistol. Boy did that make him :banghead:

He finally traded it on a 4013TSW (pre-rail) which is now mine. I wish he had kept the 4516 as I'm getting a hankering for one right about now.

 

[Arub]

I'm not trying to sway you in any direction. Will just make some observations and comparisons based on experience.

Like you, my only previous experience with .45s was with military .45s in the 1911 configuration. They ranged from barely acceptable/unacceptable depending on the particular weapon issued to exquisite (Quantico Armory match pistols). About a month ago, my friend and local pusher (ffl) put a Glock 30 in my hands. It fit so well and felt so good I bought it on the spot. Took it to the range the next morning, benchrested (sand bags, nothing sophisticated) and proceded to put 3 rounds dead center on an official 50' bullseye target at 50 feet. Proceeded to try my hand at steel plates with the rest of the ammo (230 grain FMJs - Sellier & Bellot). Had a ball. Shot it as well as I shoot my Smith 686 and Ruger GP141s in competition - first time out of the box. This baby is well on it's way to being a favorite.

Comparing the G30s recoil to a J-frame .357, the .45 in the compact frame is much milder than a 125 grain JHP in a j-frame (Smith model 60) and even milder than the same round in a Smith model 66 (K frame). If you have the opportunity to rent or borrow a Glock 30, I highly recommend that you do so. Price locally, lower Alabama, of the G30 runs from a low of $519/539 fixed sights to $639+. Factory adjustable sights run from a low of $539 to $659+.

Hope this helps. Again, I'm not trying to talk you into a Glock, just passing on a recent experience and some comparisons that might help. You can tell by my revolver line up that I'm also a Smith supporter.

edit: forgot to mention that the Glock 30 carries 10 in the magazine plus one in the chamber, not a bad feature for a .45.

 

[COK]

I just picked up a 457S this week and it is off to the range Friday.
I got it for $499 in a large gun store in upstate NY. Here they ranged $499 to $539 where I looked.