Accuracy problem with S & W 645

P

PoiDog

New member
I thought I'd start here, seemed like the best place to find an answer.

I just bought a used S & W 645, it's a .45 ACP semi in stainless. Similar but not quite like a 1911. Anyway, it won't even hit the target at 25 yards, it shoots way low and to the left. It has fixed sights, so I have no adjustment. It does this with factory and reloads. I've had a couple other shooters try it out to rule out 'operator error' on my part. Anyone have any ideas on where to start? Adjustable sights maybe to start, or just trade it in and take the loss?

Has anyone had any dealings with this gun?

Thanks for any advice, I'm at a loss and don't wish to use Kentucky windage to hit COM of the target....
 
FIRST, CLEAN THE BARREL

Does it shoot decent (Kentucky windage) groups?

If so, keep.
If not, sell.

If so, but off target, remember how to fix sights: to RAISE impact file the front sight lower (ever so gently, repeating "I can always take more off"); to move right I forget...........ask again after you get the impact point raised.

230g ammo only, please, at least two brands.
 
Thanks for the reply, Weshoot2. I'll give these things a try this week. I've got S & B 230 FMJ and I'll pick up another brand today.
I will GENTLY file the front sight after cleaning well and trying again.
I'll report back later this week with the results. I've kind of ruled out operator error since using my buddy's Kimber with the same technique I erased the bullseye at 25 yards. Of course the Smith is far from a Kimber...
 
Okay, I cleaned the barrel real well, and it needed it. I picked up another box of factory, American Eagle by Federal. I wound up drifting the sights to the right and fired away. The end result was it finally printed on the target but it's still low. At least it's on the target and the groups aren't bad. I think at this point I'll invest in the adjustable sights from Brownell's. This may take care of the elevation problem. I don't believe I'll have to file down the front sight at this point. That's good, since I really didn't want to do this, it is a non-reversible step. :)
Thanks for your replies, Weshoot2, and I hope to see you on another forum.
 
I have a 645 I bought used in 1990. I'm very fond of this pistol as it will function flawlesssly with any type ammo. Here's a trick you can use to amaze your friends. Load the magazine with empty cases and cycle them through the gun by hand. It will do this without a hitch. How many other guns will do that? Mine is also very accurate and shoots to point of aim. It's my favorite 45ACP of all time.
 
Now that it seems to be figured out, the pistol is kind of growing on me as well. I'm going to order adjustable sights for it after the holidays and see what happens. It's shooting decent groups but still low.
I like that it's stainless too, easier to clean the lead out without danger to the blued finish. I'm kind of specializing in stainless handguns lately, four of the last five I bought are stainless steel.
Sam, that Sig is a fine weapon. Before I bought this one I tried to talk my friend's brother out of his since he said he wasn't shooting it much. No dice, he came to his senses in time. ;)
 
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