Smith and Wesson 645??

S

stubby

New member
I just took in a 645 on a gun trade and don't know anything about this gun. It is a large service style double action stainless and alloy automatic pistol. The front strap as well as back strap are checkered. It appears to be have been a high grade pistol but I am not familiar with this model. I could not finding a listing for one on gunsamerica.com so I am seeking any comments on the quality of this piece as well as opinions on the relative value. It is in good although not pristine shape. Is this gun of current manufacture or out of production? Any help would be appreciated.:confused:
 
The 645 is a second generation full size Smith .45
It was the first automatic S&W chambered for this calibre.
The guns us very reliable and well made. It is actually all stainless, not stainless and alloy. 645 was the only production model to be test fired with several kinds of HP ammo prior to release. The feeding reliability is so high, that it will in fact feed emply cases from the magazine. It is combat accurate and relatively thinn, which makes it suitable for carry.
Its disadvantages are the size (huge!) as well as very high bore axis, which makes it not very fast pistol to shoot (Muzzle jump).
Model 645 exists today as 4506 (I think it was discontinued just a couple of years ago). I think production years for model 645 were 1987 through 1991.
If you see one in exellent condition priced bellow $400, it is a good buy.
 
The 645 is one of my favorite 45's. This is the model that made me a believer in Smith Autos. Empty cases will pour through it like water! You can't make it jam! (Although a buddy's claims his Smith 645 has jammed once! He hasn't cleaned it in ten years!) As Russian Fury stated it is all steel which makes them VERY durable. Mine is exceptionally accurate and with match loads and some carefully brewed lead handloads I can get 25 yard groups close to 1" ctc. It will hang with the best Gold Cups. I believe the size and weight of this large framed 45 makes this gun easier to handle and shoot quickly, although the bore axis is high. I believe it weighs in a few ounces heavier than an all steel 1911. The weight is great for shooting but not so good for carry. (Although I don't mind) The front and backstrap checkering is cool and alot of workmanship went into this gun. Downside is there are alot of sharp edges on this weapon. The 645 was the first production attempt for S&W to create a 45 auto.
The U.S. Marshal S.O.G. (Special Operation Group) adopted the big Smith in the late 80's and they have said great things about this weapon. Only recently they transitioned to Glocks. Rumor has it the F.B.I. did some handgun testing in the late 80's where the Sig and Smith 645 were the only pistols that finished. Thus the Bureau and their infinite wisdom combined the two designs to create the Smith 1076 in 10mm. (No wonder the were recalled;)) The Georgia State Patrol also adopted the 645 for a peroid of time. Oh yes, and Sonny Crockett of the "Miami Vice" TV show has carried the 645 for a few seasons.
A good price is $350-$400 for a 645 in good to very good condition.
 
MP-5 is right, my 4506 once took a summer torture test from me last summer consisting of 3,550 rounds of Winchester ball ammo and 1,700 rounds of CCI HP's. All without cleaning and never once jammed. It's THE perfect combat pistol provided your big enough to carry it as it is a big gun. I have since retired my 645 after 75k rounds and a report from the factory.
 
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