New to me S&W 457 (.45) and 469 (9x19)

[leadcounsel]

Picked up what I considered a good deal for a couple of lightly used S&Ws. The model 469 (9mm) and 457 (.45) both feel well balanced in the hand and are good compact sized handguns. Looking forward to my next range trip with these.

469, 5 mags, and Safariland holster
457, 2 mags, and Kramer holster

It's great to be a free American!

My only complaint is the safety that doesn't allow the gun to fire without the magazine. What a dumb feature. Can it be changed safely and reliably?

Any thoughts on these two pistols, any suggestions on improving function, better grips?

 

[USAF_Vet]

Nice! I love my 469. I haven't ever seen the 457. How do they shoot?

I got my 469 for $250, but with the extra mags and the additional gun, sounds like you got a good score.

 

[PabloJ]

Nice! I love my 469. I haven't ever seen the 457. How do they shoot?

I got my 469 for $250, but with the extra mags and the additional gun, sounds like you got a good score.

That .45 has remarkably soft recoil for compact auto of this caliber & weight. The accuracy is perfectly acceptable.

 

[wnycollector]

Those are GREAT guns at a very nice price!

 

[Sauer Grapes]

My only complaint is the safety that doesn't allow the gun to fire without the magazine. What a dumb feature. Can it be changed safely and reliably?

If they are set up like my 3rd generation Smiths,{I'm almost sure it is} you can remove the mag disconnect by drifting the rear sight and removing the plunger and little spring inside the slide. You will notice a difference.

For the record, I'm not a gunsmith, I don't recommend removing any safety features on any firearm, and I didn't stay at a Hiliday Inn Express last night!

 

[Plan2Live]

My first pistol was a S&W 459 that I bought back in 1986. I believe it is the same design as your 469. It has served me well for the past 25 years and still serves as my primary home defense weapon. It shoots well and the only problem I have ever had was it appears the guide rod has acquired a bend recently where it seats against the barrel. I need to call S&W and see about a replacement rod. The high capacity, flush mags that I have are hard to find and expensive when you do find them. I really like the Double Action/Single Action platform and I wish they still made guns of similar design. Enjoy!

Oh, and ignore the boneheads that will post a balk at the decocker being (a) on the slide and (b) oriented to work opposite of a 1911 saftey.

 

[Squeaky Wheel]

I just bought a S&W 457 recently and have only taken it to the range once so far. It shot very nicely. This model is well made, points well, feels great in your hands, and functions very well. I did not have a single FTE or FTF. The 457 is a great handgun and I can't wait to get back to the range with it. I got mine for $450 so it sounds like you got a good deal for both of yours.

 

[johnnydollar]

Those are GREAT guns at a very nice price!

I agree with that.

 

[Fremmer]

I know you don't like it, but i would leave the gun stock. You'll never think about it while you're shooting the gun. Nice find.