645 or 1911 ???

[shawn mccarver]

I would rather have a 1911. More magazines, parts readily available, etc. The 645 was a very fine pistol, but parts are going to become a problem in the future as the model was discontinued many years ago.

 

[S&W5906]

I would rather have a 1911. More magazines, parts readily available, etc. The 645 was a very fine pistol, but parts are going to become a problem in the future as the model was discontinued many years ago.

Another advantage the 1911 has is it comes in many sizes. From 3" barrels up to 6" barrels. Far easier to hide the 3" than it is to hide the 645 for CCW. For CCW, a CS45 would be better. Or a CS40 even. But like the 645, S&W stopped making the CS40 too.

 

[ratrabbit]

New here but, I have owned both and carried both. The only point I would make is that many 1911s need some tweaking to run properly. Most Smith 45s I have encountered were reliable out of the box and had fewer feeding issues. But, if reliability and training are equal, I would say its strictly personal preference. Mine would be for the 645.

 

[Damien]

I'd carry my 645 more if I could find a shoulder holster for it. 1911 has more extras and holsters. Can't go wrong either way. Something about gun steel that just feels right. Nothing against the M&P boys.

I have a Beretta 92 and a Taurus 100. When I had my 645 all 3 fit in the same holsters.... even the molded holsters. I bought holsters made for the Beretta because they had the biggest selection and the 645 fit better than the Taurus. Seems the Taurus is a hair wider and was a little tight untill the holster got broke in a little...... But the 645 fit like a glove right out of the bag.

 

[Damien]

On the other hand, I know many officers who think the shorter trigger press of a modern 1911 pistol will make them a better shot.

I dont look in cops holsters to take a poll, but I don't think I've seen a 1911 in a LEO holster in a long time. I thought most Dept. were even going to DAO for liability issues.

 

[SW CQB 45]

The dept I work for issues Glock 21 however you can carry personally owned firearms that meet guidelines and you have to show proficiency/qual.

Single Action 1911 style is in our General Orders.

Out of 115 officer dept, very few carry 1911 style. I can only think of 4 off the top of my head which includes me.

I turned in my issued Glock 21 since we are having problems getting Glocks for new hires.

 

[WxMan_II]

Definitely the 645

In my mind, the 645 is everything the 1911 should have been.. SA/DA, 8 round standard capacity, ambidextrous safety/decocker, and the damned thing will chamber anything you try to feed it. Definitely refinements that are to be appreciated in a carry gun.

 

[BigBoy99]

In my mind, the 645 is everything the 1911 should have been.. SA/DA, 8 round standard capacity, ambidextrous safety/decocker, and the damned thing will chamber anything you try to feed it. Definitely refinements that are to be appreciated in a carry gun.

Everything he said!!! Have several 645s but only one M1911.

 

[44wheelman]

Eh, I vote hybrid... S&W 945.

I've had a couple 645's, accuracy was not their forte, feeding empty cases was impressive. Why I'd need to feed empty cases I don't know, but it was cool.

 

[J. W.]

Depends on intended used, IMO. Safe queen and occasional shooter? A nice 645 would be cool. For a gun you're going to run hard for self defense, CCW, LE duty or competition, I'd take a S&W E Series 1911 for sure.

Every year that goes by parts, including high wear items like mags and their associated components, get harder to find for our beloved metal framed S&Ws.


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[Laketime]

I bought a brand new 645 when they first came out.I didn't like the 45 acp round until I fired it out of a 1911. I traded the 645 in towards a 1911 and never looked back. The 645 worked fine enough,and it looked good to see a semi auto with a factory red ramp.But it sat high in the hand due to poor grip design that they quickly corrected in the 4506.I found it not to be a natural pointer like the 1911.