S&W 45's: Which one?

[BruceM]

I'd go M745 all the way. They not THAT hard to find or expensive. I mean, you're not looking for a Bren Ten or Pasadena AutoMag. If it's going to be a range gun only not used for competition that goes double. The SA/DA Smith's aren't in the same league IMO.

Bruce

 

[AzShooter]

Model 625. Nuf said.

 

[joeintexas]

Add me to the 4566 TSW crowd. I do love my 1911s but the 4566 goes to the range every time, it is very accurate for me anyway and the recoil is pleasant, not punishing. Very smooth. Doesn't matter what I load in it, it chambers, fires and ejects every round without question. Although I know several folks that CC this gun, I don't, it is heavy. For range fun it can't be beat in my opinion.

 

[bob finger]

I cannot give you advice on what is best for you. I'm a 1911 guy, or I should say was. I bought a 745 a few days after seeing one for the first time, not shooting it, just looking at it. I've had mine now for something approching a year. 9 times out of 10 when I take a 45 to the range it is the 745. Trigger is superb, more accurate than I am and just a joy to handle and fire. My competition grade 1911's are nice guns, the 745 is simply better for me. I have zero need nor desire for a DA trigger. bob

 

[Sevens]

Haha, YEAH! Warms my heart to hear the 745 getting some love!

 

[Dave_n]

Haha, YEAH! Warms my heart to hear the 745 getting some love!

Since I have two 745s with the Millet sights, an early 645 and a 4506 I second the 745 choice. One has over 30K rounds through it, the other, around 4K. Tack drivers in all senses of the word. I also have a 625-5 in 45ACP. Again, a tack driver. The 4506 and the 645 will load empty cases in a magazine without any hesitation if placed randomly in the lineup. Enjoy! Dave_n

 

[bigggbbruce]

I've been thinking about adding one .45 to the "collection." (I gave my 1911s to my boys years ago. I'd become "recoil adverse" and wimped out.)

45 is a 45... take up reloading, then any caliber can be tamed.

 

[BruceM]

45 is a 45... take up reloading, then any caliber can be tamed.

Not hardly and for purposes of this discussion it's not about recoil control but rather overall accuracy, handling and trigger characteristics.

Bruce

 

[Warren Sear]

S&W 45 caliber handguns I like are the Models 457 and 625 (in 45 Colt)...

 

[therealsmithfan]

Seen the 625 mentioned a few times here...since you didn't rule out wheel gun in 45acp, and since not for carry, here's a couple images of my 5" 625 I got for under $600 like new in original box. One with stock grips, one with new altamont shoes.

 

[colt_saa]

I will join the 745 crowd.

Basically it is just a single action only variation on the 645. But that SAO trigger is a substantial improvement over any of the TDA pistols SA trigger break. The 745 had no additional fitting over the 645s of the day.

Since you have taken daily carry off the table, there is no real advantage to owning a pistol capable of a double action first shot

Yes the 745s are a bit harder to find, but they are out there. Odds are a good shooter will cost you a bit more than your $600 budget, but you will have an unusual addition to your collection.

Shooting buddies on the firing line are going to want to try it and talk about it.

 

[therealsmithfan]

I figured all the suggestions for 745 were ignoring your budget constraints. I was pleasantly surprised after I just did a "completed listings" search on GB. Seen several sold recently for around $500 (and even under)! After reading all the love for them in this thread, and what a good example of a shooter can be had for....think I just added another thing to my wish list. Darn it!

 

[BruceM]

The M745's trigger is user adjustable to a certain extent. The adjustment is for engagement and not weight. The only thing I ever did to mine is break the very sharp edges of the hammer with a fine stone (not a file) and then cold blue. You do not need to remove much material-just touch it up a tad. The safety is a simple hammer block.

I always wished Smith would have made a 10mm version of the M745. That is single action with a good trigger and a simple safety.

Bruce

 

[Sevens]

I believe the genius in the 745 trigger is not in the pretravel adjustment but rather in the over travel adjustment. When set properly, it enhances your ability to make a clean break. The over travel screw is a fantastic feature!

