New to me 745 needs some love

[kraynky]

I recently ran across this locally, listed at $650 and had to have it. It had two 3rd gen magazines and is it really nice condition overall. However I want some input from you guys on the best way to sand/buff out the nicks in the polished area of the frame without loosing any serial/model numbers. Just clean it up some I think.

I figure I'll tape over the Grey parts and leave them as they are. Although I would like to take out a bit near the mag release and get my hand up a bit higher on the grip. Shout I have this done by one of the "master workers of magic" here on the forum, or try it myself?
I'm thinking of block sanding the dings in the polished portion and re-polshing it. But I don't know how to blend the Grey back in if I relieve some metal at the mag release.

Maybe I should just enjoy it as is....... but those dings keep grabbing my eye. Planing on new springs throughout, although it doesn't appear to have been shot very much.

All advice appreciated for sure. Thanks for looking.

 

[BigMuddy]

Just me, but I don't see anything I would worry about or spend money fixing. I'd just shoot it a LOT.

Dan

 

[dsf]

I have a 745 - version with the Wichita adjustable rear sight. Got it cheap because someone rounded off the trigger guard. Pretty easy to blend.

This is just SWAG, but how about a toothbrush with polishing compound such as OSSO? Tape off the grey matte, be careful around the stamping.

Gun looks pretty good as is, but a light scrubbing might do what you're looking for. Careful.

 

[MattyD380]

Congrats! I saw that one on Armslist too (also in KY). I was tempted, but I already have a 645... so... I figure I can't get EVERY gun I just kinda want.

Always been curious as to the differences in the trigger feel, accuracy, etc. between the 645 & 745. I don't think the 745 is any more tightly fit or accurized vs. the 645, right? It just has a nicer SAO trigger.

In any case... congrats again. And I think the hint of patina is beautiful.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If that were mine I would just give it a nice polish job with Flitz or Mother's Mag and call it good. You can then protect it with Renaissance Wax Polish.

 

[kraynky]

If that were mine I would just give it a nice polish job with Flitz or Mother's Mag and call it good. You can then protect it with Renaissance Wax Polish.

That's probably the direction I'll start with and see how it goes. Some of the scratches are too deep for Flitz alone, but I'm sure it won't hurt anything.

Waiting for this weather to rise above the 20's a good bit before taking it out back for a test run. Thanks all.

 

[austintexas]

I started with a 645 and a friend suggested I try a 745. World of difference, My 745 is much more accurate than the 645. I got hooked, I now own a 645, 745, 845, and a 945. Each one is a tad more accurate than the model before it.
SWCA 892

 

[Nightowl]

If it were mine, I wouldn't touch it. Just shoot it, and enjoy the history of it and add your own!

 

[Tntcwg3]

I've had good luck using various scotchbrite pads and light oil, using a light drag motion and varying the finger pressure to match the finish. Be sure to drag in a linear direction matching the original markings on the flats. You might try several different grits on the hidden areas under the grips until you get the result that you like before tackling the exposed areas.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

If you really can't stand it , I understand , contact guzzitaco here and ask him what he thinks . He's done a good bit of work for me and he's truly an artist .

I have 3 745's . The one , like yours , I sent off to BMCM . He actually did a thread on it , it was pretty bad off . When he got done with it , WOW . He is also an artist . I ended up putting a Sig Romeo on it , which really opened it up . I have no problems with pins at 50-75 yards now . With these older eyes I needed the help .

 

[stansdds]

I'd enjoy it as-is. You don't find Model 745's often, I would not recommend altering one.

 

[Sevens]

Difficult for me to feel the polar opposite of stansdds because I agree almost entirely with almost all I ever see him post! But I must this time.

I believe the production of 745's across all four variations numbers to some 15,000 units. We might argue that it is a scarce model… compared to say a 5906 or 4566.

But it's not rare and these can be found. I'd also never alter a mint one or even simply a high condition with box example, but I think a worn one would be fantastic fodder for an upgrade and alteration.

We had a poster here, it's been a handful of years now but he did some fantastic carving on his 745, mostly in the area of the trigger guard. Some for looks but even more where the guard meets the grip frame, and he made alterations that mimic the 3rd Gen ergonomic upgrades, and the net result was a sweet 745 that I would love to own or copy.