The M-745 Started This but.........

[smitholdtimer]

As most of you have figured out, I'm an old revolver shooter and have recently seen my interest begin to change to the semi-automatics. I know very little as to the hierarchy of the different model numbers of which is mostly comprised of the third generation pistols.
If I may, please, I'd like to pose a question as to which model you would prefer if you had a choice of (1) M-745, (2) M-1911(S&W) & (3) M-4506 with the approximate price for the latter two models. (Posed the question on the M-745 already) I haven't seen the M1911(S&W) or the M4506 but believe they are both adjustable Sighted pistols) and I have a chance to purchase any one of these but want to consider the best as far as shooting and collecting value.
I seem to be preying on you Semi-Auto knowledgeable guys and I hope you don't mind me picking your brain for the information, your input is always appreciated. thank You All!

 

[erikpolcrack]

I'll vote for any 1911. Never had a 745, but I did have a nice 645 years ago. Liked it a lot, but I just found myself not reaching for it as much as my Springfield 1911. It started to feel just a little too big and bulky in comparison. Eventually sold it and got another of what eventually became my squad of 1911s.

 

[colt_saa]

If your intent is to shoot the firearm only at the target range then either the 745 or the 1911 with their single action triggers would be the better choice. If your intent is to carry the firearm the 4506 with its double action trigger is probably the better choice for you

All three of these are pretty much production guns with huge quantities manufactured over the years so the matter of collectibility is pretty much a moot point if you're buying these to be a shooter

If you purchase any of them at a fair price and keep them for several years you will be able to sell them for more than you paid for them. Which one would bring you a few dollars more over the others should not be part of the decision making process if your intent is to shoot the firearm.

I currently own two of the model 745s and many, many 1911s, but no Smith and Wesson 1911s. I am a lifelong 1911 armorer and builder so the Smith and Wesson 1911 goes against my grain as it uses a non traditional extractor. I have never owned a model 45O6 as there are other double action 45 ACP pistols that I prefer.

So if I were to be purchasing one of those three firearms for my personal target shooting the model 745 would be my choice.

Since you have no current auto loaders in your circle of firearms, in your case I would probably buy the 1911

 

[Jeppo]

I own one of each (actually 2 S&W 1911s). I never understood why Smith and Wesson is never mentioned for their 1911s. Without knowing everything you have in your collection, I’ll simply explain what I would consider in your place…

Owning a 4506 might make me feel like Sonny Crockett (if I weren’t older, shorter, bald and fat).

Owning a 745 would let me pretend I can actually hit targets when I shoot.

Owning a 1911 would give me an example of an iconic design created over 100 years ago by arguably one of the most influential firearms designers in history. With virtually no significant changes, that design continues to be valid today. I don’t carry any of my 1911s but I LOVE owning them.

PS. I wouldn’t consider it vital that I own a S&W 1911 but it just worked out that my first two were.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I guess I have somewhat of a dog in this fight . I like my 745's and they fit a niche in my range guns , but they aren't my favourite . And my 1911 is a PC gun , one of the Doug Koenig's in 38Super . There's so many things you can do too a 1911 , totally change it into something that doesn't resemble what you started with . But I'm sure their plain Jane 1911's are fine guns to start with . So , my vote is the 1911 . If you go that way and don't like it , put it up for sale here . I bet you won't lose any money if you do your homework .

 

[BLUEDOT37]

S&W made some special 1911 models, beyond their standard Government models, so that choice could have some collecting value depending what exactly it is. Their external extractor isn't anything different from what a 3rd Gen has, & they aren't a problem, but only to purist.

If, as has been eluded to, you don't have much semi-auto experience, & you plan on carrying it for SD, the 4506 would be the better choice seeing as it's a DA/SA (TDA), has a decocker & several safeties that make it better, in my mind, for a newbie to get comfortable with. Its SA trigger won't match the other two though.

SD carrying a 1911 cocked & locked doesn't excite some, in a good way.

Might just come down to which one comes with more extras, what shape its in, & price.

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4506's are even more fun when you have two
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[clang444]

I have a 4506 and a 70 series Colt 1911. I’ve also shot my buddy’s 645. They are all great for target shooting, but for carrying a .45, my choice is my Sig P220. It’s one of those guns that just fits perfectly, points naturally and usually hits what I’m aiming at. It conceals and carries well for a full size gun too.

I also have an H&K USP45 if I ever felt the need for a double stack .45, but I do shoot the single stack guns better.

One day I’d like to own a full size 945, but prices just keep climbing and I think that one will remain out of reach.

 

[cmansguns]

Shooter or Collector -- that is the question

If shooter then the answer is clear: S & W Model 745

If Collector then the answer is also clear (to me at least): There is only ONE, yep..... 1 REAL 1911 and its brought up to date sibling, the 1911 A1. sure...they were made by several big name gun makers during WWII, but all to government specs and if you have one, still in original condition (not arsenal overhauled) they are bringing still big bucks. Even the arsenal overhauled mix masters are bringing big bucks on the CMP lotto.

Alright.............go ahead Forum...........flame me for such snobbery.........but it still remains.

 

[nra jim]

I personally prefer the single action trigger on a 1911 and being able to carry cocked and locked. I own a couple of S&W 1911s and they have been my daily carry since they started making the 1911. I find the platform is more accurate with quicker follow up shots than any other and S&W makes quality 1911s.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

[Tntcwg3]

I rank them in this order,
1) 745- based on the trigger and I'm biased towards two-tones.
2) 1911- my only negative against this design is the grip safety.
3) 4506 - a very good design, probably would move up in my ranking if judged only on reliability in defensive situations.

 

[Frank Black]

I have a 4506 and a 70 series Colt 1911. I’ve also shot my buddy’s 645. They are all great for target shooting, but for carrying a .45, my choice is my Sig P220. It’s one of those guns that just fits perfectly, points naturally and usually hits what I’m aiming at. It conceals and carries well for a full size gun too.
I also have an H&K USP45 if I ever felt the need for a double stack .45, but I do shoot the single stack guns better..

I had an Sig P220 but preferred my 4566 back then so I sold the Sig.

I also have a 4506, a 2nd Gen 645, and a Colt S70 1911.

Of those three, the 645 is easily my favorite. It has a better DA/SA trigger than either the 4506 or 4566, and I’m faster with it from the draw-stroke to first-round fired than the Colt S70.