Upper gun is the 645. Lower gun is the 659.

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Hello copper4262 and welcome. Many changes between the 2nd and 3rd generation.

The trigger guard was rounded, the grip backstrap was rounded - though the 4506 could be had with the straight grips like the 645/745, the grips were changed to the wrap-around configuration, the safety lever was re-designed, the protective wings for the adjustable sights were introduced (some people hate those and others like them) and I believe it was the 4506-1 that the "step" in the lower receiver went away. Also (eventually) the Novak low profile rear sights became standard. There are other changes but those are the ones that come immediately to (mine) mind.

Now keep in mind that those changes were introduced over a period of time. One might come across a 4506-1 that still has many of the physical features of a 4506.I've also seen photos of 4506 models with 645 features. Those would be transitional models.

Smith & Wesson ,like all companies, will use up an existing inventory of parts before bringing on the new re-designed "stuff". Essentially they are the old models (sometimes with a few changes already implemented) but with the new model designation stamped on it. Makes good money sense.

Among S&W collectors Transitionals are popular and there are those who collect nothing but. A few years ago I happened to be in the right place at the right time when a local S&W collector liquidated his S&W revolver collection. He collected Transitionals and as a result I got a K-38 four screw transitional and an M&P post-world war II Transitional.

Anyway those are a few of the differences. You'll find folks who specialize in collecting 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Generation autos exclusively and you'll find those who just collect S&W autos. I'm primarily a S&W revolver collector, but if another good deal comes along like the 745 I just picked up I won't hesitate to add it to my collection. The wheelies will just have to get used to being integrated.

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I type. Therefore I am.

Got mine back when they were first introduced and it still resides in the safe. It's digested many thousand rounds without a hiccup. I'm sure you will enjoy your 645...

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"Shall not be infringed"

Its in Round Rock, TX, about ten miles north of the State Capitol. They moved recently to a better location off of I-35. That 645 wasn't going to last long I am glad I jumped on it when I did. Cheers.

Interesting..on yours the upper part of the frame is also a polished stainless finish. I think mine might be a dual finish because of the satin finish on the frame.

I got mine lightly used by our dept armorer in 1989. SN# TAN93XX It was my duty gun and couldn't be beat for open carry. It's not going anywhere.

Yes, the 645 is fully polished. Same as the 659. Only non-polished items on the 645 are the trigger, hammer, and the black finished rear sight. Don't know if factory or done for the previous owner. I saw it and could not pass it up. Most are a combination of satin front and trigger guard with polished sides and grip.

So...did ya bring it home yet? Pics man..pics!

I too bought one back around '87 or '88. Then the 4506 came out and I had to have one, thinking that I would give the 645 to our son. Didn't like the 4506 at all so I sold it and kept the 645. It carries Pachmayrs on it for better gripping when shooting, and I did a no-no back then by hand checkering the rear of the slide just for looks. I don't regret doing that, but I know now that it has devalued the gun somewhat, even though I have all the original packaging for it. I don't plan on getting rid of it, so it doesn't matter to me.

If Loctite doesn't work on that Phillips head screw on the right hand safety lever, try clear nail polish. It's worked on everything I've tried it on, including one of those Novak rear sights that wouldn't hold still in the dovetail, even with the allen screw down as tight as I could get it. The wife has nail polish remover if I have to change the setting; I've tried it and it doesn't hurt the finish.

I'm getting real familiar with the nail polish section of the local Walgreens. I've bought two bottles of clear (gave one to a friend who had troubles with grip screws coming loose (and grip screw bushings in 45s).

Got a bottle of white nail polish for a front sight. The overly made up girl at the counter looked at me a little peculiarly; I'm not the usual nail polish buyer, I guess. I told her "It matches my hair" and she didn't know which way to look. A little while later I got a bottle of red for another front sight, and resisted the temptation to tell her "It matches my eyes".

I have owned several 645s. Great pistols, all were accurate and all would feed anything that resembled a .45ACP round including a fired case. Not sure why I don't have one now other than I haven't seen one when the bug was upon me after I sold my last one. Considering the price you paid, I have gotten in excess of $500 when I sold each of the ones that I have owed. Good buy in price.

That's a good idea, since I got my new toy I should probably treat the wife to a manicure. Plus I like the way it looks on her!

Oh yes I got it home several weeks ago. Here is the link to the thread with photos. Sorry. Got sidetracked.

Got the S&W M745 home today

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I type. Therefore I am.

I just purchased a 645 yesterday and a 4506 a few weeks back, boy these guns are fantastic, not sure which one I like better but leaning towards the 645. Something about the exposed SS without the wrap around grips is just right about this one.

I don't care what anyone thinks, that is a nice job of checkering.

Any wife that says "You need to hold on to that one" needs to be held on to :-)

You can also print them off of S&W's site.

Is my S&W 645 .45 double action. I enjoy shooting it, but just don't have time to do so anymore!

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I bought mine new in 1988. Here is it and it's new little brother a 4513TSW.

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I just stumbled on this thread and had to pop in.

I have a 645 that I bought in the MCX at 29 Palms back in 1986 or so. It was one of the first ones with a serial number of TAY07xx. I had to have it after I saw a write-up in Guns&Ammo or something like that.

