Some 45's shot very well out of the box, with no twang. There was a bit of variation in spring/ guide fit. Factory springs were a bit on the heavy side, also. Early 34s could have the same issues.
I agree that the HW77 severely hurt its sales but you could say that about many, many guns from the time. The 45 did run on to 1988 but it's rare to see one built after 1985.
I do like the HW35 but prefer the Diana's.