I'm trying to hunt down another .45 ACP for bullseye match competition and the two current front runners are the current production SW1911 with an adjustable rear sight and the discontinued 945. I have a pre-70 series Colt 1911 National Match and was hoping to get a non-1911 for my next purchase, which is the reason for the 945. Trying to keep it in the S&W family but would consider other more capable options. Would appreciate some thoughts and ideas about the two candidates or whatever might be better.
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Which .45 ACP - SW1911 or 945?
- Thread starter Beeser
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SW1911 is going to give you a lot more options for mags, parts, sights, spare parts, and other accessories. There is a substantial knowledge base out there on them too. Not so much on the 945.
Any gunsmith will be able to work on a 1911. A 945 is better off going back to the performance center.
A SW1911 would likely be less expensive, and deliver comparable accuracy.
Good luck getting spare magazines for a 945.
Why not get the best of both worlds with a performance center 1911?
Any gunsmith will be able to work on a 1911. A 945 is better off going back to the performance center.
A SW1911 would likely be less expensive, and deliver comparable accuracy.
Good luck getting spare magazines for a 945.
Why not get the best of both worlds with a performance center 1911?
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Actually, I meant the Performance Center 1911, the one with the adjustable sights.
ablediver
Member
The 945 is like real estate, "Location, Location, Location". If you're in the Northeast, sending it back to the factory is not a really big deal. Otherwise, you could be on a grunion hunt for parts. Santurri Ltd. in No. Attleboro, MA custom modifies 1911's for competition. Look up Dave on the 'net and give him a call.
Just my $.02
Just my $.02
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The 945 from the Performance Center is probably more accurate than the service grade S&W 1911, even if the latter has adjustable sights.
Again, I meant the Performance Center 1911 not the service grade.
I don't think one is going to be measurably more accurate than the other.
They both will be VERY accurate handguns
The advantage of the PC1911 is that if the grips do no fit your hands well, you can adjust to slim, palmswell, or normal grips, and have a selection of several materials from wood, to rubber, to laminated linen of micarta, to aluminum, etc, etc. If the trigger reach needs to be adjusted, any gun smith can handle that. With the 945, you really have a selection of the grips already made and a few boutique makers that do limited or custom runs.
To me, the 945 is a showpiece of the performance center. An entirely unique design where they could apply their craft to the maximum of their ability and offer a "dream" gun. It's the last home grown project they did before converting over to 1911's exclusively for autos. It really is a hybrid of a third gen auto and a 1911. But the 1911 and especially the PC1911 is a true workhorse that not only gives you an outstanding starting place, but allows you to grow the pistol's features to meet your needs as they develop.
As mentioned before, either will do their job in spades while remaining desirable and reliable. The PC1911 will simply give you more options and support.
I might be stepping out of my area of expertise, but I at least thought that the 945 was fairly ammo-sensitive regarding accuracy, (meaning super accurate with a few bullet weights and loadings, accuracy falling off with others) whereas 1911's typically are accurate across a wider selection of ammo. This isn't based on personal experience but rather from hanging around the indoor bullseye league and reading the forums here. No problem if someone corrects me on this last point. I know that the 952's would open up on heavy ammo.
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wlp624
Member
Now you're makin' smart decisions. When faced with a choice between two fine S&W semi-autos, its always wise to grab both of 'em!
Bruce51
Member
Everyone has posted some really good reasons to go with the 1911.
Replacement parts, magazines and the almost endless ability to adjust and tweak things to your liking.
The 945 is a custom build as stated a true hybrid.
One real difference between the guns is the angle and feel of the grip.
The 945 is flat on the front strap and the grip is straighter. This makes it a natural pointer for me as the gun sits better in the hand.
You really need to hold a full size 945 to understand the difference.
As far as accuracy the 945 likes moderate loads. It is very heavy and easy to control.
If you can find a 945 buy it now!
You can always buy a 1911.
BLM
Replacement parts, magazines and the almost endless ability to adjust and tweak things to your liking.
The 945 is a custom build as stated a true hybrid.
One real difference between the guns is the angle and feel of the grip.
The 945 is flat on the front strap and the grip is straighter. This makes it a natural pointer for me as the gun sits better in the hand.
You really need to hold a full size 945 to understand the difference.
As far as accuracy the 945 likes moderate loads. It is very heavy and easy to control.
If you can find a 945 buy it now!
You can always buy a 1911.
BLM
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Bruce51
Member
To get a real good idea of the value you need to join Gunbroker and check completed auctions.
I just checked and there seem to be plenty that did not sell as the reserve was not met.
Of the completed auctions they sell from $1,100-$1,549.
Also there are other models of the 945 beside the five inch.
Mine was on sale in 2002 for $1200. I expect it could easily be sold today for the same amount.
Just remember a custom 1911 can easily cost just as much or more if you buy the high end guns.
It still is a grail gun for me. Found by luck when I was looking for something else. No regrets buying it even though it was an impulse, love at first sight, purchase.
I'm keeping mine.
BLM
I just checked and there seem to be plenty that did not sell as the reserve was not met.
Of the completed auctions they sell from $1,100-$1,549.
Also there are other models of the 945 beside the five inch.
Mine was on sale in 2002 for $1200. I expect it could easily be sold today for the same amount.
Just remember a custom 1911 can easily cost just as much or more if you buy the high end guns.
It still is a grail gun for me. Found by luck when I was looking for something else. No regrets buying it even though it was an impulse, love at first sight, purchase.
I'm keeping mine.
BLM
wlp624
Member
Perhaps look around for an 845?
They do show up and don't command outrageous money.
Not real flashy but can really shoot.
Good Luck, Kevin
They do show up and don't command outrageous money.
Not real flashy but can really shoot.
Good Luck, Kevin
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