S&W lock removal

[Alfred Mitchell]

I have many with lock but years ago had my 329 activate the lock while firing full charge 250 grain Keith level loads. I think the scandium frames may flex with heavy recoil. No problem with my steel frame guns. I just removed the lock on my 329 . No more problems

 

[TriTone]

I ordered a plug kit from tk custom a couple days ago to put in my new model 19 classic. Next project for it, fix the atrocious trigger. I’m debating sending it back to make them refinish it too since the glass beading carried over sloppily to the polished blue in a couple places.

I’ll let y’all know how the tkcustom kit goes in and post a pic.

 

[JDeere]

Everyone has a choice but I doubt the lock will go away anytime soon if ever. Those that don't like like it for one reason or another have not affected sales so it seems. The internet is abound with stories that get regurgitated in some form about issues with the lock. There seem seem to be many more about how the lock has not affected operation. Buy what you like and like what you buy...ymmv

 

[red rick]

Sure the lock has effected their sales and profit . Did it put them out of business , no , but it did make them less profitable IMO . I have never heard a person yet say they bought a S&W revolver because of the ILS . I have 4 that I bought used because of the lock and I have 2 more that I want to buy . There are probably a thousand more people just like me that now buy used S&W revolvers or they don’t buy at all .

 

[cfullgraf]

I do not like the lock mostly for aesthetic reasons. Anything mechanical can fail but the risk is very, very low. Heck, mainsprings fail all the time.

The fit and finish of todays S&W production bothers me more. The finishing from days past was exquisite. I’ve purchased more used S&W revolvers of late than new ones.

But, I have purchased some new production guns where they have made some models/chamberings that are difficult to find used.

Now, if S&W would make a run of Model 16’s chambered in 32 S&WL, I’d be in hog heaven.

 

[ontarget]

Now, if S&W would make a run of Model 16’s chambered in 32 S&WL, I’d be in hog heaven.

You and me both. Lock or no lock.

 

[ontarget]

On the lock subject, I guess for me it's more the principle and visual appearance.
I'm not worried about it failing. If they insist on putting it in there, why not use a system like Taurus, in the back of the hammer instead of the side of the frame?

 

[aaaaa]

Biggest problem with the lock seems to be that it uglifies the gun and was put there for political purposes instead of practical need.

OTOH, I have read that some guns had locked up during shooting, typically heavy calibers, not .38 Special.

 

[DR505]

The lock is not a safety as such. It's just to keep an unwanted person from pulling the trigger. Much like a padlock as it needs a "key" to unlock it
I personally would never remove a factory safety for liability reasons.

Have you ever tried shooting a BHP with the mag safety left in place?

 

[gasmandave]

I ordered a plug kit from tk custom a couple days ago to put in my new model 19 classic. Next project for it, fix the atrocious trigger. I’m debating sending it back to make them refinish it too since the glass beading carried over sloppily to the polished blue in a couple places.

I’ll let y’all know how the tkcustom kit goes in and post a pic.

Have you ever tried shooting a BHP with the mag safety left in place?

Yes, but the mag safety is there so if you are in a fight for control of the pistol you can drop the mag and your not going to be shot with your own gun. I had an Israeli browning high power

 

[gwpercle]

To be fair, there have been people who had failures with the IL. There have been cases, so it is a valid concern. Then there's those who are also against the IL for political and principle reasons and/or because some just don't like the look. There preferences are no more valid, right, or wrong than those who don't care about the lock.

Some people just enjoy making Mountains out of Mole Hills ... To Each His Own !
Gary

 

[Targa]

The lock won’t stop me from buying a S&W but I am not about to trivialize someone’s choice for not buying a S&W with one, their reasons are legit to me and I agree with those reasons. My biggest issue with S&W is trying to find one with a properly aligned barrel. I will never blindly order one, I know that.

 

[Elkins45]

If they put others in their line up without a lock it doesn't seem that they are that married to it. So, why keep the charade up?

Unless I’m mistaken, all of their lockless models are double action only guns without external hammers. No place for the flag to stick up.

My used 329 engaged the lock accidentally under recoil once. It also spun the cylinder a couple of times, so the problem might have been my individual specimen. As it was used the problem might also have been some of Bubba’s handiwork.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Unless I’m mistaken, all of their lockless models are double action only guns without external hammers. No place for the flag to stick up.

Sadly, after looking I think you are correct on their current revolver line.

However, seems most of their semi auto pistols don't have a lock on them............I just don't get their "plan" here.

 

[Yamifrk]

All 3 of my S&W mags have a lock 357,44 and 460. People claim that the lock, lock’s up under heavy recoil. My 460 S&W mag has A LOT of rounds through it and never a problem…maybe my guns don’t know they have a lock.
It doesn’t bother me nor do the guns
seem to mind that it’s there. That plug kit does seem to hide it, if it bothers you.

 

[StrawHat]

The lock is not a safety as such. It's just to keep an unwanted person from pulling the trigger. Much like a padlock as it needs a "key" to unlock it
I personally would never remove a factory safety for liability reasons.

gasmandave,


You do understand that it is not a safety don’t you? It is a storage lock. A subtle, yet huge, difference.


Kevin

 

[gasmandave]

gasmandave,


You do understand that it is not a safety don’t you? It is a storage lock. A subtle, yet huge, difference.


Kevin

That's exactly what I said word for word...only different!

 

[Yamifrk]

I thought the same thing @gasmandave first sentence the lock is not a safety

 

[P5 Guy]

All of my S&W revolvers are built pre March 2000.
No particular reason but by then I had the ones I wanted.

 

[Old_Grouch]

The lock on S&W revolvers is just a lawyers money making idea.

Actually the patent owners of the lock (Saf-T-Hammer) acquired S&W in 2001. Coincidence?

 

[halfmoonclip]

It's my understanding that the Saf-T-Hammer folks no longer own Smith.
I've a current 640 Pro without a lock, and a 25 'Classic' (with 4 screws) and a lock.
Do have an older 340SC, that's seen a fair amount of shooting; the lock has never acted up.
None of it is consistent, nor does it make sense. The lock simply isn't a problem.
You pays you money, and takes you choice.
Moon

 

[sparkyv]

LOL!

Have you ever tried shooting a BHP with the mag safety left in place?

 

[rperyam]

My daughters 638 has a lock. I bought it used for her. Never had an issue and to be honest, the key didn’t come with the gun. The previous owner had no idea where it was. It doesn’t bother either of us.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

My daughters 638 has a lock. I bought it used for her. Never had an issue and to be honest, the key didn’t come with the gun. The previous owner had no idea where it was. It doesn’t bother either of us.

You should write S&W and ask them for a key. You never know when you might need it if by some chance the lock moves.

 

[sgt127]

For me, it’s the look. A hole with an arrow, looks ugly. They also changed the lines of the frame in the hammer arc.

I owned one lock gun, a .460. It never locked up. But, I didn’t shoot it much before I traded it off.