The Smith & Wesson Model 645 is a stainless steel, double-action semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP, introduced in 1985. You’ll find it features an 8-round capacity, 5-inch barrel, and weighs 41 ounces unloaded. It’s notable for its ambidextrous safety/decocker and distinctive squared trigger guard. The trigger pull ranges from 10-12 pounds in double-action to 4-5 pounds in single-action. This pioneering design launched S&W’s venture into stainless .45 ACP territory, setting standards that influence modern pistols.
Key Takeaways
- The Smith & Wesson Model 645 is a double-action semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP, introduced in 1985.
- Features include stainless steel construction, ambidextrous safety/decocker, and 8-round magazine capacity.
- Unloaded weight is 41 ounces with a 5-inch barrel, making it a full-size service pistol.
- Trigger pull varies between 10-12 pounds in double-action and 4-5 pounds in single-action mode.
- Used models typically range from $400-600, while collector-grade versions can command $700-900.
Description
The Smith & Wesson Model 645, introduced in 1985, is a double-action semi-automatic pistol chambered in .45 ACP with a distinctive stainless steel construction.
You’ll find an ambidextrous safety/decocker and squared trigger guard on this Wesson Model. While most variants feature stainless steel frames and slides, the Model 4505 offered a blued carbon steel finish.
The double action mechanism provides reliable operation, and you’ll appreciate its popularity among law enforcement and sportsmen.
Price Range
Since production ceased years ago, Model 645 pistols typically command between $400-600 on today’s secondary market, with pricing heavily dependent on condition and included accessories.
| Condition | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Used Standard | $400-600 |
| Custom Features | $600-800 |
| Competition Model 745 | $800-1000 |
| Poor/Missing Parts | $300-400 |
| Collector Grade | $700-900 |
You’ll find that third generation models with original safety levers and barrel bushing intact, like those featured in Miami Vice with Sonny Crockett, often fetch premium prices.
Specifications
The Model 645’s stainless steel construction marked S&W’s first venture into an all-steel .45 ACP pistol design. You’ll find this full-sized handgun weighs approximately 41 ounces unloaded, balancing well with its 5-inch barrel. The double-stack magazine configuration gives you significant firepower with a standard capacity of 8 rounds.
| Specification | Measurement | Material/Type |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 41 oz | Unloaded |
| Barrel Length | 5 inches | Stainless Steel |
| Frame/Slide | N/A | Stainless Steel |
| Ammunition | .45 ACP | 8-round capacity |
Weight
Weighing 37.5 ounces unloaded, Smith & Wesson’s Model 645 features a substantial all-stainless steel construction that aligns with typical full-size .45 ACP pistol specifications.
The robust stainless steel frame and slide combination delivers excellent recoil management, creating a stable shooting platform. This heft proves particularly beneficial during rapid-fire sequences with the powerful .45 ACP cartridge.
Barrel Length
Sporting a 5-inch barrel, the Model 645 builds upon its substantial weight with carefully engineered dimensions. You’ll find this barrel length optimized ballistics for the .45 ACP cartridge, delivering enhanced velocity and muzzle energy compared to shorter-barreled alternatives.
This length was standard among full-sized service pistols of the era, contributing to the Model 645’s reputation for accuracy and reliable performance.
Material Made Out Of
Constructed primarily from stainless steel, the Model 645’s frame and slide showcase Smith & Wesson’s commitment to durability and corrosion resistance. The choice of stainless steel provides superior rust resistance while maintaining the structural integrity needed for the .45 ACP chambering.
You’ll find this material choice carried through to its variants, though the Model 4506 adds a modern touch with its Xenoy grip panels.
Chambered In
The Smith & Wesson Model 645 came chambered in .45 ACP, a proven cartridge that offered substantial stopping power for law enforcement and civilian use.
When you’d fire this double-action semi-automatic pistol, you’d experience the reliable performance of the .45 ACP round, which had already established itself as a trusted self-defense and duty cartridge throughout the 20th century.
Capacity
Standard features of the Smith & Wesson Model 645 included an 8-round magazine capacity for .45 ACP ammunition, paired with a 5-inch barrel and 8.5-inch overall length.
The magazine capacity was typical for full-size .45 ACP pistols of the era, with the relatively heavy 39-ounce unloaded weight helping manage recoil during rapid follow-up shots through the fixed sights.
Trigger Pull
Featuring a traditional double-action/single-action trigger mechanism, the Model 645’s trigger pull weights aligned with other service pistols of its era. You’ll find a 10-12 pound double-action pull weight and a lighter 4-5 pound single-action pull.
The trigger feel evolved through later variants, with the Model 4506 offering a reduced 8-10 pound double-action pull, while the target-focused Model 745 featured an adjustable trigger stop.
Safety?
Safety mechanisms on the Model 645 center around its ambidextrous safety/decocker lever, allowing right or left-handed shooters to safely lower the hammer without risk of accidental discharge. This feature distinguishes it from its target-focused sibling, the Model 745, which operates in single-action only.
The ambidextrous design ensures you’ll maintain optimal control regardless of your dominant shooting hand.
Action
Building on its safety features, the Model 645’s action system operates as a traditional double-action/single-action semi-automatic pistol in .45 ACP. You’ll find the trigger action allows for both a longer, heavier double-action pull for the first shot and subsequent shorter, lighter single-action pulls.
Its target variant, the Model 745, operates exclusively in single-action mode with an adjustable trigger stop for enhanced precision shooting.
Optic Ready?
The Model 645 predated the modern trend of optics-ready handguns, offering only traditional fixed iron sights as standard equipment. You can’t mount a red dot sight directly to the slide without custom gunsmithing work, as the pistol lacks modern optic cut provisions or mounting plates.
