S&w 745

[trbon8r]

I am looking at a S&W Model 745 .45 ACP. This is basically a single action version of the 4506 from what I gather. Does anyone have experience with these guns? I'm looking for positive or negative feedback. It looks like something interesting to try out when I get the urge to shoot try something other than my 1911s.

 

[highorder]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=152079

 

[Gunfighter123]

I owned one for a few years -- shot IPSC with it in "Stock Class" and did well.

Pros --- handles well , accurate and it's a S&W !!!

Cons --- mags ain't cheap , thumb safety is unlike a 1911 , and not many after-market parts.

 

[Storm]

I have one, a 10th Anniversary IPSC. I haven't worked with it much yet, and, to tell you the truth, so far I prefer my 645.

 

[mikemx5]

I've had one for several years. It is an interesting, if bulky, alternative to a 1911. The one I have is accurate, reliable enough to feed an empty case, and has a pretty good trigger pull.
If the price is right, and I have no idea what that should be, I would say go for it.

 

[Storm]

If the price is right, and I have no idea what that should be, I would say go for it.

I agree with that. Mine was something like $349 previously owned but a virgin other than the shot at the factory, mint condition and complete with box, papers, cleaning equipment and extra mag. The gun had sat in the case at the shop for a good while and I hadn't looked at it (couldn't see the price tag) because I assumed it to be very expensive and I was in a police trade-in mode. When I eventually saw the price I grabbed it quick. I have seen mint 10th Anniversary guns go for as high as $600 to $700 but occasionally for less. A plain 754 seems to be in the $450 to $500 range. For a plain mint 745I'd go $400 to $450. For a mint IPSC, maybe $550. Those prices may be a bit low, but for more than that and I'd go with the 645 that can be had for a good deal less.

I'd also point out that the safety is a bit screwy on the 745. If I recall correctly (been a while since I shot it) one engages the safety and then pulls the trigger to lower the hammer as there is no decocking. I use my thumb to slowly lower the hammer.

 

[mikemx5]

I'd also point out that the safety is a bit screwy on the 745. If I recall correctly (been a while since I shot it) one engages the safety and then pulls the trigger to lower the hammer as there is no decocking. I use my thumb to slowly lower the hammer.

That's the way mine works. It's not a very practical set up for a single action automatic, a 1911-style safety would be better. But I only use mine as a paper puncher anyway so it is not really an issue.

 

[Storm]

That's the way mine works. It's not a very practical set up for a single action automatic, a 1911-style safety would be better. But I only use mine as a paper puncher anyway so it is not really an issue.

Yeah, as much as I like the gun it seems to me to be a big compromise due to being more towards a 1911, but not far enough.

This is one reason why I consider the 645 to be a far superior gun.