S & W 745

dsf · #1 02-01-2016, 04:44 PM

I have an S & W Model 745 with the factory issue (Wichita?) adjustable rear sight - like new, with the box, I shoot it once in a while. I see fixed rear sight models are fairly common, the BB says there were only 100 made with factory adjustable sights. Is that correct - only 100 made? Whe I saw that I looked for the "adjustable sights carry a 500% premium"

but saw nothing listed.

Is this a situation where scarce doesn't translate into more valuable? Is that 100 number correct? I have a little trouble believing I snatched the thing up a few years ago at a CA gun store and got so lucky.

smithfan4152 · #2 02-01-2016, 05:36 PM

I don't believe they carry any 500% premium. There are 2 745's on GB and one is the anniversary model, both have adjustable rear sights, one comes with 3 extra mags and a mag pouch no box $795.00 the other is a standard non anniversary model only one mag with original box. $950.00 opening bid.

dsf · #3 02-01-2016, 08:39 PM

I was joking about the premium, usually I find out that sort of thing AFTER I sell a gun cheap.

Regarding the guns on GB, one has an LPA aftermarket and the other doesn't carry the Wichita factory version. I think it's also an aftermarket sight. On the Wichita factory sighted the slide is cut for the sight.

Aussie Collector · #4 02-01-2016, 10:29 PM

The information out there for the 745 has a few inconsistencies. For example the 5000 production figures. This actually relates to the DVC serial numbers guns ans is still technically incorrect anyway as it should be estimate guns made as they can be found with serial numbers above DVC5000. There are quite a few 745s in Australia with adjustable sights although mine are fixed. Not sure what BB means and I don't know it its fair dinkum or not.
At the end of the day if Smith & Wesson made 1, 10, or 100 someone has to be lucky enough to score them. If you feel it is a rare bird I would suggests a factory letter as it may shed some light.
Other questions were in this post.
Questions for the 745 collectors
Please do keep us informed.

dsf · #5 02-03-2016, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aussie Collector

The information out there for the 745 has a few inconsistencies. For example the 5000 production figures. This actually relates to the DVC serial numbers guns ans is still technically incorrect anyway as it should be estimate guns made as they can be found with serial numbers above DVC5000. There are quite a few 745s in Australia with adjustable sights although mine are fixed. Not sure what BB means and I don't know it its fair dinkum or not.
At the end of the day if Smith & Wesson made 1, 10, or 100 someone has to be lucky enough to score them. If you feel it is a rare bird I would suggests a factory letter as it may shed some light.
Other questions were in this post.
Questions for the 745 collectors
Please do keep us informed.

Thank you for the information and the link.

Chief-wahoo · #6 02-03-2016, 10:39 PM

I was told that the run of 100 pistols that is referenced in the BB were shipped in boxes labeled model #7450 I have one and will post pics ASAP

Chief-wahoo · #7 02-03-2016, 10:54 PM

Here is a pic of my box and pistol I changed out the sight a few years back I have not got around to reinstalling the adjustable sight as I no longer shoot competition.

BUFF · #8 02-04-2016, 05:24 AM

I think that only the last couple of years of production had the adjustable rear sight. All of the DVC guns I saw were fixed sight, then some fixed sight non-DVC guns, then the non-DVC adjustable rear sight guns. I bought my 745 with adjustable rear sight, serial number TFJ5492, new October 26, 1990, and saw very few for sale new after that.