A Prize ! - 2 945's

mbliss57 · #51 11-21-2019, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vigil617

Well, for the sake of reference, here are the results of the auctions of several 945s that ended last night and some other recent sales on the big site.

RSA0206, a 5" black two-tone 945 with PC aluminum case and papers: $2,000

CFR0330, a 4" black two-tone 945 with PC aluminum case and papers: $1,875

RSB0021, a 3.75" silver 945 with PC aluminum case and papers: $1,452

DMR0050, a 3.25" silver 945-1 with PC aluminum case and papers: $1,352

and recently,

RSA1597, a 5" silver two-tone 945-1 with PC aluminum case and papers, $1,750

LEW1000, a 5" silver two-tone 945 with PC aluminum case and papers, $1,850

I was watching ( possibly even bidding myself... or is it kidding myself? ) Sunday as those (5) 945s were selling. Those are some awesome pieces of S&W history and craftsmanship.

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cherrypointmarine · #52 11-21-2019, 08:21 PM

You got that right . I paid more for some of mine , but I'd do it all over again . When I see something I want , I want it . I don't want to sit there and bid on it , and then lose it because someone came in at the last minute and bid more . Or they play games and run the bid up . You're right about the history also .

4T5GUY · #53 11-21-2019, 08:57 PM

I’m relieved there was one that was left out of that list. I’m sorta embarrassed that I ended up paying almost $190.00 more than I decided I would pay for one, (two years ago.)

I figured I’ve gotten some really good deals in the recent past so with all I saved I could pay a bit more for this one.

I got that idea from one of you guys.

I really wanted an early Lew Horton, near perfect with box, docs, and EVERYTHING it originally came with. It seems very happy in its new home.

Jim Brewster and his gang are the best. I’m still waiting to hear back from Earl Minot but I think I’m in for one of his letters.

Jim

cherrypointmarine · #54 11-21-2019, 10:21 PM

It's weird , you hardly ever see a post about these , yet when one pops up everyone says how great they are . My 945-1 is a shooter , and I can't believe I waited so long until I got one . I'm being sorely tempted to shoot my no dash , but I don't know if I can . Being a first run with a serial# in the 40's , I have to think on it . Wondering how many actually shoot theirs , or leave them in the safe . But then with the money we spend on them ........

4T5GUY · #55 11-21-2019, 11:09 PM

Every time a post shows up I’ve read every word. I’ve looked up past posts and even visited the “other” forums out there. I’ve been on the fence about a 945 for years but something else always came up.

I wasn’t sure I wanted/needed a 945 other than the numerical 645, 745, 845 and 945 progression. I’m weird that way with my pistol collecting. I have some really nice Colt’s in .45 acp that shoot accurately and dependably.

I intend to shoot my new to me 945 against my 845 as soon as I can and plan on keep shooting both. I don’t shoot my Loveless 41 Field Gun, but I have, and I’ve let friends try it out but that’s a bit different.

Also, I have a 7 rnd 945 mag that I have and don’t need. I’ll get it to someone that can use it. PM me.

Jim

gumpys · #56 11-22-2019, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jughed440

It has...and did you know that S&W sold 945 shot glasses? I never knew of them until i saw this one on ebay while looking for spare mags. It's dated 2000, and the other side has a PC logo.

A Prize ! - 2 945's-img_20191107_071449592-jpg

A Prize ! - 2 945's-img_20191107_071449592-jpg

Lol I seen that shot glass month or so back on ebay and almost bought it but I own one already so passed but then was regretting not getting another lol. Glad to see you got it. They are definitely very scarce to come across and very cool.

Eric

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gumpys · #57 11-22-2019, 01:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4T5GUY

Every time a post shows up I’ve read every word. I’ve looked up past posts and even visited the “other” forums out there. I’ve been on the fence about a 945 for years but something else always came up.

I wasn’t sure I wanted/needed a 945 other than the numerical 645, 745, 845 and 945 progression. I’m weird that way with my pistol collecting. I have some really nice Colt’s in .45 acp that shoot accurately and dependably.

I intend to shoot my new to me 945 against my 845 as soon as I can and plan on keep shooting both. I don’t shoot my Loveless 41 Field Gun, but I have, and I’ve let friends try it out but that’s a bit different.

Also, I have a 7 rnd 945 mag that I have and don’t need. I’ll get it to someone that can use it. PM me.

Jim

Jim you will definitely like the 945 but the 845 is the best of the best in 45acp to come from smith wesson. It is a another league above the 945 in my opinion and the 845 has put a shame to several semi custom and custom 1911s I have owned and shot as well. Maybe I got lucky but as you know the 845 is awesome.