 

[bigggbbruce]

Although all my pistols are 9mm, I've been thinking about adding one .45 to the "collection." (I gave my 1911s to my boys years ago. I'd become "recoil adverse" and wimped out.)

it doesn't have to be tuned or match capable, stainless would be nice, honest wear is fine with me, and I'll be shooting it for fun.

Not hardly and for purposes of this discussion it's not about recoil control but rather overall accuracy, handling and trigger characteristics.

Bruce

I read the OP and didn't see that.

 

[Fazer386]

I'll also suggest the 4506-1, it's not terribly nose heavy and pleasant to shoot. The 4566 is a good option for a DA/SA, all SS pistol.

How about the DAO 4586. The same strong 3rd Gen SS pistol with a trigger action better than a revolver. These pistols can be found for under $600. I have a pair only because I found a second pistol for $385.

 

[therealsmithfan]

I'll also suggest the 4506-1, it's not terribly nose heavy and pleasant to shoot. The 4566 is a good option for a DA/SA, all SS pistol.

How about the DAO 4586. The same strong 3rd Gen SS pistol with a trigger action better than a revolver. These pistols can be found for under $600. I have a pair only because I found a second pistol for $385.

That's a killer deal for your 2nd 4586. Would you really say the DAO trigger is better than Smith revolver? I assume you mean comparing "half cocked" DA 4586 pull vs. full DA pull of revolver (say, my 625-6 45acp). I don't think you'd want to put the DA pull of 4586 up against SA pull of same revolver (aka glass rod breaking). Would you? Remember he wants a fun target/range gun...not duty gun.

 

[Denver Dick]

That's a killer deal for your 2nd 4586. Would you really say the DAO trigger is better than Smith revolver? I assume you mean comparing "half cocked" DA 4586 pull vs. full DA pull of revolver (say, my 625-6 45acp). I don't think you'd want to put the DA pull of 4586 up against SA pull of same revolver (aka glass rod breaking). Would you? Remember he wants a fun target/range gun...not duty gun.

Hey, don't dis my lovely 4586. I grew up on S&W double action revolvers. They're outstanding. However, the 4586's double action is pretty smooth. And I have no problem at all having fun with it my local target range. Come on let's feel a little 4586 love here.

 

[Fazer386]

That's a killer deal for your 2nd 4586. Would you really say the DAO trigger is better than Smith revolver? I assume you mean comparing "half cocked" DA 4586 pull vs. full DA pull of revolver (say, my 625-6 45acp). I don't think you'd want to put the DA pull of 4586 up against SA pull of same revolver (aka glass rod breaking). Would you? Remember he wants a fun target/range gun...not duty gun.

That's a killer deal for your 2nd 4586. Would you really say the DAO trigger is better than Smith revolver? I assume you mean comparing "half cocked" DA 4586 pull vs. full DA pull of revolver (say, my 625-6 45acp). I don't think you'd want to put the DA pull of 4586 up against SA pull of same revolver (aka glass rod breaking). Would you? Remember he wants a fun target/range gun...not duty gun.

Yes, $385 was a killer deal in '03 for a used duty gun. I didn't know the history so I in stalled a Wolff spring kit, new Novak sights and new S&W grip. I bought my first 4586 new in '94 as my duty gun. The second gun went to my father for a HD pistol.

The DAO trigger is less of a pull than my 4" 686. My 686 has a sweet glass break single action pull that doesn't compare. I'd say the DAO is more of a longer Glock trigger.

The Smith DAO is a simple same action trigger. A bullseye shooter - No. A great pistol for HD and range time - Yes. This is a consistent trigger pull that is very manageable.

We shoot as a family on my parents property. Dad holds his own on the dueling tree.

 

[PPCSHOOTER]

HERE'S A LIST OF THE S&W .45'S I'VE OWNED IN THE PAST.
645
4516
4583
4586
4553
CQB
945
845
625
THE ONLY ONES I STILL HAVE ARE THE 845 AND 625.
THE 845 WAS THE MOST ACCURATE AND EASIEST TO SHOOT OF ANY S&W .45'S I'VE EVER SHOT. JP