Original 45

[Muskett]

I've got a few Sports and slightly more 45s. I can say that I enjoy shooting both marques. In respect of quality of manufacturing I would say both models are on equal par. However the trigger on the 45 is in a different league to the Sport and is more robust.
As a shooting platform the 45 certainly works better for me on a personal level. The Sport is a cracking gun but the 45 seems more stable and good accuracy achieved tad easier.
Not taking anything away from the Sport as I hold it in high regard. But as I've pointed out before here there is a bit of a herd mentality when it comes to what people consider a practical classic.
I too would put the 45 ahead of the Sport personally though you won't go far wrong with either....

The Sport has the better handling and points so well. Looks sportier too. But the 45 is probably a better mousetrap. That weight forwardness is a boon to shooting in the field against wind. The trigger a whole lot better too. Darn good rifle, every bit as good as a HW80. Only thing letting it down is the stock isn't quite sexy enough; walnut and some cheek piece contouring set off with some checkering would do it.
Thats from a FWB Sports fan.

[Big Seth]

The Sport has the better handling and points so well. Looks sportier too. But the 45 is probably a better mousetrap. That weight forwardness is a boon to shooting in the field against wind. The trigger a whole lot better too. Darn good rifle, every bit as good as a HW80. Only thing letting it down is the stock isn't quite sexy enough; walnut and some cheek piece contouring set off with some checkering would do it.
Thats from a FWB Sports fan.

I like the stock on the 045. Perhaps the little amount of contact contact with the jaw when on aim allows the rifle to recoil in a more uninhibited manner? Like an HW77. Cannot agree the 045 has a better trigger than an FWB Sport, they are both carp.. The 045 has a defined "hang up" between stages. The HW 80 beats both.

[Drew451]

I like the stock on the 045. Perhaps the little amount of contact contact with the jaw when on aim allows the rifle to recoil in a more uninhibited manner? Like an HW77. Cannot agree the 045 has a better trigger than an FWB Sport, they are both carp.. The 045 has a defined "hang up" between stages. The HW 80 beats both.

I ended up with your old 45 and found it's (modified )trigger quite unlike any other i have used. I could detect no hang up in it, certainly. I immediately knew the gun had been put to serious use. But different folk look for different things in triggers and it didnt suit me. It was a bloody sweet gun though. And outstandingly accurate.
I had a HW80 for about ten years and i thought a lot of it. But in my opinion your 45 was the better gun.

[Muskett]

HW has the Rekord trigger, but the 45's triggers are good, well can be set up to a close good second to a Rekord, though they are different in a few ways. There are things I like more with the 45 than the 80. Not much in it, down to personal taste. Both great rifles.

[landymick]

The trigger on the 45 is rather good with a good clean predictable let off when you get use to the fat straightish blade.Not a great deal of adjustment but neither has the FWB Sport which is a bit heavy compared felt even more so with plastic blade of the MK1.

The HW80 trigger is better & hard to beat but a good performing 45 might surprise you considering its trigger is less adjustable & is powered by its leather piston seal.

[Big Seth]

The trigger on the 45 is rather good with a good clean predictable let off when you get use to the fat straightish blade.Not a great deal of adjustment but neither has the FWB Sport which is a bit heavy compared felt even more so with plastic blade of the MK1.

The HW80 trigger is better & hard to beat but a good performing 45 might surprise you considering its trigger is less adjustable & is powered by its leather piston seal.

It's a good trigger compared to a BSA Mercury of the same era for example but still carp. As regards accuracy the 045 is simply outstanding but it won't last as long pellet for pellet as an HW80 or FWB Sport, and thats from an 045 fan...