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05-26-2013, 03:24 PM
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CATALOG OF 945 PC VARIANTS - very LARGE accumulated reference material
Updated 6-4-2013
A few months ago I ask the community if it wished to share their information on 945s to create a “complete” catalog of the various configurations produced. So please accept this as my “kinda maybe close” catalog of M945 Performance Center pistols. Thank you to all that have contributed to this effort. Very special thanks go to SmithNut for contributing the original distributor flyers for many of the variations. They will be prominently displayed.
There will be three “spreadsheets” denoting different ranges of variations. Each provides side by side listings of the characteristics of each variant. The first is 945 No Dash models; the second 945-1. The third are models yet unknown to me in terms of product code. A LEO story relating to one of those special run "unknowns" can be found in that section.
At the top of each column is the product code. For the sake of space only a few slides, typically four are included per variant except for the last few and the unknown variants. A link to a public access PhotoBucket library containing a collection of many photos of the product codes is inserted here:
schughes_photos's Library | Photobucket
The photo naming convention is 945-product code-the photo number. 945-170104-2 is the second pic of the first model made, the 170104.
I am sure that there are errors and ask that you send corrections by PM or reply. I will make the necessary changes and post a reply pointing both the find and finder with thanks. Send any new information as well with pictures either by PM or reply.
I hope that you find this a useful tool and look forward to chatting with you over time! Be safe and be blessed. It doesn’t matter how many great guns we acquire if we have to leave them to our family before our time – or cause someone else to do so.
GROUP 1; 945 NO DASH early variants without the passive firing pin block safety produced around 1998-2000.
170104 – the first M945PC. 1998 run weighed 43.5 oz and seen as too heavy versus the 1911. Beginning in 1999-2000 the weight was cut to 42 oz. The large 945 on the slide - called billboard models were to clearly announce on the competition shooting line that there was a new challenger to the venerable 1911. Stainless rounds and polished flats, fish scales. The very last 945-1 offering, the 170173 is a duplicate of the first design without the billboard.
170147 – - Duplicates 170104 but with black rounds slide and frame and polished flats on all.
170152-
170153 -
170156 –
170169 -
GROUP 2 – 945-1 VARIANTS including some rare, very low volume models such as 170174, the black mirror version of the common 170173 along with the 170222 stainless with wavy serrations and its mirror black with polished flats 170227.
170173 – the first 945-1 model and also the first reproduction of an original model, 170104 but without the Billboard. It and its reverse black over polished flat 170300 share the distinction being the last models offered before the 945 was taken out of service
170174 - updated 6-4-2013.
This PC was previously unidentified variant that the Standard Catalog listed by PC but with no other information. The first Two pics have been validated by SW customer service as produced in 09/13/01 SKU # 170174 came from the Smith & Wesson Sports Center. Thid ID clears up one of the "unknown variants in the original text and will be moved to this section.
170177 – 3.25” barrel
170180 – the 945-40, 40S&W 3.75” barrel
..
170184 - the black version of 170177.
170222 – rare, low production run of perhaps 75-80 units made. Note the wavy serrations. Serial begin with BAM and the highest that I have seen is 0056 so there are more than 50 of them made. See serial number note on next model for more.
170227 – rare, and one of the most beautiful handguns that I have seen is the black over polished flats sister to the 170222. Unlike the 170222, this one does not have a billboard. It too has wavy serrations and wears wine laminated grips. Rbert0005 states that a S&W rep told him that about 130 were made. An important note with regards to serial numbers. Unlike most variations the 170227 continued the same serial number sequence of the 170222 with BAM prefix. The lowest s/n that I saw was 0083, meaning that there were up to 82 of the 170222 made. The highest seen was 0154. I think it possible that the production number is less than 130. Not that the file names for these pics are errantly named as 945-170223.
170300 – this and the 170173 were the last variants marketed. Its characteristics are close to the 170227 except that it has fish scale serrations.
GROUP 3 – VERY LOW VOLUME, YET UNIDENTIFIED VARIANTS. I can use all of the help that I can get on these.
I heard many interesting stories but one in particular stands out. Sometime around 1999 Smith and Wesson engaged the Clark County Emergency Response Team to trial a prototype pistol that was full size with a full melonite finish and low profile night sights. The serrations were straight lines cut at angle.
The author tells the story clearly. S&W was looking at proof of concept but also setting up a possible advertising opportunity. To the author’s knowledge ten such weapons were issued to them. Over a decade later the officers were allowed to purchase their arms. You will note in the pictures that the melonite finish held up to a decade of carry very well. There may be other such stories out there but this one landed in my inbox and with the author’s permission I share it with you. Notice that the state is not listed. There must be scores of Clark Counties in the USA affording some measure of anonymity.
