Differences between 645 and 4506 and upgrade path?

[Heinz]

Racking the slide on my 645 only happens when I am loading it after it has been stored empty. I usually use those neat little groves on either side of the slide to pull it back. It stays open when empty. I think that is to remind you to check the Phillips head screw before adding a new magazine.

 

[surfgun]

I don’t mind grabbing a 645 by the sight ears, it is a little bit like grabbing a Bren Ten by the rear sight hump.

 

[Checkman]

The one thing I did was take my 745 (2nd Generation pistol - 45ACP) into a local shop and have the trigger guard recessed in order to get a higher grip. It is sometimes referred to as a "combat cut". Basically the same change was implemented by S&W when they designed the 3rd Gen 45's. It made a good pistol even better. I like being able to get a high grip when shooting and the one big flaw with the 2nd Generation S&W 45 pistol was that trigger guard.

BEFORE

AFTER

 

[Moo Moo]

[QUOTE

No pics. I suppose everyone knows what they look like but what’s an interesting thread without them?

Jim[/QUOTE]

Yeah.....Need some pics! (Even if it's my poor photography skills). My 4506 and 1006.

 

[stansdds]

The one thing I did was take my 745 (2nd Generation pistol - 45ACP) into a local shop and have the trigger guard recessed in order to get a higher grip. It is sometimes referred to as a "combat cut". Basically the same change was implemented by S&W when they designed the 3rd Gen 45's. It made a good pistol even better. I like being able to get a high grip when shooting and the one big flaw with the 2nd Generation S&W 45 pistol was that trigger guard.

That definitely makes the 645/745 sit lower in the hand, which will lessen muzzle flip during recoil. I don't know why S&W did not make them with an undercut trigger guard. It's a handy modification, but I am hesitant to perform such these days as the value of unmolested 645's and certainly 745's is rising.

 

[Frank Black]

[QUOTE

No pics. I suppose everyone knows what they look like but what’s an interesting thread without them?

Yeah.....Need some pics! (Even if it's my poor photography skills). My 4506 and 1006.

[/QUOTE]

Good gawd! Those rear sights are sharp-winged 'adjustable' monstrosities.

How did folks every shoot them at the range on lazy Sunday afternoons without needing a trip to the E.R. for hand surgery?

So really glad all my 3rd Gens have the fixed Novaks.

 

[Checkman]

It's a handy modification, but I am hesitant to perform such these days as the value of unmolested 645's and certainly 745's is rising.

Very true and I gave it some thought before having it done. I decided I enjoyed shooting it enough that I was willing to lose some re-trade value for enhanced ergonomics. Also, I had the work done eight years ago, as you probably noticed; they weren't as valuable even those few short years ago as they are now. It's like my Model 28. I had that refinished in 2004. I really like the finish, but I degraded it's value as well. Once again the Model 28 wasn't as collectible in 2004 compared to 2021. It's one of those judgement calls one makes now and then. I'm happy with them. I suppose by modifying them I've ensured both will stay with me until I kick the bucket.

Refinished Model 28. Not as valuable, but I like it. Another judgement call.

 

[maxjames2]

Well, this is a timely post. I just looked up an old post regarding this.
A LGS has a 645 on auction, and I have a 4506-01. So I might be
interested in that 645. But maybe they are too similar to own both.
Willyboy

I have both and carried both. For me both are comfortable in my hand. I have Hogue rubber grips on the 4506-1. I prefer the trigger on the 4506-1 as it’s thinner. I also like the sights and decocker, safety on the 4506-1. I like the looks of the 645 with the brushed flats and bead blasted top. Both are comfortable in my hand. If you have the chance, get both…

 

[stansdds]

I have both and carried both. For me both are comfortable in my hand. I have Hogue rubber grips on the 4506-1. I prefer the trigger on the 4506-1 as it’s thinner. I also like the sights and decocker, safety on the 4506-1. I like the looks of the 645 with the brushed flats and bead blasted top. Both are comfortable in my hand. If you have the chance, get both…

Now there's some good advice, get both! The 645 definitely wins in the appearance category, but the 4506, especially the 4506-1, wins in the usability category. The 4506-1 was definitely the strongest of the breed, the Novak sights provided the best sight picture, the one-piece grip allowed the option of straight or curved back strap, and the MIM fire control parts gave it a generally better and more consistent trigger pull.

 

[Miami_JBT]