Savage 745 Owners?

[firefighter14]

I was in my local pawn shop the other day and spotted a Savage 745 12 ga. for $100 and decided to pick it up. Its not in the best shape asthetically but it has the original stock and is in good working order with a super clean bore. Is there anybody else out there that enjoys this gun as much as I do? I have always wanted an A-5 but this 745 has alot of character and the price was right. I've been looking around and can't find all that much info on them like production years for serial numbers. I was told they were made from 1940-1949, but I'm not sure how accurate that is. Any info or opinions would be great. Thanks.