Difference between 745 & 845

[martyd]

Hi,
What is/are the real differences between the 745 and the 845 Target made for Lew Horton other than the adjustible sight on the 845?

Thanks,
Marty

 

[BUFF]

The 745 has a blue steel slide and stainless steel frame, while the 845 was all stainless. The 745 IPSC guns had a fixed rear sight where the 845 had adjustable Bomars. The 745 were regular production guns while the 845 were Performance Center and had a lot more fitting of slides to frames, etc.

 

[martyd]

thanks for the info, it is really helpful

i am a bullseye shooter and do not want a 1911 style, i have a 52 and love the feel of it and that is why i have been looking at the 745 & 845

now if i can only find an 845 for sale (that is not a prototype)

i have several 41s & one of them has the transition 7" barrel (no muzzle break but has slots for wts) and has a set of steel weights on it the frame has the cocking indicator - i may put it up as a trade for a 845

 

[BruceM]

The 745 was made in an IPSC stamped and a non stamped version. There was also an adjustable site version although the most commonly seem models have the Novak fixed sights. The 845 has a lot more bells & whistles. These include Bomar sights, beavertail and a fitted barrel bushing.



Bruce

 

[handgunner356]

There are actually two runs of 845s', the second is the "Model of 1998" and has forward cocking serations on it. They are true Performance Center guns as far as fit and finish, Briley Bushing, adjustable trigger and the Bomar sights. I don't think either run was more than 500 guns so they are scarce. If I didn't already have a scoped 45 Bullseye gun I would snatch that 845 prototype up to go with my open sight 845. I like the pivot trigger on the 745/845 better than the 945 or 1911 style guns, it just makes the pull seem even lighter than what it actually measures.

 

[BUFF]

ishoot:

Delete some messages in your p.m. box. you can't receive any more until you do.

 

[k22fan]

Handgunner 356;

Was the 2nd run fitted any better than the 1st run or is preference between the 2 just a matter of whether someone cares more about the forward serrations than the lack of the 1998 billboard? What is a fair price for a very good example of a 1998 2nd run 845?

Thanks for responding if I’m fortunate and you notice this;

Gil

 

[handgunner356]

I have the first run from 95' and don't think there is any differance between the two other than the script and serrations. The muzzle is slightly recessed in width at the front and does work as forward serations do, but that is a feature I seldom use. I do have a 745 and will say the trigger on it and others that I've had are just as good, but the fit isn't near what it is on the 845s'. On my 745 I have installed a BarSto barrel and had the front sight milled off and a dovetailed fiber optic installed, this gun had the LPA style adjustables on it from the factory. I used a 745 for IPSC back in the day you didn't need 24rds in your gun and it worked great for that. But the majority of them weren't "Bullseye" guns. Fair Value of a 845? Probably $2,000, so they are a bargin at grand which is still less than a use Les Baer or Rock River might run if you can find one.

 

[Grinder]

Handgunner 356;

Was the 2nd run fitted any better than the 1st run or is preference between the 2 just a matter of whether someone cares more about the forward serrations than the lack of the 1998 billboard? What is a fair price for a very good example of a 1998 2nd run 845?

Thanks for responding if I’m fortunate and you notice this;

Gil

From my examples, the both versions are equal in fit and finish

 

[k22fan]

Grinder, thanks for replying. How does $1200 for a 1998 845 in excellent conditions sound to you?

 

[Grinder]

$1200 sounds a little high unless like new
With box, both mags and paperwork

Not many out there for sale though

Good luck

 

[Feinwerk]

I just bought an 845. "WOW" is the only appropriate description. However, I would like to replace the grips with something larger to fit my hand better. Will grips for the 745 or 645 fit it? If not, what will? I like the Pachmayrs on my M52.

Do any of the 845 owners on this list have any other suggestions, as to lubrication, recoil springs, extractors, etc.?

 

[Palmetto Sharpshooter]

Grips for the 4506, 4566, 1006, etc. will fit. 645 and 745 grips will not fit.

 

[Feinwerk]

Thanks very much for the information. Do you have any thoughts on recoil springs and other replacement parts? That is, what other Smith parts (or Wolf springs) will interchange when I need them? With luck, I will not need anything, but Murphy was an optimist.