469 v 645

[rwadley1]

I have been hanging around the revolver forums for a while and am becoming interested in the early S&W semis. Recently a 469 and a 645 came across my path. I my opinion, both are nice shooter grade examples. I know they are both second generation models and that the 645 is the first model S&W did in 45 acp.

Is one more desirable than the other? What should I know about either?

 

[Ben-Kenobi]

Personally I love my 645 but I'm biased as I enjoy 45's and also have 745's, a 4516-1, 4566, 4506-1 and a 1911 E-Series. If you're more keen on 9mm that looks like a fine 469 to enjoy. You really can't go wrong with either one. Have fun!

 

[sigp220.45]

All other things being equal, l would definitely go for the 645.

 

[PaulS 0706]

I too own a 645 and 1. it has never missed a beat and 2. shooting from a rest it shows great accuracy. In my hands unsupported...well...not so much.
Not a knock on the design but learn how to remove the firing pin. There will come a time when schmutz develops around it and its spring and will require disassembly and cleaning. But for me that was after several years of use.

 

[H Richard]

The 469 is a double stack 9mm, and is the DA/SA type of action. It can be carried hammer down on a chambered round and safety off. Can grab and go (shoot) just like a revolver and all follow up shots are Single Action with a lighter trigger pull. It has an alloy frame and isn't too heavy to carry all day. 12 round mag's, and dubbed the "Mini" due to the compact size.

Mine has been modified into a two tone, I have never had a problem with operation or accuracy.

 

[jbtrucker]

469 was my first pistol several years ago and stupidly sold it. It was very accurate and checkered panels are a plus.

 

[quikdraw67]

Either one is a winner.

Guess it comes down to personal preference.

Do you like full size or compact pistols?

Prefer 9mm over 45 or vice versa?

Or if you can swing it, buy both.

JMHO YMMV

 

[quikdraw67]

The 469 is a double stack 9mm, and is the DA/SA type of action. It can be carried hammer down on a chambered round and safety off. Can grab and go (shoot) just like a revolver and all follow up shots are Single Action with a lighter trigger pull. It has an alloy frame and isn't too heavy to carry all day. 12 round mag's, and dubbed the "Mini" due to the compact size.

Mine has been modified into a two tone, I have never had a problem with operation or accuracy.

That is one sharp looking rig!

 

[growr]

Buy them both, you will NOT regret it!!

Randy

 

[hberttmank]

I would go for the 645. It is just a good hunk of stainless 45 goodness.

 

[BigBoy99]

The 645 is like eating potato chips -- you can't have just one!

 

[stansdds]

Two very different pistols, the 469 and 645. If you are planning on carrying, I'd say the 469, hands down. If this is going to be a range toy or even for home defense, I'd go with the 645.

 

[VictorLouis]

I'd lean toward the 645. I'm biased toward stainless, and I see you're in N.C.
Second, there are far fewer of them in my A.O. than 9mms. Third, it's far easier to get the grips off for cleaning on the big boy. The 469 is more involved.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I have both , and they are both great for what they are made for . It's up to you to decide what you want it for . If it was me , I'd raid the piggy bank and buy both .

 

[Trooper224]

645 for me, without a doubt. But, they're both fine examples.

 

[rwadley1]

I appreciate the feedback. I expected a lot of, "buy both". Of course, that's always the right answer. We'll see what happens.

 

[JohnHL]

Desirable?

The 645 almost always commands a higher price than a 469...

In terms of collectability,, the 645 was S&W's first .45 and the 469 was their first "minigun" of the modern era.

Hence the argument for having both.

And on the bright side, owning a 645 and a 469 is less costly than owning 2 645s!

John

 

[Biggfoot44]

If they're anything close to the same price the 645 is the better value
S&W's first .45acp semi , iconic , a proud place in your S&W collection .

As a working pistol for it's original intended purpose , the 469 .

 

[Miami_JBT]

645 for sure!

I had a 669 and it was just "meh". For 9mm, the 3rd Gens are a must unless you're talking about a gun like the 639. But for a compact double stack, the 6904 smokes the 469 all week and twice on Sunday.

 

[Borderboss]

It really does depend on what you want to use them for. The 469 is hard to beat as an everyday carry gun. I carry one every day in a fanny pack. The price I saw in your photo is decent in this market, and extra mags used to be pretty easy to get.

The 645 is a bigger gun. If you were going to carry it, you would want a shoulder holster or a solid OWB holster. But for a home defense gun in a drawer, it would be great.