645 with dovetailed front sight

[rwadley1]

This 645 popped up on another forum and the front sight has me curious.

Most I see online have a fixed front sight with a red insert. This one has a black dovetailed front sight.

I also noticed the decocker doesn't have a Phillip's nor an Allen head screw in it.

The serial number prefix is TAN which puts it in the 1986 range. I think this is too early to be transitional gun.

Can someone enlighten me on these oddities?

 

[4T5GUY]

I don’t have an answer but that is definitely a VERY early 4506 slide on a 645 frame.

Jim

 

[Sevens]

It is interesting, I have thoughts. First thought is that those stocks are pure vomit, I cannot find a better word for the task.

It’s long been my opinion that every early 3rd Gen I have ever seen is wearing a 2nd Gen top half half that has been altered to make it proper for the 3rd Gen enhancements. And the 2nd Gen slides are easily spotted with the classic “four lines” of S&W info on the left side above the slide stop.

I’m not even saying a 3rd Gen example must be a pilot or transitional, I am just saying random early 3rd Gens.

I believe you caught some previous owner putting together parts. You’re correct in that the serial number range is too early — and Jim is correct in that is a very early 3rd Gen 4506 slide.

Some of the early 3rd Gens did not yet have the legendary Novak lo-mount rear sight. I believe they were still working out licensing contract details and that held up the new sights (which were obviously a key feature of the 3rd Gen upgrades.)

I hope I never see those Hogue stocks ever again!

 

[stansdds]

1986 would be too early for any sort of transitional 645 to 4506 piece. I'm guessing there was a slide swap performed somewhere along this 645's life.

 

[N4KVE]

My very early 645 has the 4506 safety levers. Yeah, it ain’t “correct”, but it works, & there’s no screw to fall out. I guess a previous owner did that. GARY

 

[rwadley1]

It is interesting, I have thoughts. First thought is that those stocks are pure vomit, I cannot find a better word for the task.

It’s long been my opinion that every early 3rd Gen I have ever seen is wearing a 2nd Gen top half half that has been altered to make it proper for the 3rd Gen enhancements. And the 2nd Gen slides are easily spotted with the classic “four lines” of S&W info on the left side above the slide stop.

I’m not even saying a 3rd Gen example must be a pilot or transitional, I am just saying random early 3rd Gens.

I believe you caught some previous owner putting together parts. You’re correct in that the serial number range is too early — and Jim is correct in that is a very early 3rd Gen 4506 slide.

Some of the early 3rd Gens did not yet have the legendary Novak lo-mount rear sight. I believe they were still working out licensing contract details and that held up the new sights (which were obviously a key feature of the 3rd Gen upgrades.)

I hope I never see those Hogue stocks ever again!

Great info and totally agree on the grips. I dont plan to pursue this one.

Thanks, everyone!