Model 645

KFW · Jul 25, 2021

I walked into the LGS last Thurday and there is was, a model 645. I grew up in the 80's watching Miami Vice and just had to get it. I got it home and cleaned up, now just have to take it out shooting. Thanks to a member of the forum, I have two more magazines coming for it. I really like the look and feel of this gun. Anyone else have a 645?

Dave_n · Jul 25, 2021

Yes, I have an early 645, then two 745s with Novak sights and another "somewhat larger', a 4506 though the magazines will work in all three types. Dave_n

huthike · Jul 25, 2021

I’ve got one. Feels like a tank and shoots like a dream.

Miami_JBT · Jul 25, 2021

I'm a fan.

lihpster · Jul 25, 2021

I was selling guns when those were out. Lots of guns in the case. The two that got the most attention were the Ruger Super Redhawk in .44 Mag. and the 645. I myself spent some hours fondling a 645 when I should have been stocking shelves. Good looking guns that felt good in the hand.

sigp220.45 · Jul 25, 2021

Yep. They are wonderful guns.

Engine49guy · Jul 25, 2021

Had a 745 but foolishly sold it to a friend that traded it off for some piece of fluff.
The 645 was imo a larger version of the 639.
Iirc these models will feed and chamber empty 45 casings.

KFW · Jul 25, 2021

Very nice, beautiful collection.

KFW · Jul 25, 2021

sigp220.45 said:
Yep. They are wonderful guns.

Very nice gun and love the shoulder holster.

VictorLouis · Jul 25, 2021

Great example of a great gun. They are lighter, and just more svelte than their 4th-gen 'improved' models, LOL.

DO be careful of any bumps or dings to the backstrap. That whole checkered portion is a single, plastic piece, and I don't think they've aged well. You'd probably have a heckuva time finding a replacement.

Trooper224 · Jul 25, 2021

VictorLouis said:
Great example of a great gun. They are lighter, and just more svelte than their 4th-gen 'improved' models, LOL.

DO be careful of any bumps or dings to the backstrap. That whole checkered portion is a single, plastic piece, and I don't think they've aged well. You'd probably have a heckuva time finding a replacement.

The backstrap on the 645 is steel, not plastic.

There's no such thing as a "4th generation ".

twistedracer · Jul 25, 2021

Excellent pistol.
I don’t see many pics posted of 645’s with adjustable sights, so here’s mine.

Miami_JBT · Jul 25, 2021

KFW said:
Very nice gun and love the shoulder holster.

austintexas · Jul 26, 2021

I bought one as soon as they came out, then traded it for a 745 because someone told me they were more accurate, got addicted, found another 645, then a 845 and finally a 945. I think I liked the 745 the best because it was more accurate. By the way I still have them all.
SWCA 892

Kavinsky · Jul 26, 2021

yeah that's an early one, you can tell by the grips, the early ones were black gloss, the latter matt, and it should have square washers under them vs the circular of the latter ones which also had a change of the safety lever thing from a hex pin to a basic x type screw

something you pick up on when you look at grips for the thing

also of note the vice gun had a black insert for the front sight, not sure if the early early ones came with it like that or they asked to have that done for it, but vice had a habit of getting the earliest of everything it seemed

like for instance the season 5 update from that gun was actually to the prototype of the 4506, like a one of a couple hundred run marked 645 on the frame, that was yet like a hybrid of the two.

plus I kinda tried to black out the front sight on mine with some permanent marker because of that as it just looks better lol

VictorLouis · Jul 26, 2021

Trooper224 said:
The backstrap on the 645 is steel, not plastic.

There's no such thing as a "4th generation ".

IF you hold a magnet to it, you'll feel attraction from the mainspring and strut under it. An instructor of mine was first on the block with his when introduced. He dinged the checkering on-duty, and took it to the local smith. When hit with a checkering file, in order to touch it up, that's when it was discovered.

LOL, yeah, my terminology:

39/59 1st
-2 w/firing-pin safety 2nd
3 & 4 digit models 3rd
However, the 4 digit models have such distinct upgrades to the looks, and the smoothness of their actions (by comparison), that's how I've maintained the distinction.

BigBoy99 · Jul 26, 2021

When I got my first 645, I liked it so much I had to get a second. To me, real wood grips just belong on a steel gun!

stansdds · Jul 26, 2021

The back strap on the Model 645, just as is that of the 39/x39/59/x59 pistols, is aluminum.

I have not one, but two Model 645's. One is a former LEO pistol and shows it, that's the shooter. The other is in excellent condition, appears to have been used very little and was well cared for, that's my Sonny Crockett show piece.

The big S&W pistols are overbuilt for the 45 ACP and will live happily ever after on a diet of 45 ACP +P, if that's your thing. They tend to be at least service grade accurate, 4-6 inches at 25 yards, some do much better. They are also reliable, so long as the magazine is in good condition. They do have a reputation for being so reliable that you can chamber resized empty case from the magazine.

farmerjonwest · Jul 26, 2021

I bought a 645 two years ago.It is hands down my favorite pistol.Its big and beautiful and reliable! When I take it to the range other shooters are very interested in the gun.I own many pistols hks, sigs.But the 645 is my holy grail gun.It is the only gun I will never sell I want to be buried with it.

KFW · Jul 26, 2021

Miami_JBT said:
Old School Cool: Smith & Wesson's Model 645 and 745 Second Generation .45 Autos - The Truth About Guns

Nice article, thanks for sharing.

Model 645

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