S&W 645: .45 ACP

[TACC1]

Redacted,
Nice snag on that 645. I've been real happy with a CS45,
which is the only reason I haven't tried a 645 or 745. It's
hard to find a fault with the older S&W's. They work So well.
You had a good session at the range, too. S&W guns
look great, but really shine in their intended role: shooting.
Glad you scored on yours, TACC1.

 

[peteski]

I just purchased a Smith&Wesson model 645 for $400.00. But I was wandering where I could find a manual for same. Anybody have any ideas? Thanks Pete.

 

[jstanfield103]

Here you go, as a PDF file just save it to you're computer.

http://www.vintagegunleather.com/gun-manuals/pdf_S/smith_wesson_centerfire.pdf

It is a owners manual that covers all the S&W center fire pistols Metal frame. That's all you can get.

 

[jdh]

Where is Austin Gun Liquidators?

 

[S&WOkie]

Real nice find!

I am on my second 645. I bought one new when they first came out, then picked one a couple of years ago.

I don't think I could let mine go for $600.

 

[MP22]

Great grab...you did well.

 

[Checkman]

I've got a Model 745 on layaway. Bringing it home this Friday (09/14/12). So I'm researching the model. Since many keep talking about Don Johnson using one in Miami Vice I figured I would post a photo of the actual 645 that he used in seasons 3 and 4. Known as the "Hero" gun in the movie business. From Smith & Wesson 645 - Internet Movie Firearms Database - Guns in Movies, TV and Video Games

 

[SMSgt]

"My wife even approved of the purchase and said "you need to hold on to that one."

Translation: No more gun dealing!

Nice purchase!

 

[Timber Wolf]

Are there major differences in the 645 and 745? the outward appearance looks the same.
I've had my 745 for 10 years or better, it's one of my favorite.
thanks in advance.

I have both and have not really looked that close but for all I know the only difference is the 645 is DA (first shot) and the 745 is SA. Oh, I think my 745 IPSC has a blued slide too. Before I got my 745 I saw a single action 645 listed on GB. The seller's story was that in the first year of 645 production, before the 745 was available, the S&W Custom Shop would convert a 645 to SA only. Anybody know if this is true?

 

[ViperGeek]

I just had to add: I love my "new" (to me) 645 too. It's the perfect happy medium between my 3rd Gen. 4567 and my SW1911 Pro; kinda the best of both worlds.

Here's the thread where I enlisted the help of the forum experts to help me decide:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/265606-fourth-s-w-645-4506-a.html

Enjoy it, and put lots of rounds through it. IMHO, the 645 is a stainless steel workhorse and I plan on keeping mine forever.

- Dave

 

[Checkman]

I have both and have not really looked that close but for all I know the only difference is the 645 is DA (first shot) and the 745 is SA. Oh, I think my 745 IPSC has a blued slide too. Before I got my 745 I saw a single action 645 listed on GB. The seller's story was that in the first year of 645 production, before the 745 was available, the S&W Custom Shop would convert a 645 to SA only. Anybody know if this is true?

I've read about SA 645's, but the ones I've read about the work was done by gunsmiths - no mention of S&W doing it. That's a good question. Does anybody know if S&W did that conversion?

 

[m.p.driver]

Also bought a 645 back in 1990,love it to this day.But like mentioned watch the right side ambi lever.Mine kept coming loose,loc tited it,and when it got hot it would still loosen.Dropped off,i found it,wife put it up somewhere,and i havent seen it since.Will probably have to break done and see if S&W still stocks it, and drop a hunk of money on a little hunk of stainless.

 

[Smee78]

These look great guy's, looks like I'm on the hunt for another 2'nd gen Smith.

 

[badkarma6]

I work in a pawn shop, and recently we acquired the inventory of a dealer that gave up his license. We were going through the handguns, all the Sigs, Glocks, etc., and we came across a very nice 645. I didn't hesitate, told my boss, "This one is mine, how much?". He sold me the pistol for $400, tax included. It has replaced my M&P9c as my daily carry, and I hope to own it til my days end.

We also have a 659 in the shop that is going to come home, and I have a line on a 639 adjustable sight pistol. I love the 2nd generation guns!

 

[Checkman]

I work in a pawn shop, and recently we acquired the inventory of a dealer that gave up his license. We were going through the handguns, all the Sigs, Glocks, etc., and we came across a very nice 645. I didn't hesitate, told my boss, "This one is mine, how much?". He sold me the pistol for $400, tax included. It has replaced my M&P9c as my daily carry, and I hope to own it til my days end.

We also have a 659 in the shop that is going to come home, and I have a line on a 639 adjustable sight pistol. I love the 2nd generation guns!

I would have doen the same thing. Actually I m now looking for either a 639 or a 659. A 459 would be okay as well.

 

[jdh]

I would have doen the same thing. Actually I m now looking for either a 639 or a 659. A 459 would be okay as well.

I have a Sugar Land PD trade in 639 with adjustable sights I'll trade you for a 645 fixed sight.

 

[S&W5906]

As the proud owner of a fully polished 645, it has caused me to spend money. I had to get it a matching 659, a 5906, and a 59 as mates. If I found another 645 locally for $400, there would be no question that I'd add it to the group.

 

[ViperGeek]

As the proud owner of a fully polished 645, it has caused me to spend money.

Do you have any pics of your shiny 645 you can post?