You are absolutely correct about being a fantastic weapon. It eats anything you put in it to include and empty casing. (They said that is the magazine so I had to try it of course).

I took mine apart when I got it and used a Dremel tool and jeweler's rouge to polish any surface that showed marks from wear right after I got it. The trigger resets within 1/32" and shooting double taps with it are incredibly fast.

Out of all of my handguns, it is still my favorite and if SHTF, it will be the one with me to the end.

Lose that hideous phillips head screw on the ambi safety and replace with a socket head(hex) screw for about a buck and she'll really look purdy!Just remember to save screw and also use some blue loc-tite on it so she won't shoot loose.

I had one as a duty gun. Still have it. That screw will come out, guaranteed. No reason to wait to apply the loctite....I seem to recall mine being a hex head, not phillips.

New Hex screw will be installed soon. New pics also lets keep this thread alive. Glock 34 comparision

Redacted said "New pics also lets keep this thread alive. Glock 34 comparision "

There is no comparison to a Glock 34. The 645 Wins in every aspect. The 645 is maybe the finest .45 Auto ever made IMHO.

Oh I agree with you 100%. Better than a 1911 by far. It makes for a cool picture though. Cheers.

Well, I do not post on forums much, or even visit much, but I just had to say that after reading all I found here that I'm very glad I did not sell mine. What you see pictured is what i believe to be the finest "virgin" 1988 S&W model 645 I've ever had the pleasure of seeing, holding, or owning...and soon, i will be shooting it. I've held off firing it because i thought it would be worth too much to shoot it someday, and I did not want to take away from that value. Alas, after selling off my S&W collection ( literally dozens of them ) I was all set to find a buyer for this one last piece, but now, have decided life is too short, and there is too much JUNK out there being passed off as quality these days. So, this 645 my friends, is off the market, and shall most likely accompany me the rest of my days. True, they are a thing of the past, much like most of us who own them Yet they are often much BETTER than the things made today, much like many of their owners as well
With age comes wisdom, and an appreciation for things and days gone by, not to mention the good sense to just hang on to things that WORK, and sell the s@#t that doesn't
Just for the curious, yes, the sights and grips are factory options, this one is one of the last of the good ones, 1987-'88 serial, believed to be unfired other than the factory test. I shall be enjoying it soon, so, to those who own one, i salute you on your good taste! and to those who want one, may you have the best of luck in your search NEVER FORGET, Freedom is NEVER FREE, remember those whom we've lost, for they can no longer go where we go, and we owe them more than we can ever repay. Support the troops, even if you know longer believe in the mission. God bless, and God speed to all of us in the days ahead, may we never have to fire our S&W in anger, protest, or defense, but if we shall, may our aim be true, and may the sorry S>O>B on the other end wish he never picked the fight to begin with, Amen.

D.

"Rejoice oh not young man, for the though the world stood up, and stopped the b@st@rd, the bitch that bore him is in heat again!"
-Bertolt Brecht

"The object of war is not to die for your country, but to make the other guy die for his"
-George S. Patton

ps....It's no longer a virgin, finally took it to the range yesterday, see attached pic of target, rapid fire, combat stance, 10 yards. Multiple ammo types, still adjusting sight for windage, elevation is fine, best 3 shot groups are about 1 inch. First time out with this piece so still getting used to it, but i believe it might be the best auto I've ever owned, bar none, and I've owned SIG, BAER, COLT, GLOCK, BROWNING, and KIMBER....this SMITH beats them all hands down in my opinion.

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Well just joined and late to the party on this one. Bought my first on dec 1986 Wheaton gun show in Illinois.still new in box today for $415.00 then bought another in Tucson in 1999{ I guess second version with adjust sites'} side rail for $425.00 in box. And of course keeping both of them. also still have the Guns and Ammo magazine Issue when they first came out.And yes a fan of Miami VIce.and the cover shot of Soldier of Fortune magazine with Crockett on the cover.

Glad to see there are other fans of these " before there time 45's"

I was a ffl/sot for 38 year's so been through the mill.now retired.
recently saw "Training Day again"with Denzel. swear he had a pair of them in the movie. sorry model 4505's I had to watch it again..anyhow a big fan of these since 1986, my favorite 45 auto. and i can make this statement i had them all.take care guy's RON K.

I do love my 645 would be nice if the performance center would release a few heritage editions. I mean the thing will hand cycle empty cases.

I have an early 645, two early 745s and one 4506. All will cycle empties, and of the four, one 745 is head and shoulders above the the other three. Will I ever sell them? No, too much fun, the best 745 has over 30K reloads through it and still puts the holes where they should be. Dave_n

I have my fathers unfired 745. I have been wanting to shoot it and threads like this don't help me keep it virgin. You guys need to stop :-)

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5906,1911 DK #13,M41,422's,745

My 745 is a very sweet shooting pistol. Very accurate.

Oh I'm sorry. I'm supposed to help you aren't I?

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I type. Therefore I am.

The 645 is maybe the finest .45 Auto ever made IMHO.


Hmmph, try a 945! Now if you were to say the 645 is the finest double action .45.....
Now that, I would have a hard time arguing with.

Oh, and please go shoot that 745, you don't know what you are missing.