If you’re looking for red dot suitability, you’ll need significant modifications to accommodate contemporary optics.
Review
The Model 645’s stainless steel construction and double-action mechanism proved reliable in both law enforcement and sporting applications, though you’ll notice it’s heavier than modern polymer-framed pistols.
You’ll find the ambidextrous safety/decocker and squared trigger guard provide enhanced handling characteristics, while the .45 ACP chambering delivers substantial stopping power. The pistol’s main drawbacks include its limited production run and relative scarcity of spare parts, though its popularity in Miami Vice helped establish its reputation as a dependable defensive weapon.
Pros
Known for its robust stainless steel construction, the Model 645 delivered several noteworthy advantages that made it stand out among .45 ACP pistols of its era. You’ll find significant ergonomic improvements across its variants, from the original 645 to the enhanced 4506.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Corrosion resistance |
| Ambidextrous Controls | Left/right-handed use |
| Squared Trigger Guard | Enhanced grip control |
| Match Barrel (745) | Competition accuracy |
| Wraparound Grips | Improved handling |
Cons
Despite its innovative features, Smith & Wesson’s Model 645 faced several notable drawbacks that impacted its market reception. The pistol’s lackluster ergonomics, high price point, and tricky safety/decocker system limited its appeal. You’ll find the slick stainless finish compromised grip control, while the fixed barrel bushing design affected long-term accuracy potential.
| Issue | Impact |
|---|---|
| Cost | Higher than competitors |
| Safety/Decocker | Difficult operation |
| Barrel Bushing | Accuracy degradation |
| Steel Finish | Reduced grip control |
| Magazine Capacity | Limited to 8+1 rounds |
Reliability
Nearly all reliability tests confirm the Model 645’s exceptional performance as a .45 ACP semi-automatic handgun. You’ll find its unparalleled durability stems from robust stainless steel construction and well-engineered internal components.
The pistol routinely handles thousands of rounds without significant malfunctions, which explains why military and law enforcement agencies have trusted it for demanding operations and tactical scenarios.
Similar Models
Several variants of the Model 645 were produced by Smith & Wesson throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. You’ll find the Model 745, a single-action target version featuring a match barrel, Novak sight, and adjustable trigger stop.
The Model 4505 offered a blued finish with ambidextrous safety, while the Model 4506 combined satin stainless steel construction with a Xenoy wrap-around grip, remaining in production until 2001.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Many prominent firearms manufacturers produced .45 ACP semiautomatic pistols that competed directly with the Model 645. In this competitive landscape, you’ll find designs ranging from the classic Colt M1911A1 to the modern polymer-framed Glock 21.
Other notable contenders include the stainless steel Sig Sauer P220 from the 1970s, the Heckler & Koch USP from 1995, and the M1911-inspired Ruger SR1911.
Maintenance
To maintain optimal performance, the Smith & Wesson Model 645 requires regular cleaning and preventive maintenance routines. You’ll need to clean the barrel with a bore brush and solvent, while wiping down external surfaces with a soft cloth.
Regular lubrication prevents rust and corrosion. Inspect for wear and replace damaged components as needed. Proper storage in a dry, secure location ensures the pistol’s longevity and reliability.
History
During the mid-1980s, Smith & Wesson launched its Model 645 as part of the company’s strategic expansion into .45 ACP caliber handguns.
Research developments began in 1984, leading to the Model 645’s production from 1985 to 1988. This spawned several variants: the target-oriented Model 745 (1986-1990), the blued Model 4505 (1991), and the long-running stainless steel Model 4506 (1988-2001).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Smith Wesson Still Make 645?
No, you won’t find the Model 645 in current production. Smith & Wesson discontinued this .45 ACP pistol in 1988, replacing it with the Model 4506 and briefly with the Model 4505.
While S&W still makes other .45 ACP semi-automatic pistols today, they haven’t manufactured anything similar to the 645 since the 4506’s discontinuation in 2001. If you’re interested in a 645, you’ll need to look at the secondary market.
What Is the Difference Between Smith and Wesson 645 and 745?
You’ll notice the main difference as soon as you pull the trigger – the 645 is double-action while the 745 is single-action only. Think of it as the 645 being the workhorse while its fancy sibling, the 745, shows off at competitions with its match barrel, Novak sight, and adjustable trigger stop.
Both share the same magazine capacity and .45 ACP chamber, but the 745’s match-grade features make it the target shooter’s dream choice.
Do Smith and Wesson Revolvers Hold Value?
You’ll find that Smith & Wesson revolvers typically maintain strong resale value over time. Their reputation for quality construction and reliability helps preserve their worth, often retaining 50-70% of their original price.
If you’ve got a classic model like the .44 Magnum Model 29, you might even see appreciation in value. Your revolver’s worth will depend on its condition, specific model, and current market demand.
What Is the Rarest Smith and Wesson Gun?
Like finding a needle in a haystack, the rarest Smith & Wesson gun is the Model 327 Performance Center TRR8, with only 2,500 units ever produced. You’ll find this eight-shot N-frame revolver features a scandium alloy frame and titanium cylinder.
Among other rare pistol variants, the Model 329 PD follows closely with 3,200 units, while the “Dirty Harry” configuration Model 29 .44 Magnum has become a highly sought-after collector’s piece.
Conclusion
You’ve discovered a classic in the Smith & Wesson Model 645, which first appeared in 1985 as a double-action .45 ACP combat pistol. While production ended in 1988, this stainless steel workhorse continues to serve reliably when you can find one. With its distinctive squared trigger guard and 8-round magazine capacity, it bridges the gap between traditional 1911s and modern combat pistols. Keep one well-maintained, and it’ll outlast you.
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