I think that this has been a good beginning. Please help advance the game with your constructive feedback and new information.
Steve H.
Last edited by sig.natures; 06-04-2013 at 02:42 AM.
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45Wheelgun, bgrone, BLUEDOT37, bravastar1, candjhorses, cardguy, H P Bushrod, ladder13, PerryLane, Smith357, volky, wlp624 |
05-26-2013, 05:02 PM
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A very impressive compilation of data, it will take me some time to digest it all. Thank you.
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05-27-2013, 10:30 AM
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adjustment made
Member pointed out that foreword was too lengthy. Amended and moveed the LEO narrative to the uknown category.
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05-27-2013, 12:16 PM
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170184 - the black version of 170177. These both resemble the CS45 in single action only. I wonder if they use the same magazine or have the same feed lips.
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05-27-2013, 07:30 PM
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I like it.
Familiar pic ;-)
Bob
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05-27-2013, 08:10 PM
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Should be, since you took many of them. Thanks!
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05-28-2013, 06:50 PM
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Last edited by rbert0005; 05-29-2013 at 06:59 PM.
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05-29-2013, 02:42 AM
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This is great information! The best 945 thread there is.
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05-29-2013, 05:25 AM
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Steve,
Very good job. Thanks for all the great info. It is nice when someone spends that amount of time to do the research.
THE ROLLING STONES
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05-29-2013, 07:45 AM
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Thank you. This project was started to give me something to focus on during a 29 day hospital stay. It quickly became an obsession!
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05-31-2013, 06:09 PM
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Great info. I know of 3 PC #170174 Black SS with low mount Novak white dot fixed sights 5" guns, 2 which are consecutive serial numbers.
Tom
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06-01-2013, 10:58 AM
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170174 info
Outstanding! Is there any way that I can get pictures either posted here, sent PM, or to my email which is my user name @yahoo. Most pics posted have had the last one or two serial numbers removed though some that had been previously by their owners that got missed. I would be happy to so edit yours if you wish. This would be a great add. I would rework the 945-1 spreadsheet and add it and the pics to file that gap. Any cartridge fire dates may help.
Best regards, Steve H.
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06-02-2013, 04:05 PM
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945-1 5" Fixed Sight
Steve, I sent you an email with a couple of pictures of my 945-1. I believe it is one of the guns Tom (9146gt) mentioned.
Bill
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06-03-2013, 01:23 AM
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170174
Thank you. I will update the files upon my return home late this week. In the meantime I have sent a note to customer service for more info like original distributor, etc.
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06-04-2013, 02:29 AM
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Rare 945 variant unmasked! The PC 170174
Bill G. sent some pics of what he believed was an example of the 170174 that even the Standard Catalog does not detail. The serial number was PCZ041X. I will update the master this week but the pictures will be inserted both here and in the main article. I contacted customer service and they provided the following:
Your firearm was produced in 09/13/01 SKU # 170174 came from the Smith & Wesson Sports Center.
THANK YOU BILL.
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09-14-2014, 09:04 PM
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Tagged for future reference
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11-07-2014, 11:53 PM
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02-10-2015, 12:33 PM
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Here's my 170147 based on what I've seen above. Is there any way to find out where serial #'s began in the different variations? Thank you for a great compilation of information!
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02-11-2015, 11:53 AM
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May be to add.
I have a 945-1, 3-1/4 inch barrel, serial number UCF2491, product code 170184. The gun was shipped on Oct. 23, 2010 to Williams Shooters Supply Inc., Quincy, IL., with a black finish. This was part of a special group of 32 units serial numbered UCF2470-UCF2501.
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06-14-2015, 03:42 AM
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Kudos Steve! Good compilation.
Didn't realize they made so many variations of the 945.
.
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11-09-2015, 04:20 AM
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My shooting buddy just found this one and I can't find it in your most excellent matrix. I think it's close to 170222 as it's a 945-1, 5", not the blackened one, but also no billboard -- except this one has wavy serrations rather than fish scales.
Sorry that my pics aren't up to the level of others in this thread.
Last edited by Sevens; 11-09-2015 at 01:40 PM.
Reason: duplicate image deleted
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11-09-2015, 01:42 PM
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I had a picture of each side shown but I guess my second image replaced the first one.
No billboard "945" on the left side of the pistol and the serial number is BAM02xx.
It shoots extremely well! I wouldn't trade my 845 for it, but it is a very capable and gorgeous pistol.
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11-13-2015, 11:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sevens
My shooting buddy just found this one and I can't find it in your most excellent matrix. I think it's close to 170222 as it's a 945-1, 5", not the blackened one, but also no billboard -- except this one has wavy serrations rather than fish scales.