- Dave

Sent from my Incredible 2 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Checkman]

I have a Sugar Land PD trade in 639 with adjustable sights I'll trade you for a 645 fixed sight.

Tempting, but I have a fixed sight 745 and I'm going to keep it. Thanks for the offer though.

 

[copper4262]

Quick question from a newbie on these guns - I haven't done any research on this subject yet so maybe this has been covered - If so please forgive me- I am wondering what is the different between the 645/745 and the 4506 - I recently purchased a 4506-1 and so far am very happy with it - so happy in fact I think I need another .45 smith - love the weight and feel - nice change from the plastic .45's I am used to - thanks in advance for the info!

 

[S&W5906]

Do you have any pics of your shiny 645 you can post?

- Dave

Sent from my Incredible 2 using Tapatalk 2

Upper gun is the 645. Lower gun is the 659.

 

[Checkman]

Quick question from a newbie on these guns - I haven't done any research on this subject yet so maybe this has been covered - If so please forgive me- I am wondering what is the different between the 645/745 and the 4506 - I recently purchased a 4506-1 and so far am very happy with it - so happy in fact I think I need another .45 smith - love the weight and feel - nice change from the plastic .45's I am used to - thanks in advance for the info!

Hello copper4262 and welcome. Many changes between the 2nd and 3rd generation.

The trigger guard was rounded, the grip backstrap was rounded - though the 4506 could be had with the straight grips like the 645/745, the grips were changed to the wrap-around configuration, the safety lever was re-designed, the protective wings for the adjustable sights were introduced (some people hate those and others like them) and I believe it was the 4506-1 that the "step" in the lower receiver went away. Also (eventually) the Novak low profile rear sights became standard. There are other changes but those are the ones that come immediately to (mine) mind.

Now keep in mind that those changes were introduced over a period of time. One might come across a 4506-1 that still has many of the physical features of a 4506.I've also seen photos of 4506 models with 645 features. Those would be transitional models.

Smith & Wesson ,like all companies, will use up an existing inventory of parts before bringing on the new re-designed "stuff". Essentially they are the old models (sometimes with a few changes already implemented) but with the new model designation stamped on it. Makes good money sense.

Among S&W collectors Transitionals are popular and there are those who collect nothing but. A few years ago I happened to be in the right place at the right time when a local S&W collector liquidated his S&W revolver collection. He collected Transitionals and as a result I got a K-38 four screw transitional and an M&P post-world war II Transitional.

Anyway those are a few of the differences. You'll find folks who specialize in collecting 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Generation autos exclusively and you'll find those who just collect S&W autos. I'm primarily a S&W revolver collector, but if another good deal comes along like the 745 I just picked up I won't hesitate to add it to my collection. The wheelies will just have to get used to being integrated.

 

[Black_Sheep]

Got mine back when they were first introduced and it still resides in the safe. It's digested many thousand rounds without a hiccup. I'm sure you will enjoy your 645...

 

[Redacted]

Where is Austin Gun Liquidators?

Its in Round Rock, TX, about ten miles north of the State Capitol. They moved recently to a better location off of I-35. That 645 wasn't going to last long I am glad I jumped on it when I did. Cheers.

 

[Redacted]

Upper gun is the 645. Lower gun is the 659.

Interesting..on yours the upper part of the frame is also a polished stainless finish. I think mine might be a dual finish because of the satin finish on the frame.

 

[flagman1776]

I got mine lightly used by our dept armorer in 1989. SN# TAN93XX It was my duty gun and couldn't be beat for open carry. It's not going anywhere.

 

[S&W5906]

Interesting..on yours the upper part of the frame is also a polished stainless finish. I think mine might be a dual finish because of the satin finish on the frame.

Yes, the 645 is fully polished. Same as the 659. Only non-polished items on the 645 are the trigger, hammer, and the black finished rear sight. Don't know if factory or done for the previous owner. I saw it and could not pass it up. Most are a combination of satin front and trigger guard with polished sides and grip.

 

[Redacted]

I've got a Model 745 on layaway. Bringing it home this Friday (09/14/12).

So...did ya bring it home yet? Pics man..pics!

 

[bgrafsr]

I too bought one back around '87 or '88. Then the 4506 came out and I had to have one, thinking that I would give the 645 to our son. Didn't like the 4506 at all so I sold it and kept the 645. It carries Pachmayrs on it for better gripping when shooting, and I did a no-no back then by hand checkering the rear of the slide just for looks. I don't regret doing that, but I know now that it has devalued the gun somewhat, even though I have all the original packaging for it. I don't plan on getting rid of it, so it doesn't matter to me.

 

[Cyrano]

If Loctite doesn't work on that Phillips head screw on the right hand safety lever, try clear nail polish. It's worked on everything I've tried it on, including one of those Novak rear sights that wouldn't hold still in the dovetail, even with the allen screw down as tight as I could get it. The wife has nail polish remover if I have to change the setting; I've tried it and it doesn't hurt the finish.

I'm getting real familiar with the nail polish section of the local Walgreens. I've bought two bottles of clear (gave one to a friend who had troubles with grip screws coming loose (and grip screw bushings in 45s).

Got a bottle of white nail polish for a front sight. The overly made up girl at the counter looked at me a little peculiarly; I'm not the usual nail polish buyer, I guess. I told her "It matches my hair" and she didn't know which way to look. A little while later I got a bottle of red for another front sight, and resisted the temptation to tell her "It matches my eyes".