745 vs 845 vs 945

[HappyHunter]

Was hoping for information on differences of the model 745, 845 and 945.

Is the 845 the one best suited for a wad gun?

Any knowledge appreciated.

Fred

 

[RGPM1A]

I have both the 845 and 945. The 845 is basically a model 52 or 952 (have both of these too) in 45 caliber. The 945 is basically a cross between a 4506 and a 1911 - basically a 4506 frame and slide (with a Briley Bushing) with 1911 fire control parts.

The are both capable of very good groups with target ammo.

Choosing one would boil down to the type of trigger and grip angle/width you like best. The 845 has a pivot trigger and a fatter grip. The 945 has a much thinner grip and 1911 type trigger. IMHO they both can be excellent bullseye guns.

I don't have a 745 so I can't comment.

 

[colt_saa]

The 745 is not much more than a single action only version of the 645. It is a production firearm and shoots like one. It is accurate enough for most shooters.

There was a version of the 745 that was produced to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of IPSC.

The 845 is the true Heir to the throne of the model 52. It is a super accurrate 45ACP version of what was probably the most accurate pistol ever to come out of Smith and Wesson, the 38 Special Model 52. There were two slightly different runs of the model 845, both are hard to come by.

If you can shoot a model 52 well, you will love the 845.

The 945 was the Performance Center's first attempt to lure the folks that love the 1911 grip angle and straight pull trigger over to S&W target pistols. They are quite accurate and available in several configurations. I do not own any so there are no images here. Visually the 945 never appealed to me. I always felt go 1911 or go S&W. The ones I have shot are almost on par with the 845s. I am glad that they eventually went for a straight 1911

 

[scwv67]

After getting my 4506, the 845 became my Grail Gun. The quest continues.

 

[HappyHunter]

Thanks for the input.

I have 52's, LS 952, 745, 845 and 945.

The 745 (ipsc) and 845 are unfired and I wanted this input to help me decide which gun to break out.

I will be shooting the 845, started dry firing last night and will have at range Thursday.

Thanks for the input.

 

[mxbob]

I have and shoot all three. I find the 945 suits me best. The 845 is a very close second. 745 is more of a duty gun than a target piece in my opinion but they are all pretty special.
Bob Ray

 

[handgunner356]

I have all three and any will feed about anything you can put in them. I do prefer the 845 for Bullseye because of it's trigger and sights. The trigger on the 745 is just as good, and mine has a BarSto barrel in it and just as accurate, but the sights are not as sharp as the 845. The 945 shoots as good as the others but the trigger does feel different to me.

 

[jlas78]

Hello Everybody,

Could anybody help me with my new purchase.

I bought an 845 ".45 Target Champion" written on the slide, serial # WCP092X.

I would like to know if its a second generation.

Another diference that a notice with colt_saa gun, is that mine's have a "WISCHO" legend and a symbols that is noticeble in the second picture.

 

[colt_saa]

Hello Everybody,

Could anybody help me with my new purchase.

I bought an 845 ".45 Target Champion" written on the slide, serial # WCP092X.

I would like to know if its a second generation.

Another diference that a notice with colt_saa gun, is that mine's have a "WISCHO" legend and a symbols that is noticeble in the second picture.

Welcome to the Forum and congratulation on a fine addition to your shooting collection

WISCHO is a large firearms distributor in Germany.

Just like Lew Horton, Bangers, Camfour and others here in the US, WISCHO has S&W do exclusive runs of firearms for them. Since these are for export to Europe we do not see many of them here in the states.

"Target Champion" is WISCHO's line of higher end firearms.

Most "Target Champion" firearms are equipped with wood grips from Karl Nills. This is easy (and probably cheap) for WISCHO to do since both companies are based in Germany.

The little symbols that you see are proof marks showing that the barrel passed the tests of whatever country it ended up being sold in.

The proof marked WISCHOs that get sold in America are usually firearms that US Servicemen bought at the European base they were stationed at and then took them home at the end of their tour.

There are not two generations of 845s. Aside from the cosmetic differences all variations are mechanically the same.

 

[PPCSHOOTER]

NO COMMENT ON THE 745 NEVER OWNED ONE.
NOW THE 845 VS 945. MY 845 HANDS DOWN WAS MORE ACCURATE AT 50-YDS THAN THE 945. I WAS DISAPPOINTED IN THE 945. DUMPED IT. I'LL NEVER GET RID OF MY 845. IT HELD X-RING AT 50YDS ALL DAY LONG. NOT AMMO SENSITIVE AT ALL. JP

 

[tjpopkin]

I too have had experience with all three guns….I have shot in competition for 50 years and have mixed feelings….all except one (1). The 945 is the gun I would call my favorite 'of all time".
It all started with a 745 that I inherited from a son-in-law who divorced my daughter….I hated the gun, since, at the time, all I could compare it to was a modified Gold Cup. I was top gun in a local league and the Gold Cup was best gun I had shot.

