In-work reproduction of original thread by member "sig.natures".
A few months ago I ask the community if it wished to share their information on 945s to create a "complete" catalog of the various configurations produced. So please accept this as my "kinda maybe close" catalog of M945 Performance Center pistols. Thank you to all that have contributed to this effort. Very special thanks go to SmithNut for contributing the original distributor flyers for many of the variations. They will be prominently displayed.
There will be three "spreadsheets" denoting different ranges of variations. Each provides side by side listings of the characteristics of each variant. The first is 945 No Dash models; the second 945-1. The third are models yet unknown to me in terms of product code. A LEO story relating to one of those special run "unknowns" can be found in that section.
At the top of each column is the product code. For the sake of space only a few slides, typically four are included per variant except for the last few and the unknown variants. A link to a public access PhotoBucket library containing a collection of many photos of the product codes is inserted here:
schughes_photos's Library | Photobucket
The photo naming convention is 945-product code-the photo number. 945-170104-2 is the second pic of the first model made, the 170104.
I am sure that there are errors and ask that you send corrections by PM or reply. I will make the necessary changes and post a reply pointing both the find and finder with thanks. Send any new information as well with pictures either by PM or reply.
I hope that you find this a useful tool and look forward to chatting with you over time! Be safe and be blessed. It doesn't matter how many great guns we acquire if we have to leave them to our family before our time – or cause someone else to do so.
GROUP 1; 945 NO DASH early variants without the passive firing pin block safety produced around 1998-2000.
170104 – the first M945PC. 1998 run weighed 43.5 oz and seen as too heavy versus the 1911. Beginning in 1999-2000 the weight was cut to 42 oz. The large 945 on the slide - called billboard models were to clearly announce on the competition shooting line that there was a new challenger to the venerable 1911. Stainless rounds and polished flats, fish scales. The very last 945-1 offering, the 170173 is a duplicate of the first design without the billboard.
170147 – - Duplicates 170104 but with black rounds slide and frame and polished flats on all.
170152 -
170153 -
170156 –
170169 -
GROUP 2 – 945-1 VARIANTS including some rare, very low volume models such as 170174, the black mirror version of the common 170173 along with the 170222 stainless with wavy serrations and its mirror black with polished flats 170227.
170173 – the first 945-1 model and also the first reproduction of an original model, 170104 but without the Billboard. It and its reverse black over polished flat 170300 share the distinction being the last models offered before the 945 was taken out of service
170174 - updated 6-4-2013.
This PC was previously unidentified variant that the Standard Catalog listed by PC but with no other information. The first Two pics have been validated by SW customer service as produced in 09/13/01 SKU # 170174 came from the Smith & Wesson Sports Center. Thid ID clears up one of the "unknown variants in the original text and will be moved to this section.
170177 – 3.25" barrel
170180 – the 945-40, 40S&W 3.75" barrel
170184 - the black version of 170177.
170222 – rare, low production run of perhaps 75-80 units made. Note the wavy serrations. Serial begin with BAM and the highest that I have seen is 0056 so there are more than 50 of them made. See serial number note on next model for more. It also appears that serial numbers beginning with BLC were also produced, member tailgunner6 has serial number BLC0001, and BLC0062 has been observed.
170227 – rare, and one of the most beautiful handguns that I have seen is the black over polished flats sister to the 170222. Unlike the 170222, this one does not have a billboard. It too has wavy serrations and wears wine laminated grips. Rbert0005 states that a S&W rep told him that about 130 were made. An important note with regards to serial numbers. Unlike most variations the 170227 continued the same serial number sequence of the 170222 with BAM prefix. The lowest s/n that I saw was 0083, meaning that there were up to 82 of the 170222 made. The highest seen was 0154. I think it possible that the production number is less than 130. Not that the file names for these pics are errantly named as 945-170223.
170300 – this and the 170173 were the last variants marketed. Its characteristics are close to the 170227 except that it has fish scale serrations.
GROUP 3 – VERY LOW VOLUME, YET UNIDENTIFIED VARIANTS. I can use all of the help that I can get on these.
I heard many interesting stories but one in particular stands out. Sometime around 1999 Smith and Wesson engaged the Clark County Emergency Response Team to trial a prototype pistol that was full size with a full melonite finish and low profile night sights. The serrations were straight lines cut at angle.
The author tells the story clearly. S&W was looking at proof of concept but also setting up a possible advertising opportunity. To the author's knowledge ten such weapons were issued to them. Over a decade later the officers were allowed to purchase their arms. You will note in the pictures that the melonite finish held up to a decade of carry very well. There may be other such stories out there but this one landed in my inbox and with the author's permission I share it with you. Notice that the state is not listed. There must be scores of Clark Counties in the USA affording some measure of anonymity.
I think that this has been a good beginning. Please help advance the game with your constructive feedback and new information.
Steve H.
Shortly after I posted that picture, a top-shelf 945 collector who used to be quite active around here swapped a gun to my buddy in an even-up trade for that pistol. It's a rare variant of the 945 for sure.
![DSC_0374[1].jpg](https://cdn.smith-wessonforum.com/attachments/344/344660-b8665f9439db92df8850307bb3655577.jpg?hash=wKr1zeTgmQ)
