Model 745 - Born too late?

[cmansguns]

I have a top condition, all original Model 745 with all its' goodies (box, docs, spare mag, etc.).

Maybe it is just me, but I can't find many posts about these really great single stack 45's.

Mine is the non-IPSC variant (prod code 103721), duo-tone, adjustable rear sight, traditional left side safety..plain jane when compared with Mike Plaxco's full race IPSC 745 pictured in SCSW 4th.

Box end label shows spec order 7307 so I'm thinking November 3, 1987 which is right in line with the product manufacturing code production date range 1987 to 1990.

Only 3 years for this variant of 2nd Gen S&W semi's. When one holds this gun and then holds a WWII 1911A1, yes, you feel the differences' but your hand, eyes, immediately gain that comfortable, old school familiarity and at least for me...I could put rounds on target I'm sure with eyes closed if I had to.

Guess the high capacity double stacks and the advent of plastic guns just squeezed this fine handgun out of business.

Simply put: Born too late!

What say you old schoolers, lovers of walnut and blue/ss steel guns? Anybody out there still a fan boy of Model 745?

[toddcfii]

“Mine is the non-IPSC variant (prod code 103721), duo-tone, adjustable rear sight, traditional left side safety..plain jane when compared with Mike Plaxco's full race IPSC 745 pictured in SCSW 4th.”

I do like these guns and would love to own one if I found it at a decent price. I think they are a good design and have a great set up of controls and human machine interface. It appears to me that the OP’s gun has a fixed rear sight, not adjustable?? I believe they were available with both.

[4T5GUY]

When I saw the title, “745 Born To Late” I took it literally.

I was hoping another 745 showed up that WAS born to late, (like my 1998 example.) It took awhile but I did get it figured out thanks to Roy.

745’s are really great pistols and in my view historically important. They are a pleasure to shoot, accurate and look good doing it.

It looks like you got a nice one and I’m sure you will be very happy with it.

Jim

[Dave_n]

I have two dating from their earliest days and they are the most accurate 0.45 ACP pistols that I own. Over 25K through one and 12K through the other. Only replacements were the recoil springs. Dave_n

[Model52guy]

I have three 745’s. One is the ISPC bannered one. I have 8 1911’s and would rather shoot the 745 over my Randall 45’s. The 745 will load and shoot most bullet profiles.

[Ben-Kenobi]

I own two anniversary models and one was used in IPSC competition. It came with eight magazines and is in great shape. The other one is like new and came with the factory box. I bought it from the original owner and it came with ten magazines. They are truly built solidly and fit your hand so comfortably.

I do have to get the used one out to the range soon!

[cmansguns]

I meant to correct my original post but boss lady came around with honey dew chore list.

You are right....rear sight is the Novak dovetail competition which is for sure fixed. I call it the "big black wall" which is really well designed for a rapid yet correct sight picture without any glare.

I wouldn't EDC this gun so the big ears, protrusions, but most of all weight fully loaded don't bother me and it is a tack driver at the range...wins hands down against LEO daughters Glock 21 Gen 4..even though I've got to reload 2 to 1 to keep up

[cherrypointmarine]

I used to have 3 of these , but traded one off to a good friend here on the forum . The 2 I have left are one of each , an IPSC model and a non-IPSC model . The non-IPSC was sent to BMCM , he did a detailed post on all he had to do to it . They both are very accurate and will shoot anything I put in them , though I do have to adjust the sight for this . Along with these I lucked into an IPSC belt buckle , 1 0f 12 , from the World Shoot VII that was here in Florida . Looks great beside the IPSC 745 .

[loeman]

Hi cmansguns,

I have almost the exact outfit as yours. I bought mine ANIB with everything including unopened tools set. The only variation I can determine is my spec. order code is 7325. I have put less than 50 rounds through mine and found it to be very accurate. I need to get it out and shoot it some but dang, lots others waiting in line for exercise.

[44wheelman]

I enjoyed mine….until I got my 945.

As far as too late to the party, maybe. It certainly was a markedly improvement over the 645 for me.