Advice on Older S&W SemiAuto

[jdorian]

I have the option to purchase a S&W Model 457 for what seems to be a good price. Anybody have experience with his model? Its a .45 ACP, 29oz., 7+1 capacity,white dot sights, 3.75" barrel, .305" combat trigger, .260" double action bobbed hammer, 7.25" overall.

 

[DPris]

I carried it's ancestor, the 4516, at work for a few years, still have it.
About two years ago I worked with a 457 Stainless & it did quite well.
The slide-mounted safety was the eventual deal-killer as a duty gun on the 4516 & would be for me on the 457, but others feel differently.
You may want to check to see if it's an older pistol with a steel disconnector as opposed to the current plastic ones. If so, I think you'd be doing well with it. I personally would not feel entirely confident with a plastic part, but again, others feel differently (including S&W ) .
Denis

 

[highorder]

The 457 is from the recent "value line" of autos from S&W. They are serviceable, plain pistols. I personally like the classic slide safety; I carried a 4506 as a field gun a while back.

 

[makarovnik]

Good weapon.

 

[9mmepiphany]

it was from their economy line...a bit less machining and polish...but a lot of bang for the buck

 

[Tom Fury]

457

+1 for good weapon. Mine have all been dead reliable; some more accurate than others, but those were very good. Carry well in Don Hume JIT slide.
I like how flat they are.
Cheers, TF

 

[Moonclip]

I got a steal on the stainless 457. The limited amount of shooting I did with it proved it serviceable.

 

[jdorian]

Its all metal, stainless bottom, blued slide. Very nice. I called the store to confirm price and availability, and it should be available tomorrow for me. I have a .40 from the same generation, the model 410, so the 457 should be about the same size and feel, but with .45 ammo. I'm not excited about .45 ammo prices, but then again, the .45 won't be for plinking, I have a .22 for that. Its a nice size so maybe it will end up being my winter carry weapon with the summer being the Glock 26.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I've never had an "old-school" S&W semi-auto malfunction, and I expect this would be no different.

 

[DPris]

Should be an aluminum receiver. Did you check on the disconnector?
Denis

 

[jdorian]

Its actually alloy, which is fine with me.

 

[tom1200]

Excellent gun for the price.

 

[Richard]

jdorian, the S&W M457 is a real sleeper; mine will hold its own with Sigs. "will hold its own with Sigs." Yes, I own Sigs but I carried a M457. Regards, Richard


My M457 when I carried it:


Now, too pretty for carry:

 

[Tom Fury]

jd: the two tone was not produced for long; it is an alloy frame. I owned one, wish I'd...well, anyway, its' a bit rare; another reason to fall on it.
Cheers, TF

 

[jdorian]

I got it, and I'm going to try it out this afternoon at the range. I'll see how I like it and if it will get hidden in the back of the safe or if it will go in the front of the safe.

 

[briang2ad]

Price?

What was the good price? Thanks.

 

[jdorian]

$290, everywhere on gunbroker they wanted at least $350

 

[Tom Fury]

Steal...Can I have it if you don't like it?

Cheers, TF