Gun Library find: LNIB Model 645

[olivehead1]

Picked this up Saturday, traded in one of my Ruger Single Sixes that had seen better days, which I happened to have with me. It was priced ridiculously (as are most things these days), but I still gave it some thought and asked if there was anything that came with it, assuming it didn't as is typical, and that would make the decision for me. The guy went in the back and came back about 30 seconds later with the original box, all paperwork, second mag, unopened cleaning kit, VCI paper, and orange chamber flag. I grabbed the manager who I knew could knock off a few bucks and she knew I've been a regular since the store opened, and she did ($125 to be exact). Still overpriced but I just couldn't leave it there.

Per "Spec Ord" code it dates to 7/17/87. Apparently, these things, or at least this one, were packed with four (!) owner's/instructions manuals, the most model specific one you can see in the first pic.

As a side note, the Gun Library prices have gone nuts and there's a fairly strict (waived in this case) no discount policy. There's stuff there that I've seen for months and staff will tell you how many sales they've lost because of the "no deals" policy. Meanwhile, you can go over to the new gun case and the prices are pretty much what they were pre-COVID. For example, this day there were two M17s, one with thumb safety and one without, each priced $599. I've seen these lately at LGS for up to $799. Go figure.

 

[Heinz]

Congratulations. I think the 645 is one of the most underrated 45 autos out there. I really like mine. It is reasonably accurate and very reliable

 

[cherrypointmarine]

You're going to enjoy it , I do mine . One thing that kills me is when they say they are giving you an extra mag . As far as I know , S&W sent two mags . If they are giving you an extra mag , that means three mags . Sorry , but whenever I see that it twists my undies in to a wad .

 

[olivehead1]

One thing that kills me is when they say they are giving you an extra mag . As far as I know , S&W sent two mags . If they are giving you an extra mag , that means three mags . Sorry , but whenever I see that it twists my undies in to a wad .

Fair point. OP edited. However, with any number of Turkish guns or a Kimber, it would be an "extra" mag.

Sort of like when I hear someone refer to your "2nd Amendment rights" or "constitutional rights." This implies the Constitution grants you those rights. They are "constitutionally-protected rights." The rights pre-exist the Constitution.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I think I saw some used mags for that a few days ago, $25.00 each at a metro Atlanta shop.

 

[olivehead1]

I think I saw some used mags for that a few days ago, $25.00 each at a metro Atlanta shop.

If those were factory mags, then I'd say go and buy them even if you don't have a 645 or 4506. I recently checked "sold" prices for these on eBay and they were going for not less than $50, often upwards of $70 - 80.

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

I wish that my 645 looked that good.

But then again I only paid three bills for mine. I have subsequently upgraded it to 45 Super. Perfect gun for that.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Particularly nice find for these days. Looks nice. May it serve you and your heirs well.

 

[twistedracer]

Welcome to the 645 Club. Congratulations!

 

[Trooper224]

Superb....

 

[jim0383]

Picked this up Saturday, traded in one of my Ruger Single Sixes that had seen better days, which I happened to have with me. It was priced ridiculously (as are most things these days), but I still gave it some thought and asked if there was anything that came with it, assuming it didn't as is typical, and that would make the decision for me. The guy went in the back and came back about 30 seconds later with the original box, all paperwork, second mag, unopened cleaning kit, VCI paper, and orange chamber flag. I grabbed the manager who I knew could knock off a few bucks and she knew I've been a regular since the store opened, and she did ($125 to be exact). Still overpriced but I just couldn't leave it there.

Per "Spec Ord" code it dates to 7/17/87. Apparently, these things, or at least this one, were packed with four (!) owner's/instructions manuals, the most model specific one you can see in the first pic.

As a side note, the Gun Library prices have gone nuts and there's a fairly strict (waived in this case) no discount policy. There's stuff there that I've seen for months and staff will tell you how many sales they've lost because of the "no deals" policy. Meanwhile, you can go over to the new gun case and the prices are pretty much what they were pre-COVID. For example, this day there were two M17s, one with thumb safety and one without, each priced $599. I've seen these lately at LGS for up to $799. Go figure.

More than once I’ve seen a used gun in the library priced over a new model out in the floor. Gander used to have a similar problem.

But when they did discount, you could find some great deals in the library.

Enjoy that gem in good health!

 

[olivehead1]

But when they did discount, you could find some great deals in the library.

Before the last 6 months, you could routinely get a good deal on Library guns. I wouldn't own any single actions unless I got them at the Library for 10% over cost, and the cost wasn't much. Then management at the region level decided they were losing out and started imposing the same policies as most pawn shops during the pandemic: take a fair price and add $200, and no discounts no matter how long it's sat in the case. They've lost many sales because of that attitude, and they still have single actions that haven't moved in many months or even years in some cases.

 

[Johnnu2]

I have a 'personal policy': I buy NOTHING at MSRP, or over MSRP.
Needless to say, I haven't bought anything in the past year +, and don't feel like I've missed anything. I'm gonna wait...... hope I don't run outta time in the meantime

IMHO,
J.

 

[farmerjonwest]

Congrats on the 645! One of only guns I have that comes out of the safe every month to be appreciated.I think its a thing of beauty on its own! And it shoots as great as it looks! Your going to love that thing!

 

[sigp220.45]

Very cool!

I joined the club a few months ago. One thing I was advised to do was check the screw that holds the ambi safety on, as it tends to back out. Sure enough, I was shooting it last week and the right side safety feel off. Luckily it bonked me on the hand and I didn't lose it. A little Locktite blue should fix it up.

Another tidbit I learned was that my gun fit my old Galco shoulder holster which was made for a Sig P220. I gave my old duty Sig to my son when I retired, but he's a lefty so the holster didn't do him any good. Its back in use now in case I need to go loaded for bear.

 

[stansdds]

Welcome to the Model 645 Owner's Club! The 645 is a big, heavy, overbuilt, usually accurate, and almost always insanely reliable 45 ACP pistol. As previously mentioned, the off-side safety lever is held on with a screw, which will back out during recoil. Either use some thread locker (blue Loctite or similar), or remove the screw and lever and put them in a bag and keep them in the pistol's box.

 

[Miami_JBT]

They're good guns OP.

Very cool!

I joined the club a few months ago. One thing I was advised to do was check the screw that holds the ambi safety on, as it tends to back out. Sure enough, I was shooting it last week and the right side safety feel off. Luckily it bonked me on the hand and I didn't lose it. A little Locktite blue should fix it up.

Another tidbit I learned was that my gun fit my old Galco shoulder holster which was made for a Sig P220. I gave my old duty Sig to my son when I retired, but he's a lefty so the holster didn't do him any good. Its back in use now in case I need to go loaded for bear.

My carries well to this day in a Galco rig.

 

[S&W Fan]

I bought one when they first came out from a shop in Denver that knew my addiction to S&W and always put away new models for me lol. It was accurate, soft under recoil and ate every type of ammo I ran through it, even the old Speer “flying ashtray”.

sigp220.45 you channeling your inner Sonny Crockett?

 

[olivehead1]

They're good guns OP.

My carries well to this day in a Galco rig.

I need to get me one of those rigs. Just because.

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

They are great guns!

I mostly like my 1006s with my 4566s right behind. The other ones ain't to shabby either.