S & W 945

[cardguy]

Why was it discontinued ? I saw a video the other day on it and it had everything going for it. What replaced it ? Thanks

 

[jag22]

I'm guessing cost. They stopped the 945 and the 952, both considered some of the best ever made. Does the Performance Center even produce any semi autos now? I don't follow what S&W currently produces. I know I see some revolvers listed as PC.
I think when these were dropped the economy was not doing too well so maybe the sales numbers just didn't justify the cost. Things are different today but I guess the polymer guns are cheaper and quicker to make. I find it interesting that S&W stock has gone up in the last few years but according to S&W they are at full capacity and I haven't read anything about them expanding production. It would be interesting to know the whole story.

 

[BUFF]

Most likely dropped because S&W could use the factory capacity to make their 1911's and because they were dropping pretty well all of their other metal-framed semiautomatics. Most .45 ACP shooters would rather have some sort of 1911 because of accessory availability, especially holsters, I believe.

I love my 945, an early one, serial number under 75. I bought it when they first came out, in October 1998.

 

[tjpopkin]

I have owned hundreds of S&W's, including 52's, 952s, 41s,and a whole ensemble of Performance Center special guns...like the .356TSW guns. In fact, I still own many. However, the 945 is on my all-time-favorite shooters, ranked #1. Second goes to my 3566 Tactical PC gun in .356TSW or 9mm (both barrels)....it is my go-to 9mm for accuracy.
My 945, however, is shot all the time....because of the accuracy, I sold my Les Baer guns, including the Bullseye version with 1.5" accuracy. The 945 shot better in the comparison.

 

[dd45]

In Sweeney's book on the S&W he laments on the 945 being dropped due to company interest in producing their new M1911 as well as production costs. They are, indeed, exceptional pistols.

 

[ladder13]

The sweetest looking 45 ever made by Smith, imo, and a grail gun for me.

 

[Meesh]

Performance Center 945 two tone

I have one of these I purchased new in the aluminum case in Feb. Of 2001.
I've never shot it and was wondering what it would be worth. It has the two tone finish and looks stunning. Has 4 inch barrel. S/N 3xx

 

[samandglove1]

A friend of mine has a 945 Performance Center gun and it is shockingly accurate. I mean silly, crazy, can't miss accurate. I've shot it on numerous occasions, and each time it has been the most accurate handgun I have ever used.

 

[tjpopkin]

A friend of mine has a 945 Performance Center gun and it is shockingly accurate. I mean silly, crazy, can't miss accurate. I've shot it on numerous occasions, and each time it has been the most accurate handgun I have ever used.

EXACTLY! My feelings as well...

 

[wlp624]

All of the above! Some day I'll update this photo with my latest two distinct models...

 

[dakota1911]

Not sure. Have a 945 and it is lovely.



Got a new 1911 Performance Center pistol for Christmas. Nice also but not nice to the same level.

 

[tjpopkin]

Not sure. Have a 945 and it is lovely.



Got a new 1911 Performance Center pistol for Christmas. Nice also but not nice to the same level.

I'd be interested to know if the new PC gun shoots as well as the 945. My 945 was superior to a Les Baer Bullseye 1.5" gun, better than the STI Grand Master....the most accurate .45 I have ever shot. From a rest, everything is in the same hole at 25yds.