Eric

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Sevens · #58 11-22-2019, 06:04 PM

I’ve told my tale before in another discussion (that I might dig out, dust off and bump so that others can add to it) but I was absolutely asleep when the Performance Center was born, when all the lightning was captured in that bottle and the magic was happening. Getting married, having kids and assorted life was happening as it does to everyone.

It would have been 2012 or 2013 when my buddy and I stopped at a local gun shop and came across a first run MPC-prefix 845 and a no-dash 945 in the same store. We each handled both pistols and came away completely impressed, but the 845 had our attention more. Neither of us bought either pistol.

It’s kind of funny, looking back, and hypothesizing about WHY both of us preferred the 845 while noting specifically that neither of us had ever heard of even the existence of these guns. We didn’t know how elite they were, we had no clue how scarce they were, didn’t know they were out of production, had no idea how much they sold for when new and obviously, we didn’t know what kind of shooting they were capable of.

My buddy was, and still very much is a 1911 guy and he’s got many, including some pistols that run price tags much like our 845’s and 945’s. Because of this, he definitely preferred the 845 over the 945 as the 945 comes at you like it is some form of a “1911-style” pistol.

Meanwhile, I much preferred the 845 because I was a S&W guy back in the day due to my 1006 that I got back in ‘92/‘96. Yeah, I like a 1911 a lot, but my passion lies in S&W guns and the 845 just blew me away.

Fast forward and he’s now got a pair of 845’s and a stack of 945’s. I’ve only got one 845 (I need to fix that situation) and two 945’s.

cherrypointmarine · #59 11-22-2019, 07:19 PM

I think you're going to have to look long and hard to find another 845 . Putting the word out to your friends here is the best way to find one , that's how I got mine . I never knew about them until you told me about them . Sometimes I think that's part of the fun , the hunt .

4T5GUY · #60 11-22-2019, 10:07 PM

You are very correct about finding an 845. Well sure they’re out there but the asking, starting or final prices are crazy. But... if you wait AND have patience you CAN get one for “our” kinda dollars. I waited years for a MPC prefix one. Finally one came up on Gunbroker by a guy who had no track record but had great pictures, good description and a return option. No one really bid and I got it for a criminally low price. It is excellent with everything.

You are also correct about getting what we are looking for here. I was whining about not having/finding the Shorty 45 MKII that I wanted. With in an hour I got one with no WTS or WTB posts.

Sorry ‘bout the drift in post.

Jim

cherrypointmarine · #61 11-22-2019, 10:30 PM

I've got more than a few here stating I was looking for something . I don't know if other forums work like we do , but the amount of help you get here is out of this world . I have offered guns and other things to members , and it's been returned many fold . Now if someone reads this and has a 5in 945 they want to get rid of , you know how to get ahold of me ......

jughed440 · #62 11-24-2019, 01:49 AM

Anybody know much about a "railed" 945-1?
This particular example sold at auction in Nov. 2016 for $3105.
Unfortunately the page shows only 1 pic, and no SKU #.

Smith & Wesson S&W 945-1 Railed Performance Center (Like Colt 1911), Sharp Matte Black 5" SA Semi-Automatic Pistol, 5 Magazines & Hard Case | Lock, Stock & Barrel

gumpys · #63 11-24-2019, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jughed440

Anybody know much about a "railed" 945-1?
This particular example sold at auction in Nov. 2016 for $3105.
Unfortunately the page shows only 1 pic, and no SKU #.

Smith & Wesson S&W 945-1 Railed Performance Center (Like Colt 1911), Sharp Matte Black 5" SA Semi-Automatic Pistol, 5 Magazines & Hard Case | Lock, Stock & Barrel

I have seen a couple of those over the years but with the prototype XPX prefix. I had a chance to buy a 4 inch railed one with XPX prefix but passed since at the time was not my cup of tea but wish I would have now days lol. Some have said the PCZ prefix was also used for prototypes but am not certain on that unless see some lettered that way.

Eric

Sevens · #64 11-29-2019, 11:21 PM

I’m experimenting with hosting some pictures. I need to set up and take a better picture, but in the mean time, let’s try this:

In looking over the amazing reference material on our site, this style of 945-1 is one of the last ones they made. Born on October 14, 2008.

I think it’s a stunner!

gumpys · #65 11-29-2019, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevens

I’m experimenting with hosting some pictures. I need to set up and take a better picture, but in the mean time, let’s try this:

In looking over the amazing reference material on our site, this style of 945-1 is one of the last ones they made. Born on October 14, 2008.

I think it’s a stunner!

Beautiful Sevens. I was actually bidding on that one too but had to stop since been buying too much lately without liqudating some lol. Congrats that one turned put lot better than the seller pics.

Eric

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vigil617 · #66 11-30-2019, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevens

I would triple-like this post if I could. That's gasp-worthy right there. Nicely done, Sevens!

