A local consignment sale of a 645 in excellent shape - a sock drawer gun for an elderly gent - caught my eye today. What are some differences or whatnot between this and the 4506's?

The price is likely too good to pass, and I have to look into it.


edited: Searching for "645" gave me nada. But clicking the tag "645" in 4506 threads is giving some threads. But I'd still appreciate any thoughts or info, and it might be fun to get another thread going....

Experiences with S&W stainless steel .45's

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July 4, 1776 not Jan 30, 1909

The 645 and the 4506 are basically the same gun. The 645 is a 2nd generation, the 4506 a 3 generation pistol. I don't own a 4506, but I do have a 645. There are many threads about both. The 645 has had a resurgence in popularity recently with prices reflecting that. They seem to be fairly hard to find. I bought mine new back in 1987 and although I have other .45's it's my go to pistol. It's heavy, built like a tank and is extremely reliable to a point that it will chamber and cycle empty cases. To me I find it's accuracy on par or better than any of my other 45's including a Colt Gold Cup. For me it's a keeper.

I own both the 645 and some 4506-1's. I prefer the 645. Mostly due to its slightly lighter weight, slightly thinner slide and its grips.

I like the Pachmayr grip option on my 645 best. Between the two models, I think the only advantages a 4506 has over a 645 is a better trigger out of the box, better sights, and the undercut under the trigger guard that allows the 4506 to sit in the hand a little better.

I'm in the process of having a 645 fitted with Novak night sights, Barsto barrel and undercut trigger guard. I think that will give me everything I seek in a full size 45.

I advise you to buy the 645. Then shoot it and love it! Regards 18DAI

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7 +1 Rounds of hope & change

Just my opinion, I favor the 4506. The 4506 has a well documented law enforcement pedigree. Not saying the 645 never rode in a holster, but the 4506 rode in many holsters nationwide. Probably my all time favorite hand gun. Feels great in the hand and points and shoots like nobody's business.

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Un-Reconstructed Southerner

Hello Pooh. What the gentlemen above have said is all true. I personally prefer a 645 as it is more comfortable in my hands and a dream to shoot. I own both and you would not go wrong either way. The 645 is indeed getting harder to find, but will be a tank for you. I just find the 645 with Pachmayr grips to be more comfortable for me to shoot than the 4506, even with the Hogue mono grips. Both are a "bet your life" gun in my humble opinion. Hope this helped. 18DAI has helped me in the past with these guns as I learned about them, and he knows probably better than most of us.

Life is short. Buy the gun.

I've carried my 645 for approx. 26 yrs. good reliable gun. Just now having a problem with it, the recoil guide pin is cracked.