On the hunt for a 945!!!
- Thread starter 4200chevy
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
There are four choices in 945 builds, and numerous styles with different visual cues. The only difference between a no-dash and a dash-1 is the Swartz safety style firing pin lock.
The basic 945 is a 5-inch target pistol with Bomar rear sight. Then there is a 4-inch model with a Novak fixed rear sight and both of these are steel frame.
Then there are two compacts, one a bit smaller than the other, both alloy frame with Novak fixed rear sight. In this series they also made the very scarce 945-40 in .40 S&W caliber. Sadly, they never made the 945 in a 5-inch target sight .40cal, as that is a gun that I would love to own.
The market for the 945 has been climbing over recent years but it is my (experienced!) opinion that it is still a crazy good deal when compared directly with it's peers, those being other S&W Performance Center Limited target pistols.
The 945 and the 952 guns were made concurrently and they carried the exact same original MSRP.
The basic 945 is a 5-inch target pistol with Bomar rear sight. Then there is a 4-inch model with a Novak fixed rear sight and both of these are steel frame.
Then there are two compacts, one a bit smaller than the other, both alloy frame with Novak fixed rear sight. In this series they also made the very scarce 945-40 in .40 S&W caliber. Sadly, they never made the 945 in a 5-inch target sight .40cal, as that is a gun that I would love to own.
The market for the 945 has been climbing over recent years but it is my (experienced!) opinion that it is still a crazy good deal when compared directly with it's peers, those being other S&W Performance Center Limited target pistols.
The 945 and the 952 guns were made concurrently and they carried the exact same original MSRP.
I can understand your interest in a 945.
I was a 945 hold out. I didn't "need" one as I have a few really outstanding Colts. But I didn't have a 945.
Sequentially, (since I had a 645, 745, 845,) I thought I should probably/eventually get one but I specifically wanted a first run Lew Horton. It had to be a very good to excellent one with everything for a great price. I wanted to shoot it not collect it. I was committed to the top price I was willing to pay. It took a long time but I did finally find one about three years ago.
I'm very impressed with it as it's a wonderful .45. I wish I could say just take your time and one will show up for you at a doable price. Who knows now since all this weirdness is going on.
If and when you actually get one I can guarantee you'll not be disappointed. I've been running tuned Colts for over 40 yrs now and the 945, (at least mine,) is equal to if not more accurate to any of them. Fit, finish and performance, (at least mine,) is perfect.
Jim
I was a 945 hold out. I didn't "need" one as I have a few really outstanding Colts. But I didn't have a 945.
Sequentially, (since I had a 645, 745, 845,) I thought I should probably/eventually get one but I specifically wanted a first run Lew Horton. It had to be a very good to excellent one with everything for a great price. I wanted to shoot it not collect it. I was committed to the top price I was willing to pay. It took a long time but I did finally find one about three years ago.
I'm very impressed with it as it's a wonderful .45. I wish I could say just take your time and one will show up for you at a doable price. Who knows now since all this weirdness is going on.
If and when you actually get one I can guarantee you'll not be disappointed. I've been running tuned Colts for over 40 yrs now and the 945, (at least mine,) is equal to if not more accurate to any of them. Fit, finish and performance, (at least mine,) is perfect.
Jim
Attachments
Such an amazing weapon, probably the most accurate gun I own, you cannot got wrong with any variant of the 945s.
The fit and fee are amazing, ive tried time and time again all flavors of 1911s to no avail... this fills that void 100%.
I have a 5inch target model with a Wilson Combat adjustable rear...
The fit and fee are amazing, ive tried time and time again all flavors of 1911s to no avail... this fills that void 100%.
I have a 5inch target model with a Wilson Combat adjustable rear...
They are gorgeous pistols and extremely accurate also.
Gorgeous indeed! The only thing that would bother me is the 945 on the other side in the huge font. Subtlety would have been a nicer touch there.
cherrypointmarine
Member
If there's a better 45 out there , they have to prove it . I too own a 645 , 3 745's , an 845 and several 945's . I let my range buddies shoot my range 945 . One of them put it best , with a smile on his face , " It shoots where you aim it and it puts them in one hole ."
Where?
Let us look...
While I see what you are saying and basically agree with the idea that "billboarding" isn't attractive visually, it does capture a time and with 945's (and 952's...) it actually can grow on you.
However this particular version of the 945 does not have the billboard 945 on it.
They made -many- variations of the 945 but I believe this particular one is the most visually attractive. It is similar to the earlier 3566 Limited but I believe the 3566 Limited is a more attractive pistol. This one is close.
In a pure accuracy showdown, I'd choose the 945 over the 3566 Limited.
cherrypointmarine
Member
Stentor
Member
945s are great pistols. Your best bet for finding one is likely on Gunbroker.
Of the two I have, this one is my favorite.
Of the two I have, this one is my favorite.
Ahhhh. There she is!!! So beautiful in all her glory, I have her sister and I love it !
Attachments
Last edited:
945s are great pistols. Your best bet for finding one is likely on Gunbroker.
Of the two I have, this one is my favorite.
Those grips are georgus sir! Are they factory?
My vote is Stentor's 945 for the WIN! You've got the killer two-tone polished flats and the ultra-rare wavy serrations, which beats the fish scales handily.
That's got to be the most gorgeous 945 that was made.
That's got to be the most gorgeous 945 that was made.
Ben-Kenobi
Member
I think you both have beautiful 945's which I'd be proud to own. Now if I can just find one!
I would love to get one with polished flats, I didn't even notice the wavy serrations and the black trigger...
Stentor
Member
Yep, those are the grips that came on the pistol from the PC (believe the code on this one is 170227). There are a few other 945 variants that came with similar grips (e.g., 170222).
Stentor
Member
Thank you, Sevens. I had been on the lookout for this model for quite some time (don't see many in the wild).
Your two-tone 945 isn't too shabby either.
I have to say, reading about these 1 offs in the 945 variants or any PC variation is rather interesting and exciting. Ive sold some of that I now with I had back, oh well live an learn, but when I shot the 945 I was floored how accurate it was, maybe me, maybe the gun... I love the 945s and will be one I hold for a very long time...
Last edited:
cherrypointmarine
Member
It sure does seem like these 945 threads get a lot of action . Anyone who owns one has to agree they are among the most wanted S&W's . There are other PC pistols with smaller runs that are lusted after , but considering how many 945's are out there , they are certainly among the most wanted .