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Hmmm, I don't have that one either. Tell your friend to contact me if he would like to sell it.
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11-14-2015, 09:20 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sevens
My shooting buddy just found this one and I can't find it in your most excellent matrix. I think it's close to 170222 as it's a 945-1, 5", not the blackened one, but also no billboard -- except this one has wavy serrations rather than fish scales.
Sorry that my pics aren't up to the level of others in this thread.
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I have the same one, 945-1, no billboard, but has the fish scales... looks like a 173....
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Last edited by turbo38gn; 11-14-2015 at 09:29 AM.
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07-29-2018, 08:21 PM
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Very Nice Looking Pistols in stainless. If they shoot as good as they look they should be a premium handgun.
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07-29-2018, 08:46 PM
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Of course they do, and are.
Bob
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11-05-2019, 08:58 PM
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In-work reproduction of original thread by member "sig.natures".
A few months ago I ask the community if it wished to share their information on 945s to create a “complete” catalog of the various configurations produced. So please accept this as my “kinda maybe close” catalog of M945 Performance Center pistols. Thank you to all that have contributed to this effort. Very special thanks go to SmithNut for contributing the original distributor flyers for many of the variations. They will be prominently displayed.
There will be three “spreadsheets” denoting different ranges of variations. Each provides side by side listings of the characteristics of each variant. The first is 945 No Dash models; the second 945-1. The third are models yet unknown to me in terms of product code. A LEO story relating to one of those special run "unknowns" can be found in that section.
At the top of each column is the product code. For the sake of space only a few slides, typically four are included per variant except for the last few and the unknown variants. A link to a public access PhotoBucket library containing a collection of many photos of the product codes is inserted here:
schughes_photos's Library | Photobucket
The photo naming convention is 945-product code-the photo number. 945-170104-2 is the second pic of the first model made, the 170104.
I am sure that there are errors and ask that you send corrections by PM or reply. I will make the necessary changes and post a reply pointing both the find and finder with thanks. Send any new information as well with pictures either by PM or reply.
I hope that you find this a useful tool and look forward to chatting with you over time! Be safe and be blessed. It doesn’t matter how many great guns we acquire if we have to leave them to our family before our time – or cause someone else to do so.
GROUP 1; 945 NO DASH early variants without the passive firing pin block safety produced around 1998-2000.
170104 – the first M945PC. 1998 run weighed 43.5 oz and seen as too heavy versus the 1911. Beginning in 1999-2000 the weight was cut to 42 oz. The large 945 on the slide - called billboard models were to clearly announce on the competition shooting line that there was a new challenger to the venerable 1911. Stainless rounds and polished flats, fish scales. The very last 945-1 offering, the 170173 is a duplicate of the first design without the billboard.
170147 – - Duplicates 170104 but with black rounds slide and frame and polished flats on all.
170152 -
170153 -
170156 –
170169 -
GROUP 2 – 945-1 VARIANTS including some rare, very low volume models such as 170174, the black mirror version of the common 170173 along with the 170222 stainless with wavy serrations and its mirror black with polished flats 170227.
170173 – the first 945-1 model and also the first reproduction of an original model, 170104 but without the Billboard. It and its reverse black over polished flat 170300 share the distinction being the last models offered before the 945 was taken out of service
170174 - updated 6-4-2013.
This PC was previously unidentified variant that the Standard Catalog listed by PC but with no other information. The first Two pics have been validated by SW customer service as produced in 09/13/01 SKU # 170174 came from the Smith & Wesson Sports Center. Thid ID clears up one of the "unknown variants in the original text and will be moved to this section.
170177 – 3.25” barrel
170180 – the 945-40, 40S&W 3.75” barrel
170184 - the black version of 170177.
170222 – rare, low production run of perhaps 75-80 units made. Note the wavy serrations. Serial begin with BAM and the highest that I have seen is 0056 so there are more than 50 of them made. See serial number note on next model for more. It also appears that serial numbers beginning with BLC were also produced, member tailgunner6 has serial number BLC0001, and BLC0062 has been observed.
170227 – rare, and one of the most beautiful handguns that I have seen is the black over polished flats sister to the 170222. Unlike the 170222, this one does not have a billboard. It too has wavy serrations and wears wine laminated grips. Rbert0005 states that a S&W rep told him that about 130 were made. An important note with regards to serial numbers. Unlike most variations the 170227 continued the same serial number sequence of the 170222 with BAM prefix. The lowest s/n that I saw was 0083, meaning that there were up to 82 of the 170222 made. The highest seen was 0154. I think it possible that the production number is less than 130. Not that the file names for these pics are errantly named as 945-170223.
