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Old 11-15-2009, 11:04 PM
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Default 4566(TSW) VS 745

Have been looking around at these two model S&W's and was wondering if other members would recommend one over the other for just target shooting. I have a 5906 right now, and would say that I like the DA/SA but truthfully I find myself only shooting in SA model, which is why the 745 came to mind. The 4566(TSW) just seemed natural where it appears to be the 45 version of the 5906 size wise. Would love any thought or suggestions.
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Old 11-15-2009, 11:25 PM
1066 1066 is offline
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If you want a target gun, I would recommend the 745. I think it has a nicer trigger, and is a more accurate gun then the 4566, although I do not have a TSW.

The 745 is also relatively inexpensive for the quality; they do not seem to be very popular guns.

Maybe someone with the TSW can let you know if the trigger and accuracy are noticably better then the "stock" 4566.
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Old 11-16-2009, 12:56 AM
JoeS JoeS is offline
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I had a 745 back in the day. It worked well at the time. I did have to have a different front sight dovetailed in, the original was far too low. Being solidly milled on the frame it was a bit of a hassle to change.
In general I think I would rather have one of the newer Smiths. I doubt you can get parts for a 745 now.
If you really wanted a SA only pistol I imagine one of the newer ones can be converted to SA only without a lot of hassle.
Then again, if you are really determined to own a single action S&W .45 maybe hunt up one of those 945s. Just looking at it I would be it will outshoot either of the other two based on the barrel lockup alone.
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Old 11-16-2009, 02:37 AM
Gary1911A1 Gary1911A1 is offline
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For a target pistol I'd pick the 745 as the 745 I tried had a very nice trigger with a trigger stop set just right. Should of gotten one, but I didn't. Maybe one day.
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Old 11-16-2009, 11:24 AM
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The 945 would be nice, but way out of my price range. The 745 and 4566(TSW) are closer to my price range, and I think they would have a similar weight and recoil.

JoeS you do make a valid point on the parts availability, I never checked to see if S&W would continue to service the 745.

Last edited by novalty; 11-16-2009 at 11:33 AM.
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Old 11-16-2009, 01:05 PM
handgunner356 handgunner356 is offline
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There are very few parts that are unique to the 745, I sure wouldn't worry about parts. I've had several and still hold on to one. It has had the sights upgraded and a BarSto barrel installed and I would put it up againest any quality 45. They were greatly underpriced when new and never really caught on, I think many missed out on them.
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Old 11-16-2009, 09:54 PM
JoeS JoeS is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by handgunner356 View Post
There are very few parts that are unique to the 745, I sure wouldn't worry about parts. I've had several and still hold on to one. It has had the sights upgraded and a BarSto barrel installed and I would put it up againest any quality 45. They were greatly underpriced when new and never really caught on, I think many missed out on them.
I wouldn't necessarily worry that much either, rather its a consideration. I think he will find that, for example, if he were to want to get a Bar Sto barrel for it he would be SOL.
I was bummed to find out a while back that a lot of these companies simply don't make anything for older guns anymore. I wanted a match barrel for a Smith 639 and found anything I wanted to do, even so simple as a match grade bushing, was a custom proposition.
If you're content to shoot one as is then buy and enjoy.
On the other hand, why not get the newer pistol and have a trigger job done to it? I would imagine it would equal the 745 in accuracy (mine certainly wasn't spectracular, okay, but nothing more). Everything is still available for it. I just don't see any particular advantage in a 745 unless one just thinks its cool, which of course is a good reason to have almost anything.

Last edited by JoeS; 11-16-2009 at 09:57 PM.
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Old 11-16-2009, 11:46 PM
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The real consideration for the 745 is that I just target shoot and have heard it has a good reputation for accuracy, and I generally find myself shooting my 5906 in SA mode, where the 745 is SAO. The 4566 (TSW) really just seems to be the closest to my 5906 in comparison to weight, size and function.
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Old 05-11-2010, 01:17 PM
merbeau merbeau is offline
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Default S&W 745

I own a S&W 745 with adustable rear site. I have attached two pictures (hopefully I did that correctly) showing the site and coned barrel (more on that later).

I originally purchased the gun to compliment my SW 41 and 52-2 which I shot in the 22 and center fire events. The 745 trigger is crisp and light and the gun is well balanced. The slide to frame fit is tight.

I have had good luck with Oregon Trail 180 gr. lead semiwadcutter and Ramshot Competition powder.

Some reviews had indicated because of the grip angle that felt recoil is more than for a Colt. I have not noticed that differece when I have shot a Colt. Perhaps shooting the 180 gr. bullet has something to do with that.

The only other issue with the 745 is the coned barrel. The barrel is not fit to a bushing like Colts or the 52-2 but rather the barrel is fit to the slide. I assume because of cost. Eventually it will wear out. I probably will see if a bushing like the 52-2 can be fit once that happens. I am not sure if that is even possible.

The frame is stainless and some gunsmiths will not work on guns with these type of frames.

Many of my friends told me that I never made Master Class because of my equipment. I made it to XPERT. I believe it had more to do with starting at age 40 and then at 47 needing bifocals. I did buy a set of Herrett grips for my 41 which did help my scores. I eventually may invest in a set for both my 52-2 and 745.

I forgot to mention the 745 is the target version of the 645. It is a single action and has an adjustable trigger stop but does not come with an ambidextrous safety.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg pix487893015.jpg (27.6 KB, 217 views)
File Type: jpg pix487893265.jpg (15.5 KB, 162 views)

Last edited by merbeau; 05-11-2010 at 08:58 PM. Reason: To add a few extra comments I forgot in my orginal post
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Old 05-11-2010, 05:20 PM
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The popularity of the 745 has increased over the past 3-4 years based on what I have seen (online gun sales), which has directly affected the price that they fetch. If I could find a 745 for the right price I would buy one, but I can also assure you that the 4566/4506 can be incredibly accurate out of the box and even more so with some trigger work. I had my 4506-1 tuned internally (polished internals and a duty trigger job) and it will keep up with any .45acp listed here. For target shooting DA/SA and SAO do not mean much. Just don't decock it unless you need to, and when your ready to go again thumb back the hammer. Just bypass the DA mechanism all together.
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4506, 4566, 45acp, 5906, 639, 645, 945, ambidextrous, barsto, colt, herrett, s&w

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