The S&W internal lock

[trackskippy]

Springfield had a hokey lock on their 1911's in the MSH there for a while. Maybe they still do, I dont know. They locked the mainspring and used a pretty fragile, two pin type key, that easily broke if you were the least bit heavy handed when turning it, and then you were screwed.

They were pretty easily fixed by just installing the proper parts in the MSH, or better yet, just replacing the MSH with a proper one. Like the S&W's, best left alone if you had one and didnt care about it. At least S&W didnt cheap out on the keys and it wasnt so fragile.

I solved the problem by not buying any more Springfields.

 

[.38 Special]

The first one I ever bought, I tried the lock just to have had the experience, then unlocked it. That was the first and last time I've ever fiddled with any of them. I personally have utterly no use for such a thing. Any guns which are kept handy for defense are either on my person or locked into a quick-access vault.

At this point, if any ever do "self-lock" I'm in trouble, as I have absolutely no idea where any of the keys are.

 

[ontarget]

Twice when I needed to leave my gun in the car while I shopped. It's far easier to carry the little key with my other keys than to carry even a small trigger lock and its key.

I prefer to just carry my GUN while I'm shopping. And the other 17 hours a day that I'm awake too.

 

[red rick]

What if the plaintiff was using a M&P pistol or rifle , or one of the new models without a lock or one of the many other pistol models that they produce without a lock ? I don’t think that is the reason for the lock today .

 

[Speedo66]

…a few of the Ruger-supplied long-hasp padlocks I use to thread through cables used to tie up motorcycles overnight at races.

.

They’re also long enough to go through the scrunched up arm of a jacket to lock it to a motorcycle.

 

[westernrover]

I hate the lock - - but - - the only way to get a Smith and Wesson L frame .44 magnum with a snub nose is to buy a M69 - that has the lock.

It is my understanding that - the agreement Tompkins signed back in 2000 is 100% unbreakable, despite the fact Tompkins is no longer the owner.

Have you read the agreement? The text is widely available. Read it and see if you think it's unbroken.

 

[StrawHat]

As some of you know, I kind of like the 45 ACP revolver. I have several. But, when I wanted one with a four inch barrel, my only option was a custom revolver. Now, that is not a bad option but it is certainly not a choice everyone can make. About a decade later S&W produced the Springfield Armory Commemorative and followed that with the ACP Mountain Gun. In 2004 S&W produced what I consider the ultimate carry revolver, the Model 22-4 in two variations, the Thunder Ranch version and the standard version. Both had 4” tapered barrels with fixed sights. They also produced a version with the 5 1/2” barrel as an update of the S&W Model 1950 Army revolver. All three (and the nickel and the color cased versions) have the lock. I have all three. Why? Because they work! I have carried one of the 4” versions daily since I got it (2005?). I have fired it extensively, practice, and for CCL certification. If I were still wearing a badge, it would be in my holster.

Is the lock superfluous to my needs? I don’t know. It is the only way to get a factory built version of one of my custom revolvers.

I don’t even think about the storage lock as it does not get stored.


Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

It is interesting. With this internet, we have an echo chamber that repeats what we want to hear and maybe amplifies it.

Back when Joe Wesson, or was it Dan, heard that a child was able to pull the trigger on a competitors revolver and accidentally killed itself, he vowed that should not happen with a revolver with his name on it. The New Safety Departure revolver was the outcome of his hearing of this accident.

There was no internet then. I wonder if everyone cried alligator tears over the inclusion of the improvements?

When a S&W revolver fell several decks on a US Naval ship, struck a steel deck and discharged, killing a sailor and causing the invention and incorporation of a hammer block safety did the masses throw up their arms and swoon?

Just curious?

Kevin

 

[shoebox1.1]

I have never used the internal lock on S&W revolvers or the several dozen of external locks that I've amassed over the years that ships with the gun.

I have used the external cable locks to practice my lockpicking on! This colt one I got is a boogerbear! Hard to open

 

[Styx]

I have used the external cable locks to practice my lockpicking on! This colt one I got is a boogerbear! Hard to open

I have a large set of bump keys and a decent lockpick set. I am more interested in door locks and deadlocks. The few times I've lost my storage unit key or a padlock key, I just used a bolt cutter to cut the lock. The lock is useless without having a key at that point, and it's cheaper to just buy a new padlock.

 

[cfullgraf]

Apologies for wandering off topic...

I also have a box filled with locks that came with guns, a few of the Ruger-supplied long-hasp padlocks I use to thread through cables used to tie up motorcycles overnight at races.

Not a bad idea if you need the locks once in a while. I bought a pack of four padlocks, all keyed the same. Then, I have one key to unlock the race car trailer and remove the lock and cable that keeps the generators from hiking off.

Back on topic...

I’ve shot the heck out of my revolvers with the lock and feel confident in their reliability. That being said, I lost those keys years ago and have never turned the locks.

