Thoughts on the Smith & Wesson 645 - Reliability and Performance?

Firearm Reviews & Recommendations
1

I’ve been considering adding a Smith & Wesson 645 to my collection, and I’m looking for some insights from the community. Here’s what I’m hoping to find out:

General Impressions

  1. Reliability - How reliable is the 645 in both range and defensive scenarios? Any jams or issues?
  2. Accuracy - How does it perform in terms of accuracy? I’m looking for something I can count on.
  3. User Experience - What’s your experience with the grip, weight, and handling?

Technical Specs

  • What do you think about the technical specifications? I’ve heard great things about its features but would love your expert opinions on them.
  • Are there any particular accessories you would recommend that pair well with this model?

Market Value

  • If someone were looking to buy a used Smith & Wesson 645, what’s a fair price these days?
  • Are there certain years or models that stand out for better performance or features?

Conclusion

I’m eager to hear what you all think! Any stories, reviews, or recommendations would be appreciated. Let’s hear what you’ve got!

2

I’ve owned the Smith & Wesson 645 for several years now, and it has been incredibly reliable at the range. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through it without a hitch. The heavy frame helps absorb recoil really well.

4 Likes
3

That’s awesome to hear! I’ve also found it performs well under pressure. It’s my go-to for self-defense scenarios. The accuracy is superb when you need it most.

4

I agree with vmendez. For self-defense, the 645 is solid. Shooting with it feels natural—quick target acquisition and tight groupings. I trust it when it matters.

4 Likes
5

In my experience as a security professional, the 645 has been a dependable sidearm. It holds up well during long shifts and tough conditions. Just maintain it properly!

6

I’ve just got mine, and I’m a bit nervous about reliability in high-stress situations. Can anyone share experiences from professional applications? How does it hold up?

7

That’s encouraging! How does it handle long-term wear? I want something durable for frequent practice.

8

I’ve noticed it gets a bit stiff after a few years but nothing major. A good cleaning goes a long way. Overall, durability is good, but regular maintenance is key!

9

I completely agree. My friend has had his for over a decade, and it’s still running great. Definitely a testament to S&W quality.

10

What about recoil? I’ve heard mixed reviews. Some say it’s manageable, while others suggest it’s a bit snappy. How does it feel during rapid fire?

11

Recoil is definitely on the softer side for a .45. It surprised me during rapid fire—very control-friendly! Even my friend, who’s a little new, handled it quite well.

7 Likes
12

Nice! That makes me feel better. I can’t wait to take mine to the range and test its limits. Any tips for a first-time shooter?

13

Just focus on grip and stance! And remember to take your time with each shot. It’s a heavy gun, so it will help mitigate recoil nicely.

14

So, who else thinks the 645 is overrated? Sure, it’s a solid piece, but there are many other options with similar performance at a lower price.

2 Likes
15

I wouldn’t call it overrated. Sure, there are cheaper options, but the quality and performance are hard to ignore. Good craftsmanship matters.

16

I see both points. Honestly, while I love my 645’s build, I think some newer models offer advanced features that could sway a buyer’s decision.

17

That’s a fair point; however, I always believe that tried-and-true models like the 645 will always have a special place for their reliability.

18

Agreed, and honestly, I think you can’t put a price on the confidence it brings. Plus, it looks pretty cool!

19

I’ve owned a Smith & Wesson 645 for a few years now. Its reliability is top-notch, and it has a solid performance compared to other .45 ACPs. I find it quite comfortable to shoot too!

20

I agree! The 645 is a bit heavy, but that adds to its stability. How does it compare in price against the Glock 21?