645 Range Trip

[Radioshop]

About eight years ago I acquired an incomplete 645. It was missing grips (and screws) and the passenger side safety lever was MIA. It languished at the bottom of the gun safe until last year. With the help of this forum, I was able to make the weapon 100%. Many thanks to Smith-Wessonforum community for guidance and insight.

I have fired a few semi autos. A .40 G22 and a couple Browning HP's (.40 and 9mm). I was a sure the .45 would be lively based on my experience with the Glock. In reading here, the consensus was that the 645's weight made it a good shooter. I had even read that the gun would be pretty accurate.

The weapon was accurate and consistent. Recoil was, I think, better than my .40 Glock, in terms of pain and the ability to get back on target. I couldn't be happier with this pistol. No FTF's, no cycling issues, no stovepipes.

The gun now has Pachmayr grips and, a 4506 safety lever. I know the purists would prefer a 645 safety lever, but I think this option looks much cleaner. Besides which, I will not be selling this piece anytime soon. My only regret is that she sat for so long.

Has anyone played in IDPA with a 645? Thanks again!

[jimbo728]

It would be ok in SSP, just hold on tight!
645`s are great shooters. If you hand load you might be able to work out a recoil friendly load which could help improve times.
Good luck,
Jim

[sctman800]

I have shot IDPA for 7 or 8 years but mostly with revolvers and only ocasionally with a SA. The SA I use is a 4506 so the very similar younger brother of the 645, which I have one of these also. The only real difference for practical purposes are less weight and better sights with the 4506, at least mine. My 4506 is a tack driver if I do my part which is rather hit or miss. I shoot this in CDP and I would call this a better divison for your 645. It is legal in SSP but there you compete against ten round mags in 9mm. CDP is mandated to be 45ACP with a max of eight round mags so a little better.
To make things work as smoothly as possible you will need four mags. Two loaded to eight on the belt and one loaded to eight in the gun. The other is your "Barney mag" loaded with one round to charge the chamber then insert the full mag. Then at the end of each course of fire after unload and show clear you will need the "Barney mag" to show empty then insert so you can dry fire before holstering. Now go and have fun. Jim.

[ESW]

I've had a 645 since the late 80's (New) and it's a great gun. I bought two new PC 1911's so I rarely shoot it. It's accurate and a great gun, still looks New too.

The pach' grips look much better than originals anyway. I have both set. The factory grips are sort of cheap thin plastic.

[Shorty 45 MK2]

Glad you got it up and running!

I've shot IDPA with a 7+1 DA/SA .45 before and it was fun. Granted I was slower than the guys running G34s, but I'm not trying to win just to practice moving and shooting with my CCW or HD pistol. So you should be fine if you want to practice, if you want to win (not that you couldn't win.) I wouldn't use it.

[Radioshop]

Thanks for the input folks, much appreciated. I probably still will go out and play with the 645. I guess IDPA doesn't like decckers?

[jks0313]

I've owned my 645 since the '80's (purchased new), and the first thing I did was install a set of Pachmayr's. I've never actually fired the beast in competition, except once back in the '90's in a Bowling pin shoot. I love it, wouldn't part with it for any reason. I haven't found the ammo yet it wouldn't feed, including the old flat-nosed type Glaser Safety Slugs. Great gun!