The first one I ever bought, I tried the lock just to have had the experience, then unlocked it. That was the first and last time I've ever fiddled with any of them. I personally have utterly no use for such a thing. Any guns which are kept handy for defense are either on my person or locked into a quick-access vault.

At this point, if any ever do "self-lock" I'm in trouble, as I have absolutely no idea where any of the keys are.

I'm pretty sure I could find a key if I need one. Mostly, I've left them in the box the gun came in.

This thread has made me think I need to scarf a few out of the boxes and place them in locations in the rolling tool box I use to store my reloading gear. At least, some keys would be in a fixed, known location.

You just never know when Murphy will pay a visit.

 

[.38 Special]

As some of you know, I kind of like the 45 ACP revolver. I have several. But, when I wanted one with a four inch barrel, my only option was a custom revolver. Now, that is not a bad option but it is certainly not a choice everyone can make. About a decade later S&W produced the Springfield Armory Commemorative and followed that with the ACP Mountain Gun. In 2004 S&W produced what I consider the ultimate carry revolver, the Model 22-4 in two variations, the Thunder Ranch version and the standard version. Both had 4” tapered barrels with fixed sights. They also produced a version with the 5 1/2” barrel as an update of the S&W Model 1950 Army revolver. All three (and the nickel and the color cased versions) have the lock. I have all three. Why? Because they work! I have carried one of the 4” versions daily since I got it (2005?). I have fired it extensively, practice, and for CCL certification. If I were still wearing a badge, it would be in my holster.

Is the lock superfluous to my needs? I don’t know. It is the only way to get a factory built version of one of my custom revolvers.

I don’t even think about the storage lock as it does not get stored.
View attachment 1122781

Kevin

I have the same gun. It came with all sorts of problems and still hasn't been entirely cured. And the lock, while not interfering with function, is a constant reminder of a tiresome age.

But the gun is gorgeous, entirely functional, and the most accurate centerfire handgun I've ever come across.

I'd still rather it not have the lock, but...

 

[halfmoonclip]

I have a 25-15, with a fourth sideplate screw, and a lock. Go figure.
Now, that said, the locks don't really bug me. I've used the one on the 340SC down at camp, when I go in the river, but the gun doesn't. It's never malfed on that mean kicking little bugger, so I don't worry about it.
Moon

 

[cfullgraf]

I have a standard classic Model 22-4 with the 5-1/2" barrel. While it does not have more than a few hundred rounds through it, it has been reliable and meets my accuracy requirements.

Sorry that yours has been a "problem child".

I'd prefer it have adjustable sights so my Model 25-2 and Model 25-5's get more action.

I love big diameter, slow moving bullets fired from a gun chambered for an iconic cartridge.

 

[nanook12]

I used to own S&W Mod 29/629, these had no lock. I would never buy a S&W with a lock. I use Ruger Alaskan 44s now. I have heard of the internal lock rotating and jamming on a couple different large caliber S&W…It will never happen to me, I won’t own any of their junk…

 

[Jonesy814]

I have revolvers with and without the lock. Never used it. I do keep one in the little tool kit in my range bag in case one locks up on me, but it’s never happened

 

[Hal]

Have you read the agreement? The text is widely available. Read it and see if you think it's unbroken.

Yes - I read it & yes, it is still in effect.
It is a court order and it still hasn't been broken.
Just because S&W has breached parts of it & the federal gov hasn't gone after them for it, doesn't mean it has disappeared.

There are vast numbers of laws like that we don't have to go into.

 

[westernrover]

Is that right? What court ordered it?

 

[FL-NC]

I have used those stupid cable locks for things besides guns- like additional security on a garage door or gate, and to lock things in the bed of a pickup so they don't walk away.

 

[halfmoonclip]

Of perhaps more concern are the MIM parts in newer Smiths, but even those seem to respond to some basic tuning techniques. There are 'blanking' kits for the locks, but I keep not wanting to spend the money; just solving a nonexistent problem.
Moon

 

[cjwils]

I have 3 Smiths with the lock. I never use the locks. However, I do carry the tiny $&W key on my keychain, in case a lock should somehow become locked inadvertently.

 

[westernrover]

Of perhaps more concern are the MIM parts in newer Smiths, but even those seem to respond to some basic tuning techniques. There are 'blanking' kits for the locks, but I keep not wanting to spend the money; just solving a nonexistent problem.
Moon

I've never heard of a shortcoming of MIM parts. What would the concern be? I believe they are much better than the older parts that were stamped and then only case hardened on the surface.

 

[Archie]

I do not own a revolver so equipped. I see no point in such a device. I rather prefer a pinned barrel and attention to detail to a political gesture.

Current S&W firearms are cheap copies of Smith & Wesson firearms.

 

[Steve Milbocker]

Thanks to everyone for participating in this thread/ poll. I was pretty sure the no votes would be quite a bit higher but not this much higher. Keep your votes and opinions coming. Merry Christmas to you all.

 

[BC17A]

After the second time my 500 locked itself under recoil I deactivated the lock and plugged the stinkin' hole.