Erocksmash · #67 11-30-2019, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevens

I’m experimenting with hosting some pictures. I need to set up and take a better picture, but in the mean time, let’s try this:

In looking over the amazing reference material on our site, this style of 945-1 is one of the last ones they made. Born on October 14, 2008.

I think it’s a stunner!

Oh my, that's very nice sir

squidsix · #68 11-30-2019, 12:13 PM

I love these. I never fired one but they look amazing. Recently stumbled on to some mags while hunting for more 4506 magazines. (They are for sale on this forum)
But what I am curious about holsters for these. How do they fit in 1911 leather? Tight? Do makers still make holsters for them? If I find one For a decent price I will buy it but I will wanT to carry it.

Sevens · #69 11-30-2019, 12:30 PM

I suspect you would need something moulded for it (kydex) or something good and pliable (leather) as 945’s tend to be meatier than 1911 pistols.

18DAI · #70 11-30-2019, 02:54 PM

jughed440 there were 10 Railed, melonite finish, 945-1s made by the PC for the "Clark County SRT". All had PCZ prototype serial prefixes. All had Novak fixed sights.

There were also 5 similar guns made by the PC for an LAPD T&E. LAPD returned them after the T&E. Except for one which the LE rep kept. I don't know the serial prefix on those 5 945-1s. They were configured the same, with rails tacked on the dustcover, melonite finish and Novak fixed sights with ambi safeties. Regards 18DAI

skjos · #71 12-01-2019, 09:59 PM

I'm working on a 945 super post, which I should have out sometime soon (I will need help filling in some blanks).

To save a click:

PCZ0418

Sevens, it looks like your pistol is product code 170300, serial number range somewhere around RSA32xx-33xx?

cherrypointmarine · #72 12-01-2019, 10:19 PM

Skjos , that would be great ! It would be even better if it would be made a sticky . There's enough of us 945 owners to justify that .

Sevens · #73 12-01-2019, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skjos

Sevens, it looks like your pistol is product code 170300, serial number range somewhere around RSA32xx-33xx?

I agree that it’s SKU 170300 but the SN is a bit off what you suggested, it’s RSA36xx.

No joke, I spent more than an hour trying to shoot some pictures and this blackened two-tone with polished flats requires at least SOME photography skills and it sure seems that I have none.

jughed440 · #74 12-02-2019, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 18DAI

jughed440 there were 10 Railed, melonite finish, 945-1s made by the PC for the "Clark County SRT". All had PCZ prototype serial prefixes. All had Novak fixed sights.

There were also 5 similar guns made by the PC for an LAPD T&E. LAPD returned them after the T&E. Except for one which the LE rep kept. I don't know the serial prefix on those 5 945-1s. They were configured the same, with rails tacked on the dustcover, melonite finish and Novak fixed sights with ambi safeties. Regards 18DAI

Thanks much for posting that info, 18DA.
One other feature that stood out on that example are the simple slide serrations. First 945 I've seen with such......after scrolling down on skjos' post of 945 variants, i see that there are others

Catalog of Performance Center 945 Variants

Erocksmash · #75 12-02-2019, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skjos

I'm working on a 945 super post, which I should have out sometime soon (I will need help filling in some blanks).

To save a click:

PCZ0418

Sevens, it looks like your pistol is product code 170300, serial number range somewhere around RSA32xx-33xx?

A 945 with a rail!?!?!?... That's just about perfect... I think I would trade a whole lot for one of those!

Erocksmash · #76 12-02-2019, 06:53 PM

Question ... Did the 945's have MIM part... and how do special order #'s work ?

Sevens · #77 12-02-2019, 10:13 PM

I can’t be sure about the MIM question, but I can say that when literally ALL of the production 3rd Gens had moved fully to MIM parts, nearly all of the PC semiauto pistols made at exactly the same time were using forged parts, and not because the parts were “better” but because they were doing a lot of fitting and the forged small parts lend themselves better to being shaped here and there.

As for the second part of your question regarding special order #’s, I’m not sure what you are asking. If your question is “how did this group of people order these special guns?” then the answer is buried deep inside the Performance Center!

However, if your question is just regarding the 6-digit product code, these were simply the internal number that S&W used to specifically identify exactly which model AND version they were talking about.

Some had success in calling S&W with a serial number and asking for a product code as well as a born-on date.

Erocksmash · #78 01-18-2020, 05:32 PM

As it says I finaly got my very first 945 and I believe shes one of the rarer hens teeth ?

RANGE REPORT !!!!! HOLY*@&$... THIS IS THE MOST ACCURATE PISTOL I'VE EVER SHOT! I'm in love...

This thing is perfect! Feels so good...

Dont think she has been shot much, it came with 3 total mags no box tho...

And I got a smoking deal on her!
No box means no special order # could somebody help me date her please...

Thanks
Erik

Sevens · #79 01-18-2020, 05:59 PM

Ooooh that’s gorgeous, you have an early one, that’s a Camfour exclusive.

