Smith 645

[doubleclaw]

Well, at least it started out as a Smith & Wesson Model 645:

View attachment 778597

That photo makes my heart beat a little bit faster.

If you don't mind my asking, who did the work on it? What's the story on that rear sight assembly? I've never seen one quite like that before.

 

[Frank Black]

@Frank Black
Agreed on all counts.
I can see the S&W craftsmanship and attention to detail from your photos. The revolver style integral front sight with the colored insert is something you never see on a production automatic these days, and the lines are classic "1980s cop gun."

Yes, definitely Old School sights on the 645.

I installed a fresh set of Trijicons on the 4506 when I got it. But between the two I shoot the 645 far more. It seems to shoot my 230grn handload a bit tighter than the 4506.

There's a guy named Ryan Grizzle who makes some of the best leather holsters I've ever worn, and he has the 4506-1 in his tool kit, but not the 645 or 4506, so I'm looking for a holster forming tool so I can send it his way to get a couple of IWB rigs made. His City Slicker 2 holster is a masterpiece, and I've been carrying a Colt Rail Gun in mine for the last four years in total comfort. I have no doubt that a similar rig for one of these heavy hitters would work just as well.

Any holster that fits a 4506-1 should fit a 4506, I would think. A 645 too, except the squared-off front face of the trigger guard could be an issue, depending.

 

[Exchipy]

That photo makes my heart beat a little bit faster.

If you don't mind my asking, who did the work on it? What's the story on that rear sight assembly? I've never seen one quite like that before.

I must admit (in all modesty, of course) that I did all the work, with the exception of barrel installation, which was done by Irv Stone at Bar-Sto Precision Machine, while it was still in 29 Palms, CA. The rear sight assembly was the inspired work of Bob Sconce who was "the guy" at Miniature Machine Company. I met him at his SHOT Show booth some time in the '80s, fell hard for his innovative sight design, and bought several on the spot. They've been long discontinued, now, as the result of an almost as long, sad story.

 

[Frank Black]

I must admit (in all modesty, of course) that I did all the work, with the exception of barrel installation, which was done by Irv Stone at Bar-Sto Precision Machine, while it was still in 29 Palms, CA. The rear sight assembly was the inspired work of Bob Sconce who was "the guy" at Miniature Machine Company. I met him at his SHOT Show booth some time in the '80s, fell hard for his innovative sight design, and bought several on the spot. They've been long discontinued, now, as the result of an almost as long, sad story.

I thought that was an MMC rear sight. Those had a more minimalist look than a lot of aftermarket sights for the S&W 3rd Gens.

 

[Exchipy]

I thought that was an MMC rear sight. Those had a more minimalist look than a lot of aftermarket sights for the S&W 3rd Gens.

Here's a photo of the 645's port side:


That one-sided safety / de-cocking lever was for a S&W 745. I altered it to clear the left stock panel, then bead blasted it.

 

[Frank Black]

Here's a photo of the 645's port side:
View attachment 790087
That one-sided safety / de-cocking lever was for a S&W 745. I altered it to clear the left stock panel, then bead blasted it.

Very nice work.

 

[Exchipy]

Very nice work.

Thank you, sir. But, it really wasn't work; I love doing that kinda stuff.