S&W 645

[daddylonglegs]

I've always been a wheel-gunner (don't like losing brass), but I just picked up a Mdl 645 that looks to be in excellent shape.Did this model have any common weaknesses? Also are there adjustable rear sights available which work with the factory front sight? I am also looking for a belt holster to fit this gun. Not a speed rig or competition rig, just a good secure duty holster. I don't like the Yaqui Slides as I feel they leave too much of the gun exposed. Any suggestions?

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
I have a Model 645. Built like a tank. Very dependable and accurate.
Mine has fixed sights. I have not seen one with adjustable sights.
I have a Model 4506 that has adjustable sights. The Model 4506 also came with fixed sights.
I would suggest for a holster, contacting a fellow forum member: [email protected]
Jimmy

 

[Center Villian]

good one

I have a 645 also. I believe that they are S&W's very first production .45auto. I'm very happy with mine. As stated before they are way overbuilt and very reliable. The only issue I've had is the screw on the ambi safety. Mine had a tedency to work loose during firing sessions. A small dab of " Loctite" cured that problem. Does yours have the phillips screw or the hex head screw? I am pretty sure the hex screw came later. I'm sure you will enjoy it. They are pretty accurate too.

Sammy

 

[sniper47]

My 645 is sitting right here with me. The only weakness may be a recoil spring. The mags were the bugaboo. Make sure you use the later versions with black or at least yellow followers. Will shoot anything you chose to load.

 

[ispcapt]

I carried my 645 when I was commanding a couple of drug task forces. Big, heavy, shiny gun. Emphasis on heavy. But the thing has always been 100% reliable and plenty accurate.
If you're looking for an equally heavy duty pancake holster, in the $40-$50 range, then I can put you in touch with one of our retired Sgts who has been make holsters for a lot of years. For the 645 you need a good stiff holster along with a good belt for comfortable carry or it will wear you out. If you think you would be interested in a holster like the one pictured below with my Glock 23 then just drop me a PM and I can send you the guy's email address. Turn around time is typically about 1 week. If he doesn't have a mould for a 645 I can let him borrow mine. The guy is a perfectionist. If it isn't right it won't leave his shop. The holster below has been carried a lot and it shows no wear.

 

[sniper47]

I concur about the holster/belt choice. With these all-stainless autoloaders, you can't scrimp on the leather. Put it in the correct holster and you can carry these guns comfortably.

 

[D300]

I bought my 645 brand new in 1985, the year it came out. I was 21. Here is a picture I took of the same gun last week. It looks like the day I bought it, 25 years ago. Incidentally, I purchased the attached laser you see in the photo the same day I bought the gun (high tech back then), along with a Bianchi "Hip Hugger" #58L (45 Auto) holster, not shown, that I still use today.

You just need to be aware that this is a big and heavy gun.
I love mine, I take care of it, and will never sell it.

 

[681ismyfavorite]

D300, nice gun!

what holster do you use for that combo?

 

[D300]

D300, nice gun!

what holster do you use for that combo?

Thank you! For the combo I just keep it in a Blackhawk nylon holster (for large auto pistols). It fits just fine.

 

[681ismyfavorite]

oh i see.

i wonder if there are laser grips for it so it can be carried in a convensional concealable holster....me thinks i will google it.

 

[681ismyfavorite]

well, no laser grips to be found for this puppy and im sure it would be costly to have the slide milled for night sites......i reckon this will be religated for daytime carry only now....

 

[surfgun]

Hi:
I have a Model 645. Built like a tank. Very dependable and accurate.
Mine has fixed sights. I have not seen one with adjustable sights.
I have a Model 4506 that has adjustable sights. The Model 4506 also came with fixed sights.
I would suggest for a holster, contacting a fellow forum member: [email protected]
Jimmy

I have 645's with both fixed and factory adjustable sights, so some 645's came from the factory with adjustable sights with the big protective ears, just like the 4506 adjustable sights.

 

[pl_gristle]

645 with 3rd gen safety

I have a 645 with 3rd gen safety that I purchased very lightly used with 4 mags for $300 from great gun store in Walden NY several years back. This is a real handful of pistol, but extremely reliable, accurate and indestructible. Mine will fire the ugliest, cruddiest ammo people just give away to me because they are badly off spec. Any way, I don't know if the third gen safety/decocker was a new add on or factory, but it looks like S&W never hesitated to modify a pistol mid production life-good for them for constantly improving. I had a trigger job and the DA pull is 99% as smooth as a nice DA revolver and the SA after an 1/8'' or so takeup breaks smooth and crisp, about 2-2.5# it feels, never measured however I should. I've got a pretty good selection, and if TSHTF and I had to take only 1 handgun, this would be my choice.

 

[deenb]

Just got a 645 for $325.00, it's in about 90% condition, is this a good deal?

 

[deenb]

Also have a Victory model 10 in 38/200 plus a standard model 10 M&P that I got in Vietnam that has a "V" prefix serial number. Are these worth anything?

 

[18DAI]

I'm a fan of the 645. I had one for some time, and had to sell it to feed the divorce attorney.

Very accurate, and 100% reliable with anything I fed it. Carried well too. Felt lighter than the 3rd generation 45's. Maybe because of the aluminum backstrap.

Anyway this AM I went to the local police supply and loc and behold, a very lightly used 645 with matching box. Sold to me! Well...layaway for me.

Great 45 that I missed quite a bit. Lucky to find a like new 645. Enjoy yours! Regards 18DAI.

 

[R Cubed]

I have 4 of the all stainless magazines - got them when they were plentiful and low cost. Never used anything else and have no issues feeding my handloads or factory rounds.

I did lose a grip screw - can't find it or anything resembling it - may have to replace all four. Darn!