[NewToy45]

I know, I know, it's a S^$^% & W^$^%. I need your opinion/experience with this pistol. I am ready to buy my first 1911 and I would like it to be a "custom shop" piece. Thank you very much!!

 

[Jim Watson]

I don't own one (yet) but I have shot and admired them. If I see a 5" 945 for sale at store or show locally I will likely buy it.

However, it is NOT a 1911. The trigger, thumb safety and grip safety are 1911 parts. NOTHING else will interchange; not even magazines, it is a natural 8-shot. It is a bit heavier than a 1911 and the grip shape and angle are enough different to tell. It is a S&W, not a Colt clone. If you want a real 1911 for the same or a bit more money, look Wilson, Baer, or Rock River. If you want a S&W with the safety in the right place, I think the 945 is a good gun.

 

[NewToy45]

Originally posted by Jim Watson:
I don't own one (yet) but I have shot and admired them. If I see a 5" 945 for sale at store or show locally I will likely buy it.

However, it is NOT a 1911. The trigger, thumb safety and grip safety are 1911 parts. NOTHING else will interchange; not even magazines, it is a natural 8-shot. It is a bit heavier than a 1911 and the grip shape and angle are enough different to tell. It is a S&W, not a Colt clone. If you want a real 1911 for the same or a bit more money, look Wilson, Baer, or Rock River. If you want a S&W with the safety in the right place, I think the 945 is a good gun.

What kind of Wilson, Baer or RRA model (new) can I get for $1200? That is the going price for the PC 945 right now.

 

[Jim Watson]

You've got a point.
I had not been tracking prices of boutique 1911s lately and had no idea that Wilson had jacked the price of the ugly green CQB up to $1795. Not to me for sure. I'd give $1450 for a Baer or $1395 for a RRA, though... if I did not have a FLG 1911 specialist who will assemble or modify to my order for no more money and a lot less wait for comparable quality.
I wish somebody in MY area would offer a 945 for $1200; I'd snap it up.
But it is still not a 1911.

 

[VL5150]

I have held, but not shot, one of these weapons. They look and feel flawless. The "fishscale" serrations are very nice also. The gun is bigger and bulkier than a real 1911 (15%?), plus there's less angle in the grip. Yes it's not a real 1911, but it's a damn nice piece.

After seeing the 945, I had an early NIB Performance Center "Shorty Forty" fall into my hands for a good price. The workmanship on that pistol is the finest I have ever seen on any (limited)production pistol. I can see custom fitting all over the barrel and slide, not the mention the awesome fitted briley bushing. Needless to say it's very accurate and world's better than an ordinary clunky S&W auto.

If the 945 is built to this standard, and I believe it is, it may make a curious addition to a 1911 gunner's collection.