What to Buy: 645 or 4506-1 ?

[itguy]

I have been wanting to try out a full sized S&W .45 for some time. Suddenly a dealer has both a 645, and a 4506-1 (silver hammer & trigger) in stock. Both are used, but near or at excellent condition. In a different post, I asked if a 4506-1 was one of the more desirable ones.

Price aside, given a choice, what would you prefer, the 645 or the 4506-1? I know the 645 was only made 2 years or so, and may have a better collectors value as they are harder to find, but I'm not in this from a collectors perspective. Nor would I carry t much, due to size & weight. I just want the better of these two S&W .45's...

Thoughts?

 

[itguy]

I have been wanting to try out a full sized S&W .45 for some time. Suddenly a dealer has both a 645, and a 4506-1 (silver hammer & trigger) in stock. Both are used, but near or at excellent condition. In a different post, I asked if a 4506-1 was one of the more desirable ones.

Price aside, given a choice, what would you prefer, the 645 or the 4506-1? I know the 645 was only made 2 years or so, and may have a better collectors value as they are harder to find, but I'm not in this from a collectors perspective. Nor would I carry t much, due to size & weight. I just want the better of these two S&W .45's...

Thoughts?

 

[Firehouse]

I've never handled a 645 but I have shot a 4506 on several occasions. I can tell you from the 4506 standpoint that it is a fine shooting weapon and it will hold up to any pressure ammo you can run through it. It will outlast you and it's built as tough as a tank. Just my opinion.

 

[625smith]

I have both the 645 and the 4506. So you know what I would recommend. Buy both!! The pistols both shoot very well both pistols have adjustable sights. Since the 4506 is a 3rd generation S&W it is an improved version of the 645 a second generation S&W. Hope this helps. Here is a picture of my 645.

 

[Babalooie]

I'm partial to the 645; have one and have put a set of Pachmayer grips on it. It's my bedside companion.

 

[4864]

Buy both

To be honest I too have never fired a 645. I have a 4506-1 and love it. With the adjustable sights it is a tack driver. What sites do they have? Fixed or adjustable?

 

[wsteps]

I have several S&W semi-autos. I do not have a 645, nor have I handled one. However I am the proud owner of a 4506-1. It is a terrific gun. It is dead-on accurate and eats everything I run through it. I have never had a single malfunction that was gun related (I reload all my ammo and a couple of loads were too light to function). The gun is a pleasure to shoot. The only modification is the Hogue grips. Try it - you'll love it!

 

[razdog76]

I have had two 4506-1's, a 4563TSW, and a 745 (a single action only version of the 645). I have grown to like the handling of my 745 better.

The 645 points and balances a little better, the grips look better imho, the backstrap has more aggressive checkering.

The 645 safety is UGLY, but can be replaced with a third gen safty and the novak sights on the 4506 are better.

It depends entirely on your preferences.

 

[BUFF]

Each model has it's own features. Both are excellent guns. The Model 645 was the very first production .45 Auto from S&W, but they did make a lot of them in the time they were produced, so unless one is new in the box with all papers, it will be some time before it is considered a collectible.

Get the one that feels best in your hands. If one has adjustable sights, I would lean towards that.

I bought one of each when they first were made, still have both, still love both and still waiting for either of them to jam!

 

[haggis]

I don't thnk you can go wrong with either of them. I have a 645,

and I would like to get a 4506. Maybe you should buy both.


Buck

 

[michael4506]

ive never handled a 645 but my old 4506 that im really starting to regret selling never gave me any problems. i sold mine last sunday and im wishing more and more that i hadnt, the 4506 is one of the best if you ask me and if i had the same decision i would go with the 4506due to my personall experiences.

 

[TSQUARED]

I have never shot a 4506 but I did purchase a new unfired old dealer stock 645 several years ago. It has proved to be very reliable with a wide variety of handlods including 185 gr. LSWC.

 

[itguy]

Originally posted by 4864:
...What sites do they have? Fixed or adjustable?

Both are fixed, but it happens to be my personal preference.

 

[pawncop]

Have owned and carried both in line of duty when on uniformed patrol. The 645 was OK, but really loved the way the 4506 fit my hand. They talked about the ergonomics of the 3rd generation S&W's and for me the 4506 was a home run.

 

[44wheelman]

may have a better collectors value

Actually, I have seen the 4506's get more money.

I had a couple 645's & were of average accuracy. From a general observation, more people rave about the accuracy of their 4506 than 645. I replaced my last 645 with a 745 and have been very happy with it.

Buy both & keep your favorite!

 

[sumo61]

I am currently on my second 645. I sold my first three years ago and regreated it ever since. I found my second last year and it is not leaving me. I have not thad the chance to shoot a 4506 but I do love my 645. I am going to buy a 4506 and a 745 to give my 645 some gunning buddies.

 

[missiondude]

Sonny Crocket carried both, so thats a toss up...

 

[3rd Gen Neal]

You might also try just asking around at the range or gun club. S-W 45's seem to be very popular lately. You never know, it's a small world. You're own brother might have both!

 

[Retired in 2001]

Took me and my 645 to the range yesterday threw 125 rounds loaded fast not one hiccup...