170300 – this and the 170173 were the last variants marketed. Its characteristics are close to the 170227 except that it has fish scale serrations.
GROUP 3 – VERY LOW VOLUME, YET UNIDENTIFIED VARIANTS. I can use all of the help that I can get on these.
I heard many interesting stories but one in particular stands out. Sometime around 1999 Smith and Wesson engaged the Clark County Emergency Response Team to trial a prototype pistol that was full size with a full melonite finish and low profile night sights. The serrations were straight lines cut at angle.
The author tells the story clearly. S&W was looking at proof of concept but also setting up a possible advertising opportunity. To the author’s knowledge ten such weapons were issued to them. Over a decade later the officers were allowed to purchase their arms. You will note in the pictures that the melonite finish held up to a decade of carry very well. There may be other such stories out there but this one landed in my inbox and with the author’s permission I share it with you. Notice that the state is not listed. There must be scores of Clark Counties in the USA affording some measure of anonymity.
I think that this has been a good beginning. Please help advance the game with your constructive feedback and new information.
Steve H.
Last edited by skjos; 12-01-2019 at 11:30 PM.
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11-06-2019, 07:42 AM
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Here's my vote for sticky status on this thread!
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11-06-2019, 02:40 PM
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The pictured original first run 945 in the "Product Profile" sheet is wearing a left side stock panel that appears to have a slight ridge for a thumb rest sort of thing. I honestly don't care for it myself, but the question is... has anyone ever seen one of these stocks or set of stocks? I'm going to guess that the pictured gun was a prototype and those stocks may well have never shipped. I've never seen them.
Also, I must laugh... post #21, those are my legs in the picture under that slick 945 with the rare wavy serrations. That photo turned out pretty darn good and that pistol is gorgeous. We shot that pistol on that day. (I took the picture in the moving car on the way to the range...)
That gorgeous pistol never made another trip with my buddy. Shortly after I posted that picture, a top-shelf 945 collector who used to be quite active around here swapped a gun to my buddy in an even-up trade for that pistol. It's a rare variant of the 945 for sure.
That pistol is quite photogenic!
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11-13-2019, 12:30 PM
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170222 Variant
I saw this thread and wanted to add a variant of 170222 that I own. I noticed the chart doesn't list my s/n prefix; mine is s/n BCL0001. I lettered my gun and Jinks mentions my gun was shipped May 22, 2002.
When I searched for my 945-1 variant, I did find an old auction listing for a pistol almost identical to mine with the BCL prefix s/n (BCL0062):
Performance Center Smith & Wesson Model 945-1 semi-auto pistol, .45 ACP cal., 5” barrel, satin and
I did post a pic of my gun many years ago and there's a website that is currently using it (I obscured the s/n prefix so it just shows "0001"):
Gun Advisor Pro | Smith & Wesson Model 945
Looks like the BCL s/n prefix guns use a Wilson Combat adjustable rear sight.
Last edited by tailgunner6; 11-13-2019 at 01:00 PM.
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11-13-2019, 12:42 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vigil617
Here's my vote for sticky status on this thread!
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Its too good to be hidden - make it a sticky - PLEASE!
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11-13-2019, 01:52 PM
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I second that 505Gibbs ! Those of us that have these guns/looking for them could use this as a quick guide .
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11-13-2019, 02:14 PM
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At the bottom of the page, in the "Similar Threads" list, there is another 945 thread started by OP. It has pics of many flyers that are not posted on this page.
Maybe someone who has more free time than I can post them here...and I also agree that this thread should be a sticky.
Complete catalog of M945 PC Variants
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11-13-2019, 10:09 PM
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I found the time and brought them over, thanks.
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11-13-2019, 10:24 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tailgunner6
I saw this thread and wanted to add a variant of 170222 that I own. I noticed the chart doesn't list my s/n prefix; mine is s/n BCL0001. I lettered my gun and Jinks mentions my gun was shipped May 22, 2002.
When I searched for my 945-1 variant, I did find an old auction listing for a pistol almost identical to mine with the BCL prefix s/n (BCL0062):
Performance Center Smith & Wesson Model 945-1 semi-auto pistol, .45 ACP cal., 5” barrel, satin and
I did post a pic of my gun many years ago and there's a website that is currently using it (I obscured the s/n prefix so it just shows "0001"):
Gun Advisor Pro | Smith & Wesson Model 945
Looks like the BCL s/n prefix guns use a Wilson Combat adjustable rear sight.
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I added your information as best I could, I did not create the charts so I cannot edit them, however if/when I reconstruct the charts I will add in the BCL prefix. Thanks
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