I was thinking about picking one up......is the general consensus that it is an improvement of the vaunted 452? If not, I may look for a used 452 instead.

There are still some new 452's around.You know they're good.IMO Why risk it with the 455.

452 all the way

Jury's still out on the 455,I have handled one but not shot one yet- I don't think the changes were made to improve the 452 but to make it easier/ cheaper to manufacture. I like the threaded barrel and dual locking lugs on the 452/453 models. And,If I wanted to swap barrels I would have bought a Ruger!! I vote 452. If you want an American 452 or an FS you better get one pretty quick.

Well then, I guess I'll be calling around for a 452 first thing Monday morn'. Thanks for the input.