I recently picked up a LNIB PC 945. Beautiful collector grade gun complete with the PC box, outer cardboard box, paperwork, 2 mags, tools, extra recoil spring, ect. LEW prefix on the SN. From my research on here, I'm guessing it's a -1 model.

I'm guessing I did alright on it, but can't find much to compare it to as in value. In addition, wondering how rare the LEW prefix pistols were? I know a bit of the history on the Lew Horton models.

Have a similar two tone one that I haven't shot yet and really looking forward to getting it to the range. I've read a lot of good feedback on these 945s and looking forward to trying them out!

Really like the looks of the two tone model better than the all stainless.

Prob 1700-2000

xanth, I had a 945, and would think that $1700-$2000 is probably in the ballpark for a LNIB example with everything. My 945 was in the LEW9XX serial range, was not a -1 and did not have a firing pin safety. I thought the two tone type were the best looking. Beautiful guns. I'd gone to the LGS to buy a Colt Custom Shop SCG. They allowed me to closely examine and field strip both. Once I saw the precise fit of the component parts, as compared to the SCG's more "relaxed" fit of barrel/bushing/slide/frame,etc. It was an easy decision. My 945 was as accurate as might be expected, and I don't recall any malfunctions whatsoever.

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NRA Life, COTEP 640

I bought one about 6 months ago with a RSA09XX serial #. It's a no dash without the fps. The 945-1 is marked on the right side of the frame & the later versions don't have the billboard 945 on the slide. I called S&W and found out mine is from May 2000. Finely made gun & great shooting also worth every penny.

Thanks for the feedback, great info!

I guess I did my research wrong, there's no "-1" on the right side of the frame, and given it's low serial number (LEW06xx), it must be a "no dash" pistol.

I bought a dash-1 from a Forum member a couple of months ago. That is the most accurate .45 I have ever shot. I think a blind man could shoot great with it. It rates up there with my M52. Mine came with just the soft cover. Someone told me they came like that towards the end of the run. Do yourself a favor, and don't make it a safe queen. These guns were made to shoot, and make other .45s quake in their tracks.

945 no dash stainless 5" (170104)
LEW0001 - LEW1368
RSAxxxx

"Value/price" is fluid but my research indicates that 945 pistols are on the rise and have been for a couple of years. Best number you can come up with is a number inside a range. Low end would be around $1,200 and high end might approach $2,000.

For the past handful of years, the 945 pistols have been one step below the other Performance Center Limited target pistols. (952's, 845's, 3556 Limited, PPC-9, etc) I would say they continue to sit just under those guns in price/value but they have been closing the gap.

The other interesting bit about 945's and a characteristic that can set them apart from the pistols I mentioned above is that there are many more odd/interesting factory original variances across 945 pistols than others.

What I mean is that you can find 945's in differing lengths, one .40 cal model, different finishes, difference cocking serrations, different lettering styles. You can occasionally see this with some of the 952's, but on a smaller scale. Only two variations with the 845, three with the PPC-9 and there are no variations of the 3556 Limited that I am aware of. On the other hand... you can put together a dozen-plus 945 pistols without two of them being the same.

They are fantastic pistols.

Actually 23 different variants of the 945. Don’t ask me how I know.

Here are 2 of the rarest variants. PCZ prototypes. 1 with Rail.

Heh, yup.

Very cool. And I will choose to ignore that heinous rail and it shall be stricken from my memory!

They seem like amazing pistols. Never knew there were so many variants!

Really looking forward to getting it to the range.

Unfortunately I've never come face-to-face with a 945 in the wild.

This was an awesome thread on the 945's. Sadly PhotoBucket killed it for us.

CATALOG OF 945 PC VARIANTS - very LARGE accumulated reference material

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Luckily I had downloaded a couple of the charts, before the pics went bye-bye:

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945PC -no dash- variation summary chart


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945PC -dash 1- variation summary chart


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S&W 945 Product Profile & Introduction, Pg. 1 of 2


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S&W 945 Product Profile & Introduction, Pg. 2 of 2


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Waiting for the break of day

I have had 10 different 945s in my collection. I bought the first one used, a 4" no dash Combat model, shot it and was hooked. I bought a second one used, a 3.75" Compact and had night sights installed for LE carry. Then came the no dash NIBs, 3.75", 4" and 5" models in all stainless and stainless/black. I have four remaining in my collection and consider them prime examples of the true Performance Center where and when experienced gunsmiths combined modern technology, machines and skill to produce a firearm that excels in fit and function to produce superior performance when put into action. Nothing produces more pride of ownership or confidence in use like a Performance Center 945. If you can find one that is NIB for less than $2,000, it is a good deal. The retail price was $2,695 on the S&W website when they were discontinued. They are rare and will only go higher.