New to me 645

[stansdds]

So I've reentered the world of the large frame S&W metal frame pistols. Last week I picked up this old Model 645. I did not get what I would consider a great deal, but the only thing rarer around here than 45 caliber metal frame Smiths would be those in 10mm. This is the first 645 I've seen in a few years, so I parted with $450.

I've only test fired 10 rounds of ball ammo through it, since I have no idea how many rounds are on the current recoil spring. All 10 rounds fed and fired flawlessly. As you can see, I've picked up a couple of 4506 mags and I just received a new thumb safety. I'm guessing the original right side screw and lever parted company with the body of the safety at some time and someone decided to smooth the body and make it a permanent single sided safety.

Right side grip panel is toast. The only other major issue I have found is the trigger play spring. It's still riveted in place, but it is loose.

Anyone know anything about West Haven PD and their 645's? This one has a TRF serial number.

 

[James Bond]

An all-stainless 645 is always a nice find. Yours was obviously an LE duty pistol in its earlier life. Missing right side decocking lever is common, and not inconvenient unless you are a left-hand shooter. With some new grips and a bit of TLC you will have a great "classic" to add to your collection.

 

[mbliss57]

That is a fine 2nd Gen. pistol. New grips, maybe new springs and a black plastic or metal cap to cover the safety hole and you are golden.

 

[Redcoat3340]

You did good. I got one last year and it is one seriously big piece of S&W. I can't imagine carrying one as a duty gun without a good, thick belt; heavy-duty suspenders; and a back brace, truss, and one of those copper (no pun intended) pain-reliever belts they advertise on late-nite TV.

But you're gonna like it a lot once you get the grips fixed. And I'd leave that right side safety off...unless you're a lefty.

 

[dogzebra]

You didn't get hurt one bit. Nice looking project gun. Have fun with it.

 

[Tom Kent]

I got one when they first hit the market. We had just been authorized to carry auto pistols. Mine was a good shooter but it developed a problem. The hammer would not cock and the trigger was also locked. I had it repaired and traded it on a Sig P220.

 

[flagman1776]

I bought my M645 from the Dept Armorer who built it as his class gun at S&W school... it had all the upgrades. As it was already authorized, it became my duty gun. It never hiccuped, ever, no matter what I fed it. I would carry it today & feel well armed.

 

[K Frame Keith]

Nice find. Great gun. I wanted a 645 but before I found the funds the third generation guns were out and I ended up with a blued 4505. I carried it on duty for a few years in a Safariland holster and never found it to be a burden. Not the definition of an off duty though. Enjoy your find.

 

[flagman1776]

Affirmative, Safariland duty holster. I never noticed the weight.

 

[stansdds]

The big Smiths are heavy, but fortunately, that is not a concern for me. How Sonny Crockett managed to carry one, perfectly concealed too, is beyond me. Oh, wait, Hollywood, where everything is possible!

 

[Gregor]

Paid $450.00 on June 19, 1987 for my 645, Serial Number TAV1466. Traded it to a friend several years ago.

 

[Bruce51]

When I replaced my left side lever screw with a hex head stainless it kept coming loose when using loctite.

Finally degreased with acetone again and mixed some five minute epoxy.

It hasn't been loose since the epoxy was applied.

BLM

 

[stansdds]

I don't think I want to go the epoxy route! The ever loosening safety screw was a bane to the 2nd gen S&W pistols. I expect I will go with some blue LocTite and keep an eye on it. This is not going to be a carry piece, it will be a range toy.

 

[Bruce51]

Go ahead and try but I did the blue twice and it was loose after fifty rounds.

The epoxy is not permanent. A little heat and it breaks down.

Good luck with yours. Just be sure to only coat the threads with a small amount of the adhesive of your choice. Otherwise you can lock up the lever.

Suggest using a toothpick to apply into the drum threads only.

BLM

 

[N4KVE]

My 645 came to me with the 4506 safety set up. Nothing to come loose there. a GARY.

 

[Bruce51]

My 645 came to me with the 4506 safety set up. Nothing to come loose there. a GARY.

Well that was a very good addition for your pistol . Congratulations!

BLM

 

[CelticSire]

My 645 came to me with the 4506 safety set up. Nothing to come loose there. a GARY.

Mine came with the big honkin phillips head screw. Changed it out for the 4506 set up, haven't had an issue since.

 

[stansdds]

I agree, the 3rd gen pin retained safety is the ultimate answer and the way to go for a serious business pistol and the 3rd gen safety's right side width is reduced by the elimination of the big, ugly screw.

Wait a second. I see what's going on here. Y'all are trying to talk me into buying more parts for what is going to be a toy!

Well, I ain't falling for that one.

Or, hmmmm...

 

[Deputy]

Well good luck finding factory grips for it. They are scarcer than hen's teeth. You picked up mags? Where and how much? All I found for my "new" 645 were Triple K and ProMag...which I am reluctant to buy. I also ordered 2-dot factory rear sights and a recoil buffer for it from Numrich, and a new recoil spring from Wolff. Yeah, season 3 and 4 Don Johnson carried the 645. Just too much breakage with the Bren 10. Weird, because they used a .45ACP setup in it. Hate to see how long it would last with 10MM back then. Norma had some HOT loads and nobody else made 10MM ammo. Here's mine:

 

[flagman1776]

My 645 came to me with the 4506 safety set up. Nothing to come loose there. a GARY.

When my dept armorer built what would become my duty gun at the S&W school, it must have been very late in the 645 run. I was told "It had all the upgrades" & that included the 4506 right side safety lever.