Description
For collectors of modern Smith & Wesson history, certain pistols stand apart not simply for their design, but for their place in the company’s timeline. This extraordinary Smith & Wesson Model 845 Stainless – Number 1 represents exactly that kind of moment. Marked “845 Model of 1998” on the slide and presented in its original Performance Center case, this pistol is the very first example of the Model 845 series, making it a cornerstone piece for serious Smith & Wesson enthusiasts and collectors of Performance Center pistols.
Introduced during a period when Smith & Wesson was refining its line of large-frame semi-automatic pistols, the Model 845 was developed as a precision-oriented evolution of the company’s .45 ACP offerings. Built on the robust third-generation platform, the pistol combines the durability of Smith & Wesson’s proven stainless-steel construction with Performance Center refinement. The result is a handgun that balances mechanical reliability with target-grade performance.
At first glance, the pistol’s distinctive satin stainless finish immediately stands out. The brushed flats along the slide contrast subtly with the bead-blasted surfaces of the frame, giving the pistol a refined two-tone stainless aesthetic while highlighting the precision machining characteristic of Performance Center builds. The long slide profile and carefully cut serrations provide both visual balance and functional control.
The slide is elegantly engraved with “845 Model of 1998,” a marking that reflects the model’s limited and commemorative nature. For collectors, however, the true significance lies in the fact that this pistol is the first example produced in the series, elevating it far beyond a standard production firearm.
Mechanically, the Model 845 remains faithful to Smith & Wesson’s third-generation engineering. The stainless steel frame provides strength and longevity, while the traditional double-action/single-action operating system offers a familiar and reliable trigger mechanism. This system allows the shooter to fire the first shot in double action with subsequent shots breaking crisply in single action, an arrangement that defined many of Smith & Wesson’s service pistols during the era.
A notable feature of this pistol is its adjustable rear sight assembly, allowing precise point-of-impact adjustments for shooters who demand exacting accuracy. Paired with the clean sight picture of the front blade, the adjustable sight system reinforces the Model 845’s role as a precision-focused pistol.
The ergonomics reflect the thoughtful design of Smith & Wesson’s late-generation semi-automatics. Checkered black grip panels provide a secure and comfortable hold, while the frame’s contours sit naturally in the hand. The extended beavertail and balanced weight distribution help manage recoil from the powerful .45 ACP cartridge, contributing to controllability during firing.
Internally, the pistol features a precision-fit stainless steel barrel visible through the ejection port, with a polished chamber area that contrasts beautifully with the matte stainless steel exterior. The full-length dust cover and slide mass further aid in recoil management, ensuring the pistol remains stable and predictable during operation.
Included with the pistol is its original Smith & Wesson Performance Center case, a detail that collectors value highly. The presence of the correct case, along with the pistol’s documented position as the first produced example, adds an additional layer of desirability for those who appreciate factory-complete presentation.
From a historical standpoint, the Model 845 represents a fascinating chapter in Smith & Wesson’s semi-automatic development. The late 1990s were a time when the company was bridging the gap between its traditional double-action pistols and the new generation of polymer-framed designs that would soon dominate the market. Pistols like the 845 embody the final refinement of Smith & Wesson’s all-metal service pistol lineage, making them particularly appealing to collectors who appreciate the engineering and craftsmanship of this era.
In the world of collectible firearms, first-of-series examples carry a special significance. They represent the beginning of a model’s production history and often serve as reference pieces for collectors and historians alike. Owning the first example of a model is akin to holding the opening chapter of its story.
This Smith & Wesson Model 845 Stainless – Number 1 is therefore more than just a well-made .45 ACP pistol; it is a tangible piece of Smith & Wesson history. Its combination of Performance Center heritage, stainless construction, and first-production status places it firmly within the realm of serious collectible firearms.
For collectors seeking an exceptional addition to a Smith & Wesson collection, or anyone who appreciates the craftsmanship of late-generation American service pistols, this remarkable Model 845 represents an opportunity to acquire a truly significant example of the company’s legacy.