I hurt my arm and decided to shoot with reduced recoil….bought a Model 52. Much to my surprise, it was not very accurate…..
I sent it back to S&W and it was given to one of the pistol smiths from the (new) Performance Center who I had met at an armory class at S&W. He explained that some 52s (it was a -2) had bad barrels, and he replaced the barrel with one from the retired shooting team guns. It became a tack driver….except that I had jamming problems (both reloads and commercial) that occasionally reared their ugly head.

I then found a 845 and liked it, but it did not shoot as accurately as the Gold Cup…..so I sold it. Back to the smaller caliber….bought a 952 and it changed my world….incredible gun. Soft shooting and accurate. My dealer got a NEW 945 (serial#91) and I fell in love with the LOOKS. Once I shot it, my world changed once again. It was more accurate than the Gold Cup and a dream to clean. I still shoot it, and it will shoot sub 2"groups @ 50yds from a rest. In fact, I later bought a 1.5" Les Baer Bullseye gun to help a friend (who needed money) and the 945 outshot the Baer….

I had a set of .356TSW guns, and I converted the 5" to 9mm at the Performance Center. I compared to the 952, and the 5" converted .356 was even more accurate (Briley bushing…basically the same gun only double stacker).

The 945 is the King. It outshoots some really nice custom guns I have built. I have not compared it to the newer PC 1911's…
For Matches, I shoot a .22 Pardini, a .32 Pardinin and my 945.

 

[boatbum101]

I had an early 945 with the Bomar sights . While it was a fine gun it wasn't anymore accurate than my Hardball gun & wasn't even close to my 3 wadguns . Grip frame is smaller than a 1911 , so it really didn't fit my hand . The Briley bushing was a PITA when reassembling after cleaning . It was also so pretty I was scared that I'd scratch it laying it on the bench to go score / replace targets . Trigger is crisp & I much prefer a roll on my target guns . If I were looking for a wadgun I'd either buy used from another shooter or have one built by a dedicated BE 'smith . Joe Chambers , KC Crawford , Greg Derr , Dave Santurri , Roddy Toyota , Jerry Keefer , S. T. " Buddy " Chapman , Larry Carter all can build you a great one . With new machining capabilities & hand fitting 1 1/2" 10 shot groups @ 50yds ( 45acp ) is quite possible . IMHO there's not a factory gun that'll shoot as well . BTW you don't want a Clark Custom .

 

[jlas78]

Welcome to the Forum and congratulation on a fine addition to your shooting collection

WISCHO is a large firearms distributor in Germany.

Just like Lew Horton, Bangers, Camfour and others here in the US, WISCHO has S&W do exclusive runs of firearms for them. Since these are for export to Europe we do not see many of them here in the states.

"Target Champion" is WISCHO's line of higher end firearms.

Most "Target Champion" firearms are equipped with wood grips from Karl Nills. This is easy (and probably cheap) for WISCHO to do since both companies are based in Germany.

The little symbols that you see are proof marks showing that the barrel passed the tests of whatever country it ended up being sold in.

The proof marked WISCHOs that get sold in America are usually firearms that US Servicemen bought at the European base they were stationed at and then took them home at the end of their tour.

There are not two generations of 845s. Aside from the cosmetic differences all variations are mechanically the same.

Colt_saa, thanks for response.

I'm new in this world, and I expect to learn a lot from you and the rest of the members.

 

[colt_saa]

Thanks for the input.

I have 52's, LS 952, 745, 845 and 945.

The 745 (ipsc) and 845 are unfired and I wanted this input to help me decide which gun to break out.

I will be shooting the 845, started dry firing last night and will have at range Thursday.

Thanks for the input.

Did you enjoy shooting the 845 last night?

 

[HappyHunter]

Colt_saa,

I did enjoy the 845, it did not group as well as I had hoped but felt really good in the hand. The rounds I used where develope for a Clark heavy long slide from the sixths, 5.2 gr of 231 under a 185 swc. I will need to try a lighter load perhaps 3.6 gr of bullseye with the same bullet, just need to load a few.

I also tried my 952 long slide and was very pleased with grouping. I do enjoy the 52's they are my very favorite of the bottom feeders.

 

[colt_saa]

Colt_saa,

I did enjoy the 845, it did not group as well as I had hoped but felt really good in the hand. The rounds I used where develope for a Clark heavy long slide from the sixths, 5.2 gr of 231 under a 185 swc. I will need to try a lighter load perhaps 3.6 gr of bullseye with the same bullet, just need to load a few.

I also tried my 952 long slide and was very pleased with grouping. I do enjoy the 52's they are my very favorite of the bottom feeders.

Glad you liked the feel

My 845 (and my Uncle's) shoot one ragged hole with 5.1 of 231 under a 200 grain H&G #68, WLP

I have never found a load that gets my 952 to even come close to being worthy of having a 52 in model number. But other folks seen to like theirs

 

[HappyHunter]

Colt_saa,

I will try the 200 gr zero SWC with the 231, can't hurt.

My 952 LS load is a zero, 125 gr JHP over 4.2 gr of Tite-group, wsp primer.

I appreciate your comments,

Fred

 

[boatbum101]

If you've some Bullseye & N-310 try 3.8 BE & 3.6 N-310 w/ the Zero 200 . These are my 50yd loads & will avg 2" @ 50yds out of my 3 wadguns .