A very early Model 645 .45 Auto

[PALADIN85020]

I thought you might be interested in seeing a very early Model 645. This gun was purchased new by me in January, 1987, so it was probably made in 1986. The 645 was the very first commercial S&W semiauto chambered for the .45 ACP, and was made famous by actor Don Johnson as Sonny Crocket in the TV series Miami Vice. This was a state-of-the-art .45 auto pistol at the time I bought it. It has been unfailingly reliable, and will even hand-feed empty cases. As a stainless steel pistol, it was big and heavy, but a joy to shoot. I favor the Federal Hydra-Shok 230-grain defense loads, which are shown in the photo. They don't make S&W pistols like this any more, and that's a pity.

John

 

[Rastoff]

Thanks for the picture. That was indeed a milestone gun. I remember lusting after one, but I was too late and they had started making the 4506. I managed to get a 4506, but didn't know what I had and sold it.

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

Love those early mags. I have an early 645 as well, built like a tank, shoots like a dream. It is fired, but unfired, which is a story for another day...

 

[TACC1]

John, nice pic. Keep it up, and I'll have to start looking for another 45. (I think Rastoff needs to start his search tomorrow.) TACC1

 

[Black_Sheep]

I bought this one new about the same time as you got yours...

 

[GregG]

Mine has Pachmayrs like Blak Sheep's.

A long time ago I put high profile adjustable Millet sights on it. I had the 'smith silver solder a Millet front sight on.

Very reliable gun. Has never failed to feed or eject. The only problem I've had was sometimes in double action the trigger doesn't engage the hammer and pulls all the way back without doing anything.

 

[Rastoff]

I think Rastoff needs to start his search tomorrow.

You are probably right.

 

[vsp537]

Nice 645's!!

I had been shopping for one without much luck, but today came across a 4505 locally. If it turns out as nice in-person as it is described...

...I guess I will still be looking for a 645, but while carrying a 4505.

 

[J.Solo]

I feel the same about mine ..... TAT29xx.
J.Solo

 

[cmr314]

Here's a picture of my 645, which I purchased new in March of 1987, while stationed in West Germany. It's a bit on the unique side, as it has the additional West German import stamps on the frame/slide and barrel (purchased at the post Rod & Gun Club). The original grips are safely tucked away, and it's been wearing the Pachmayr grips since shortly after I bought it. Mine has a TAR18## serial number.

 

[Chefjon]

Thanks to forum member CALREB and a kind gunsmith at S&W, I'll have mine 'whole' in a few weeks!

 

[Timber Wolf]

I bought my 645 from a guy walking around a gun show with it. I was sitting at a table filling out a 4473 on another gun just bought from a dealer when he passed by and I asked about it. We made trade (cash for gun) and I got it and two of the early mags. I have since aquired several more mags and an "IPSC" marked 745 to keep it company and share mags. Now I just need an 845 and I will be happy. It is easily one of my favorite guns.

 

[Professor Frink]

I want one so bad.

I keep missing the few the show up out here in Cali.

 

[Kavinsky]

Here's a picture of my 645, which I purchased new in March of 1987, while stationed in West Germany. It's a bit on the unique side, as it has the additional West German import stamps on the frame/slide and barrel (purchased at the post Rod & Gun Club). The original grips are safely tucked away, and it's been wearing the Pachmayr grips since shortly after I bought it. Mine has a TAR18## serial number.

where was that place located in germany? The reason why I'm asking is because it might be the very place my german mother met my father back in the 60's as she was working at a rod and gun club of some sort there when she met him.

and also if its not too much trouble could you post some shots of the german proofmarks, I'm kinda curious of how a 645 would look with them.

 

[vrichard]

Here is a later one TAU94XX.I read some place they have a recall on the 645 mags,

Dick

 

[Model39]

Didn't Crocket make another gun famous first?

I thought this one was first, then the Model 645, and then the Model 4506. Just kidding. This gives me a chance to post this on the forum

I have one Model 645 that has been customized. I got this when they first came out. Great gun(s).

 

[Kavinsky]

Model 39 you wouldnt happen to have a more modern photo of your custom 645 there would you and what kind of finish does it have on it and do they still make it?

and this is the first I've heard of a recal for the 645 mags, maybe they were talking about with the buttplates as takjr mentioned that when the gun was in a hip holster the bottom of the mags would cut into the leather of the patrol car seats.

hence why for the most part people are using the 4506 mags in them which dont have any sharp edges on the buttplates of the mag.

 

[vrichard]

The mdl.645 mags. with the plastic buttplates are the ones on the recall list. The metal buttplates are not on the recall list.
Dick

 

[Model39]

Custom Model 645

Model 39 you wouldnt happen to have a more modern photo of your custom 645 there would you and what kind of finish does it have on it and do they still make it?

and this is the first I've heard of a recal for the 645 mags, maybe they were talking about with the buttplates as takjr mentioned that when the gun was in a hip holster the bottom of the mags would cut into the leather of the patrol car seats.

hence why for the most part people are using the 4506 mags in them which dont have any sharp edges on the buttplates of the mag.

The custom Model 645 has a matte black teflon finish. The mag bases were trimmed to fit flush on the grip frame. The extra slide is from a Model 4516 which was specially fitted to the Model 645 frame. I have had this gun over two decades. I'm sure somebody still offers the special finish. My guy is long since retired. I will have to take different new pictures and post them. Thank you for the interest.

 

[J.Solo]

The mdl.645 mags. with the plastic buttplates are the ones on the recall list. The metal buttplates are not on the recall list.
Dick

I have two 645 Magazines with the plastic buttplates.
Why are they on recall and how do I go about exchanging them?

Thanks - J.Solo