On the hunt for a 945!!!
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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
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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 !
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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...
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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 .
HOUSTON RICK
Member
Good luck, I collected S&W autos for decades and have never seen a 945. Not even once.
Kp321
Member
Guess I am a S&W PC junkie, two 52-1's, two 41's, a 952 and a 945. I shoot them all and have never regretted a cent of the money I spent on them.
Beautiful pistols gentlemen. My friend Jeppo came by the range today and generously allowed me to try his beautiful 945.
Six shots of 230 ball at the 7 yard line. I will have on of those too, someday.Thank you again Jeppo! Regards 18DAI
6! Shots !?? Thats awesome thats like 600.00 in ammo haha.... great shooting gun! AND great shooting 18!
cherrypointmarine
Member
18DAI , I find it hard to believe you don't own one . Now Jeppo , figures he'd own at least one . They can be elusive if you don't use GB . Just keep your eye on our favorite site .
Well, I never came across a 945, in person. And until 2018/19 I had never shot one. When I downsized the herd in 2016, I sold everything that was not able to be used for serious purpose. And didn't look for or consider target pistols. And I'm not a collector, just a shooter.
BUT - after I finally got to shoot one, I realized what all the fuss was about. So, I will be owning a target only 945. In 5 inch. As soon as I come across an affordable shooter. Regards 18DAI
BUT - after I finally got to shoot one, I realized what all the fuss was about.
So, I will be owning a target only 945. In 5 inch. As soon as I come across an affordable shooter. Regards 18DAI
Frank Black
Member
Smith should've made a run of 5-inch 945-10s - i.e., chambered in 10mm AUTO, with the capability to use the 9-rd mags from the 10XX-series guns.
Talk about an accurate single-action blaster with the durability to handle high-performance 10mm ammo, certainly better than a Delta Elite.
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cherrypointmarine
Member
I know of a couple of us that own 10mm's that would have loved to see that . I own a 1006and a 1076 and they both shot well . But to couple the accuracy and build quality of a 945 with the 10mm , that would have been something they should have thought about .
They did make a 945-40 , but they are rare . And to convert one , well you'd bring the S&W gods down on you . Besides , if I remember right , they were 4in pistols .
They did make a 945-40 , but they are rare . And to convert one , well you'd bring the S&W gods down on you . Besides , if I remember right , they were 4in pistols .
dandd
Member
4200chevy, Sorry folks, been battling the snow here in the northeast... From the great folks on this forum leading/guiding me, the 945 is the way to go. Great fit, finish and accuracy as well as fun to take on the paper. Check the LGS's, GB, etc. Commander or full size, you'll enjoy.
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Oldsalt66
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Those are truly beautiful pistols.
