S&W Model 645 - New to me

[Snoopy69]

New to the site and wanted to show my latest find. I have always wanted one and finally was able to snag it. I am not super fan of the Packmayr grips. Serial is #TAN7485. I do have a few questions.

Does anyone know where I can find factory original wood grips?

Does anyone have a closer date of manufacture? The Standard Catalog (4th Edition) puts it in 1986. I would like to narrow it down if possible, without buying a letter.

Let me know your thoughts.

 

[MattB]

Nice looking gun. I’d suggest some wood grips for it…they really dress up the old steel framed pistols. As for manufacture date, you could try calling S&W customer service. They were able to tell me the date of manufacture for my 659.

 

[Snoopy69]

Nice looking gun. I’d suggest some wood grips for it…they really dress up the old steel framed pistols. As for manufacture date, you could try calling S&W customer service. They were able to tell me the date of manufacture for my 659.

Thank you for the advice. I just called and they told me July 1986.

 

[RCL-09]

I picked up a 645 this September and it has the Pachmayr grips, which I am not too thrilled with aesthetically. I'd like the factory wood but they are hard to find and very expensive.

 

[BigMuddy]

I’ve seen wood grips on eBay before. Factory Original would be for the 745. Your gun would’ve had black plastic grips originally.

You have found a great gun in 45 acp. You just can’t seem to make them malfunction. I bought one the first year they were available and foolishly sold it. 30+ years later I replaced it and won’t make that mistake again.

Congratulations on your find.

Dan

 

[BigMuddy]

Herrett’s I believe made replacement wood for them.

Dan

 

[jsbethel]

Does anyone know where I can find factory original wood grips?

Search for S&W part #165380000.

Smith & Wesson Factory Grips Assembly S&W 745 Checkered Walnut

 

[jimbo728]

Great gun Watch the ambi safety screw. they do loosen up.
Jim

 

[sigp220.45]

I had no interest in a 645 until I found one with 4 mags at a good price. It is now one of my favorite guns!

As others have noted, the original grips would have been the 2-piece black plastic.

If you didn’t know already, they fit holsters for a Sig P220.

Congratulations on a great gun.

 

[Engine49guy]

Iirc the only version that came oem with wood was the two tone model 745.
Had one years ago but foolishly sold it to a friend who traded it off for some piece of fluff.

 

[stansdds]

Welcome to the S&W Forums! The Model 645 is, in my opinion, a wonderful 45 ACP pistol. These things usually have a nice trigger, better than the 9mm/40S&W size S&W pistols, feel good in the hand, soak up recoil quite well, and are boringly reliable.

Since this Model 645 is new to you, but previously used by someone else, who knows what sort of use and care was given to it, a good cleaning is the first order of business. Inspect the extractor hook for damaged or broken edges. Flush the extractor channel with solvent, you might be surprised at the amount of dried oil and powder residue that is hiding in there. Replace the recoil spring with a factory rate spring (14 pounds was the original design spring weight) and properly lubricate the sliding surfaces.


Wooden stocks are out there, watch the classified ads here and also the online auction sites like eBay and Gunbroker for 645/745 stocks. I agree, the Goodyear Tire and Rubber stocks are not pretty, but they are functional until you find something better.

 

[N4KVE]

I bought one the first year they were available and foolishly sold it. 30+ years later I replaced it and won’t make that mistake again.

Thats exactly what happened to me. GARY.

 

[BigBoy99]

The wooden grips really dress them up! I like my first one so much, I had to get a second one.

 

[MattB]

I had no interest in a 645 until I found one with 4 mags at a good price. It is now one of my favorite guns!

As others have noted, the original grips would have been the 2-piece black plastic.

If you didn’t know already, they fit holsters for a Sig P220.

Congratulations on a great gun.

I feel the same way about my 659. Had no interest in a second gen until the guys at my local store brought it out to show me since they know I like older metal framed pistols. Had to have it.

 

[58619owner]

My 645 has been fantastic. I did convert my slide safety to one from a 4516 because of the loosening screw on the factory 645 safety. Other than a spring kit from Wolff i have left it bone stock.

 

[VictorLouis]

When you get a chance to shoot it, pick up a few empties from the deck. As long as they don't get damaged at the mouth for any reason, you can load them in with live ammo to help perfect your Tap-Rack-Assess (Bang) skills.
Empty cases will nearly always feed and lock into battery.

 

[N4KVE]

My 645 has been fantastic. I did convert my slide safety to one from a 4516 because of the loosening screw on the factory 645 safety.

Mine was already converted when I bought it. Even though it’s not original, I didn’t mind. I remember on the originals, the right lever was held on by a Philips screw, & later by an Allen screw. I don’t remember which came first. The Philips screw? GARY.

 

[Heinz]

I am also a great fan of the 645. I carry mine in a shoulder rig. I believe the Phillips head safety screw came first. I have learned to check that screw regularly at the range. I also bought a couple of spares from Numrich when they have them in stock.

It does run perfectly well with the right side safety missing. Those things are really hard to find on a concrete range floor

 

[sigp220.45]

I am also a great fan of the 645. I carry mine in a shoulder rig. I believe the Phillips head safety screw came first. I have learned to check that screw regularly at the range. I also bought a couple of spares from Numrich when they have them in stock.

It does run perfectly well with the right side safety missing. Those things are really hard to find on a concrete range floor

Luckily I felt mine hit my hand when it fell off. Red Loctite - hope I never need to get it off now.

 

[BigMuddy]

Mine fell into the dirt. Had to use a metal detector.

Dan