New to me S&W 645

[imarangemaster]

Working part time at a gun shop has its benefits. Picked up a well used, but tight 645 .45 ACP with 3 original S&W mags for $600. I thought that was decent, as the original mags go for almost $100 each on eBay, and most auctions (and guns that come into the shop) usually come with one mag.

Two mags are early with stainless mag bases, and one is a 4506 mag with plastic. It has the low profile three dot, non-adjustable rear sight. It has Pachmyrs grips. It is missing the left side lever for the safety (the kind with the screw through it).

It needs a thorough cleaning and a little love, but should be a good shooter.

I ordered a set of springs (recoil, hammer, ad firing pin), and 3 new mag springs from Wolff. I can't find original nylon grips anywhere, and same with the left lever. I even checked eBay. Everyone seems out of stock. Anyone have any leads?

Thanks in advance.

 

[SteveJ2477]

EveryGunPart.com has 12 parts 645 parts guns available. You’ll end up with lots of extra parts for a few hundred bucks but they have what you’re looking for. Numerich is out of stock.

Semi-automatic parts kits | EveryGunPart.com

 

[Yendor357]

I’d don’t go to the local gun shops anymore to look for guns. The employees take all the really good stuff, and the scalpers are right behind.

I go to Gunbroker, pay +$20%. But get what I want.

 

[imarangemaster]

Ha, we do get first pick, but in our case, none of us can grab more than a couple a year. Tom and I are 70+ and retired part timers, and on fixed income. Two guys are young and have young families. 99.9% of the guns make it to the front.

We do have about a dozen regulars (most of whom have more money than they need or should have! LOL), though, that come in several times a week to check new stock. They are the ones that get the best stuff.

 

[imarangemaster]

Tanks to member JSBETHEL, who found me a lever on ebay, which I bought. I have the correct screw. I sprung for a pair of Hogue checkered Cocobolo grips on MidwayUSA for $63. I am a wood and steel guy.

 

[imarangemaster]

Picked up a S&W factory 4506 yellow follower mag on eBay $75. Dang they are expensive!

 

[stansdds]

Picked up a S&W factory 4506 yellow follower mag on eBay $75. Dang they are expensive!

Yes, magazines for the S&W 645, 745, and 45xx pistols are expensive, but still not as expensive as magazines for the 10xx pistols.

 

[jimmyj]

My Model 645 was missing the right hand safety lever screw. I called S&W
customer service and they sent a replacement screw free.

 

[imarangemaster]

For now I have (2) factory 4506 mags, (2) factory 645 mags, and (1) Promag one for an extra range mag. Going to break the weapon completely down tomorrow, and stick it in the ultrasonic cleaner at work. Then re-assemble with the new springs and wood grips.

Its really ugly now, so I may do a before pic, then show it again after its rework.

 

[Frank Black]

Black followers in 45XX-series mags are the tactical "upgrade."

All the Cool Kids run them.

 

[Yendor357]

A judiciously applied ink eraser will remove the “sun scratches”.

SemiChrome polish really brightens those old guns up.

I’m positive someone will disagree, l have never gotten good accuracy from cast bullets in the Smith 45s. 185 Noslers and 200 XTP at 1000+ fps works best in all 4 of my G3 Smiths. Give en the ammo they like, and theses pistols are very accurate.

 

[imarangemaster]

Black followers in 45XX-series mags are the tactical "upgrade."

All the Cool Kids run them.

What is so "special" about the black followers. I have seen metal, yellow, and orange. One of my mags says "this magazine must have a yellow follower"

 

[m.p.driver]

Loctite that screw heavily, mine fell off with the lever, found it, put it in a jar until i bought loctite, wife threw jar away. Found out those lever's are like hens teeth, when you don't need one there they are. The update lever design is so much better

 

[RON K.]

Good deal they are all great. and ltd production also.THE FIRST DOUBLE ACTION 45 ACP IN STAINLESS TO HIT THE MARKET BACK WHEN..I THINK 40TH ANN. NEXT MONTH.

and good price for a used shooter to enjoy. have a great 2025.
RON K.