Smith & Wesson Model 645 Transitional .45 ACP, 5" Stainless, 1988 TBx-Prefix Range, 4 Factory Magazines
This is a scarce transitional Smith & Wesson Model 645 in .45 ACP, built during the late-1988 changeover to the 3rd Generation line. It retains the 645 rollmark while incorporating early 4506 features, including the one-piece wraparound grip. Commonly cited estimates put production at about 1,500 units, and this example falls in the TBx-prefix transitional range. Finished in matte stainless with a 5-inch barrel and shipped with four factory magazines, it is a notable 1980s S&W metal-frame auto with documented collector interest.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Minor signs of prior use are present. The chamber is clean, and the rifling appears bright and well-defined.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson Model 645 transitional pistol (.45 ACP)
- Four 8-round S&W factory steel single-stack magazines (S&W logo marked)
This transitional Model 645/4506 configuration combines the 645 slide/frame and markings with 3rd Generation features, most notably the one-piece wraparound black synthetic grip with S&W medallions. It is an early 4506-style build stamped as a 645, associated with the TBx-prefix range tied to the late-1988 transition. Production for this variant is commonly cited at approximately 1,500 units, contributing to its desirability among collectors.
The pistol is full-size and constructed in stainless steel with a matte stainless slide and frame. It uses short-recoil, tilting-barrel, locked-breech operation with a 5-inch barrel. Handling details include rear vertical slide serrations, a vertically serrated front strap, and a squared trigger guard with a textured front face.
Controls are classic S&W metal-frame DA/SA: a hammer-fired action with an external spurred hammer, an ambidextrous slide-mounted safety/decocker with a red dot indicator, a left-side magazine release, and a smooth-faced trigger. Capacity is 8+1 with the included single-stack magazines.
The fixed sight setup features a white dot front blade and a low-profile rear notch for a clean sight picture. As part of the broader Model 645 platform, this series also gained pop-culture recognition in the 1980s, adding period context to its collectible status.