We can figure out with Skjos’ excellent thread.

Erocksmash · #80 01-18-2020, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevens

Ooooh that’s gorgeous, you have an early one, that’s a Camfour exclusive.

We can figure out with Skjos’ excellent thread.

I think shes an RSR gun ?

EDIT: which is a Camfour gun as well hahh sorry. dts between 1999-2000

HOUSTON RICK · #81 01-18-2020, 09:40 PM

I don't think that I have seen a 945.

Erocksmash · #82 01-18-2020, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOUSTON RICK

I don't think that I have seen a 945.

Well sir, I have to say I'm very... very ... very... impressed.

I have been nay .45 for a long time, I've had all types of 1911s that have not lasted more than a few months, even had a Recon.45 and they all never worked for me...

This piece of fine PC historical mechanical masterpiece has found its home...

Now time to get some ammo ! And take the lady out !

There will be more 945s in my future....

Who warned me about this PC bug... ugh I cant shake it!

Jeppo · #83 01-18-2020, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOUSTON RICK

I don't think that I have seen a 945.

You’d likely remember.

Sevens · #84 01-18-2020, 11:58 PM

RSR is a distributor in Florida and Camfour is a distributor in Massachusetts. No matter if it was RSR, Camfour, Lew Horton, Ellett Brothers or whoever, the guns are the same except for the visual features.

I don’t think Camfour got nearly as many as RSR did, yours is an earlier pistol.

Erocksmash · #85 01-19-2020, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevens

RSR is a distributor in Florida and Camfour is a distributor in Massachusetts. No matter if it was RSR, Camfour, Lew Horton, Ellett Brothers or whoever, the guns are the same except for the visual features.

I don’t think Camfour got nearly as many as RSR did, yours is an earlier pistol.

Ah I see I must have read the write up wrong...

dandd · #86 12-04-2020, 07:51 PM

Hello, I was hoping to add to this thread on the 945. I was the recipient of the listed 945 from vigil617 (CFR03XX). I want to apologize for jumping in so late. Life came at me quick, as it does, so I hope to re-engage on this forum. That model is just great; build/shoot/learning. If this is the wrong way to re-engage, please let me know. Thank You, dandd.

rainyknight · #87 12-04-2020, 09:54 PM

So i really love my 1911's and I really love my 3rd gen S&W's. So i guess at some point i'm going to have to get one of these. Just have to save up a few pennies first. Thanks for sharing the wonderful pics and information.

cherrypointmarine · #88 12-04-2020, 10:23 PM

I don't think there's a wrong way to reengage , just happy to see someone join the 845 family . It looks like you have a camfor model . how about some pics ?

Erocksmash · #89 12-04-2020, 10:56 PM

Pictures are always good us me are visual.... 945s are king! At least I like my 5in 945 the most... some say the 845 is good tho have never touched one....

On a good day I can knock the center out at 25yds with my 945...

dandd · #90 12-05-2020, 08:25 AM

Thanks! Yes, its the Camfour model and I had sent a note to S&W who verified it as Model #170152 (4in, black/black). Mfg date of 8/2000. It's a dream to shoot and is way more accurate than I am. It came with the box (in vg shape) and paperwork/2 mags.
I am still learning how to improve taking pix, so bear with me. I'll try sending some more after some practice.

Erocksmash · #91 12-05-2020, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dandd

Thanks! Yes, its the Camfour model and I had sent a note to S&W who verified it as Model #170152 (4in, black/black). Mfg date of 8/2000. It's a dream to shoot and is way more accurate than I am. It came with the box (in vg shape) and paperwork/2 mags.
I am still learning how to improve taking pix, so bear with me. I'll try sending some more after some practice.

Very nice sir, thats the same flavor as my 5in gun, well... as far a colors go... I have a 4in gun but its new in box... think it will sat that way until I pass it to my son...

cherrypointmarine · #92 12-05-2020, 10:09 AM

Very nice! I like the black , just don't know how it holds up . Mine never leaves the safe so I don't know . Sevens has the black stainless (?) which I like better , but good luck finding one . I mean 945's instead of 845's , but the response was taking a long time to load and I couldn't edit it . Maybe someday you'll join that family too .

dandd · #93 12-05-2020, 11:56 AM

Well, I am on a roll, so my last message was the 4in B/B, CFR03XX, 170152 from last Nov (11/2019). I have "got the bug" over the year on these so I recently acquired another one. A beauty, 945-1, SS, RSA18XX, 170173 (no billboard), mfg 11 or 12/2002 (ref fired casing label). S&W just said 2002 and model version. Have not been to the range with it yet, but field stripped it and it was in great shape. Looked hardly used, but I think the storage may not have been so good over the years as the trigger bow has some staining or light rust.