Talk to me about a 945-1

[45Smashemflat]

Since we have a similar thread on the 52, I figured I’d try this one…

I see a 945-1 at less than $2,500 at a semi-local LGS. I’m an old school 1911 guy with several already in the stable.

That said, the 945 looks really nice. What does the S&W 945-1 bring to the table for us traditional single action auto fans?

 

[huthike]

The feel of a 945 in the hand is subtly different than a 1911, at least to me. Super smooth cycling, great trigger - read Patrick Sweeney’s love letter to them in Gun digest Book of Smith & Wesson if you can.

I have 4 of them now, so I may be a little biased.

All that being said, 2500 is too high. All of mine have been between 13 and 15 over the last few years.

But handle one or shoot one - and you’ll buy it and love it.

 

[Doug M.]

I bought a 945-1 compact here about a year ago. I got my money's worth, even though it was not a fiscally prudent purchase. I had BMCM swap the sights for me, and it shoots well. It came with 2 OEM 6 round mags, and I also put together some 7 rounders from parts. They are not adequately reliable, so I carry it only with the 6 round mags, which do work fine.

BMCM told me some details about how it is not quite a 1911 internally, and it did not fit a compact 1911 holster. It is HARD to get a compact 1911 to work well, but this is reliable with the OEM mags. I may never field strip it again; the recoil spring needed for reliable function is really stout and after my surgeries I lost a good bit of strength. Putting it together was literally. 3 handed pain in the neck. The friend who helped me was impressed at the difficulty.

As far as I know, there is no variant worth near that much; I concur on the range provided.

 

[44wheelman]

I'm a fan of the briley bushing, great trigger, an accurate 45 with a more interesting aesthetic appeal and better than 1911 ergonomics (to me)

But, for that money, you could get... something with parts & mags more readily available.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I've had at least 8 by last count . I'm down to 2 along with both models of 845's . You can't ask for a finer 45 , I say 45 cause they aren't 1911's . With the Briley Bushing their accuracy is held in check by the person shooting . The better the shooter , the more the 945 comes alive . But then all my single action PC guns are awesome shooters . I do think the asking price is high , unless you live in Cali . I'd go shopping , you'll find one that's less money , but it may take some time . But that'll make it that much sweeter .

 

[jag22]

Like others have said, way too high. You don't see them for sale very often but still too much. 1500 to 1600 or maybe up to 1800 if it is in super nice condition. Gut feeling you don't come to terms because the seller thinks he has a gold mine and won't be willing to come down that much. When I first got mine it took some time to get the feel right. It is a bit different but is really great once you get used to it.

 

[mlazarus]

Great guns. super smooth shooting.


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