Smith & Wesson 457 Review: Pros and cons of the 457

The Smith & Wesson 457 is a compact, double-action pistol designed for concealed carry and personal defense. It was first introduced in the 1990s and is chambered in .45 ACP, a popular cartridge among law enforcement and civilian shooters. In this blog, we'll explore the pros and cons of the Smith & Wesson 457.

Pros:

1. Compact Size: The Smith & Wesson 457 is a compact and lightweight pistol, making it easy to carry concealed or store in a home defense safe. Its overall length is 7.25 inches, and it weighs just over 23 ounces, making it comfortable to carry for extended periods.

2. Chambered in .45 ACP: The .45 ACP cartridge is a popular choice for self-defense and law enforcement applications. It is known for its stopping power and ability to quickly neutralize a threat. The 457's chambering in .45 ACP makes it a reliable choice for those looking for a compact handgun with a lot of punch.

3. Double-Action Trigger: The 457 features a double-action trigger, which means that the trigger pull both cocks and releases the hammer, providing added safety in high-pressure situations. This trigger system also allows for a quicker follow-up shot compared to a single-action-only trigger.

4. Easy to Operate: The 457 has a simple, yet effective design that makes it easy to operate. The slide release and magazine release are both easy to reach and operate, making it an excellent choice for those new to firearms.

Cons:

1. Limited Capacity: The Smith & Wesson 457 has a relatively small magazine capacity of eight rounds. While this may be sufficient for personal defense situations, it may not be ideal for those who want to practice at the range or have to deal with multiple threats.

2. Recoil: The .45 ACP cartridge is known for its recoil, and the 457 is no exception. While the pistol's size helps to mitigate some of the felt recoil, it may still be a challenge for some shooters to manage.

3. No Ambidextrous Controls: The 457's slide release and safety are both located on the left side of the pistol, making it difficult for left-handed shooters to operate efficiently. This may be a significant disadvantage for left-handed shooters or those who prefer ambidextrous controls.

4. Limited Aftermarket Support: The 457 has been discontinued, which means that finding aftermarket parts or accessories may be challenging. This could be a problem for those who want to customize or modify their pistol.

The Smith & Wesson 457 is a compact and reliable pistol with some unique features that make it an excellent choice for personal defense. While it has some limitations, such as a limited capacity and recoil, it is still a great option for those looking for a compact, .45 ACP pistol. Its simple design and double-action trigger also make it an easy-to-operate firearm for those new to firearms. Overall, the Smith & Wesson 457 is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable, compact handgun for personal defense.

Order a holster for your Smith & Wesson 457 today.