The 745

[Kavinsky]

I'm just curious what's the reputation of that single action only version of the 645 and how good are they generaly percieved to be?

also would it be possibile to do a straight frankenstein slide switch from a 745 to a 645 without any real gunsmithing work?

 

[handgunner356]

I think the guns were a bargain when they came out. The trigger would spoil you, probably the only downside was the lack of aftermarket parts to suit the individual. The trigger group would be the main difference, the carbon slide was really the same except it lacked the firing pin safety. The frame was drilled for pre- and overtravel stops, checkered and flaired magwell.

 

[S&W Fan]

I bought one when they first came out & will say it was way more accurate than I. I was just so used to the 1911 I traded it off for a Colt Gold Cup series 70, don't have that one either any longer.

 

[Kavinsky]

Hmm I gotta wonder, would the thing work like a CZ 75 then with a slide switch onto a 645?

IE being able to carry it cocked and locked and yet still have a fully functioning DA system if I dont want to do that.

also is it just me or does it look like the area around the trigger on the 745 is abit more recessed than it is on a 645
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=255262736

 

[surfgun]

If one got their 745 slide onto a 645 frame it could be carried either cocked and blocked like a 745 or cocked and locked, one would have to check the dimensions on the safety lever and the frames decocking lever.
Or you could alter a S&W safety lever on a 645 to either cocked and blocked, or cocked and locked capability while retaining the DA capability. And switch it back to factory condition with a spare safety lever.

 

[handgunner356]

The downside to the single action S&W guns is that they do not lock the hammer, pull the trigger and down it comes without firing. No big deal on a target gun, but could be a problem on a self defense gun.

 

[jp zanoya]

I bought the first 645 I saw. I did not like the trigger at all, nor the safety. After reading an article about how Wayne Novak helped develop the 745, I sent my gun to his shop and had them convert it to 745 specs. The result is an all-stainless "745".
It's a great pistol, very accurate and absolutely reliable (it will feed full wadcutters and even empty cases). I used it in IPSC matches for several years.

 

[Kavinsky]

so people have done it then more or less then? I dont know honestly I'm starting to really warm up to the 745 and thinking of going with that over the 645

and I agree the lack of a firing pin block does worry me on a SA, but on the other hand smith revolvers for the longest time had no firing pin block either and had a special way to decock it so that might apply to the 745.


basically finger on the hammer to hold it back, pull the trigger, gradually let the hammer down to just above the resting position and then let go of the trigger and drop the hammer with a different click from the normal hammer drop on a snap cap noise.

 

[Hugh granis]

I picked up a 745 a couple weeks ago and the safety/decock lever doesn't work. Has anyone had this problem?

 

[Bruce51]

The safety lever is a firing pin block only.

It does not decock the gun.

Bruce

 

[Hugh granis]

That makes sense; I'll have to check it with a round in the chamber.
Thanks for the info!

 

[Checkman]

I own a 745. I'm not a big 45 guy, but the 745 is a keeper.

 

[TAROMAN]

I'm of a different opinion on the 745.
Had one for a while, and tried hard to like it.

Just never got there, too much 1911 time, I guess.
In my hands, at least, the S&W 1911 is the better tool.

 

[Checkman]

also is it just me or does it look like the area around the trigger on the 745 is abit more recessed than it is on a 645
GunBroker.com - Error

I think it's the same. The one thing I did was take my 745 into a local shop and have the trigger guard recessed in order to get a higher grip.Basically the same change was implemented by S&W when they designed the 3rd Gen 45's. I know that some collectors will scream in agony that I did such a thing, but it's my pistol. It made a good pistol even better.

BEFORE

AFTER

 

[gnappi]

The downside to the single action S&W guns is that they do not lock the hammer, pull the trigger and down it comes without firing. No big deal on a target gun, but could be a problem on a self defense gun.

How so? It worked for me when I used it in IPSC, the hammer never once fell on the safety, nor did I ever have an AD

I fitted a 645 slide on it other than a couple of simple safety plunger mode it works great and my DVC upper is still nearly NIB.

 

[Dave_n]

I have a very early 645 and two of the Millett adjustable sight 745s. as mentioned earlier, the 745 spoils you from a trigger perspective. Over 35K rounds through one of them and still at 2.5 lbs as it was out of the box. Almost as accurate as my two Model 52-2s. Dave_n

 

[handgunner356]

gnappi, the thing about using it as a self defense gun is the safety doesn't lock or release the trigger. Under stress you could pull the trigger and not realize the safety was engaged. Tap, rack and click again, I prefer the safety on a SD gun either lock or disconnect the trigger altogether.