The S&W internal lock

[Steve Milbocker]

In light of a recent thread here I got to wondering how many of you that own Smiths with the lock actually use them?

 

[Ohen Cepel]

I hate that lock with a burning passion that borders on religion.

If S&W want to sell guns to some of us again they will cease this moronic abomination. Or not, and I'll just buy older models which they make no $$ on.

Note: Their stock fell HARD recently so they may want to sell guns to older guys like me who hate that lock. Yes, I know the gun market has gotten soft, which is all the MORE reason to stop trying to sell me something I won't buy.

Rant off (for now).

 

[1976B.L.Johns.]

I ignore the lock.
I try to ignore things that one despises.
Okay, I do not like it!

 

[cfullgraf]

I've never used the lock. If, and when, I have small folks in the house again (we're empty nesters at the moment), I'll secure the firearms unloaded and in a safe.

Whether using the internal lock, or a trigger guard separate lock, the gun is virtually useless for rapid deployment in an emergency per the opinions of some.

Fortunately, we live in a rural area and feel pretty safe. The risk of unintended accidents is higher than the need of instant protection from an outside intruders.

Others that live in urban or city environments may have different concerns from us.

 

[Pat Riot]

Every one I have purchased with the lock I have tested the lock, deactivated it and left it that way. The keys went back in the original factory shipping box and the guns go into a safe.

 

[Styx]

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.

 

[Riomouse911]

I have four S&W revolvers with the internal lock, and all four internal locks have never been used.

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.

My guns get stored in the safe, my one ready-gun is locked in my room.

Stay safe.

 

[cfullgraf]

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.

Virtually all of the cable locks supplied with a handgun remain in the factory original box. Additional keys for the internal lock are also stored in the original box, maybe I need to re-think this.

My guns get stored in the safe, my one ready-gun is locked in my room.

Right, guns not expected to be used immediately are stored unloaded in a safe,

 

[CajunBass]

Beyond a couple of "Oh, that's how it works" I've never used one. Even that wore off after the first couple of times. Never used any kind of "gun lock" either. I've probably got a couple dozen at least floating around here somewhere.

I remember some years ago, the county had boxes of gun locks (cable type) around the courthouse complex. Take as many as you want, no charge. They couldn't give those things away.

 

[DeepSouth]

Well of course not, why would I do a silly thing like that?

 

[blackd24]

I have one and don’t use it. The appearance doesn’t really bother me, but I’m younger and have never held an older smith and Wesson so I don’t have anything to compare.

The whole idea of an internal lock on a gun is stupid though, there’s no arguing that. You either lock your gun in a safe when you’re not using it, or it’s ready to fire when you are using it. In what situation would you want to lock and disable the gun outside if a safe? I’ve never left a gun unattended and could never see myself in a situation where I would need to. Maybe I’ll look back at the marketing campaign to see how they tried to sell the public.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I’ve never owned one.

I think I will stick to that mode of action pertaining to use of the lock.

 

[lincen]

I have 5 or 6 with the locks and never will use them. Thankfully there has never been an issue with these silly locks. One of my newest S&W is an all black 442 with no lock. Smith makes these from time to time.

 

[thirty-eight]

The whole idea of an internal lock on a gun is stupid though, there’s no arguing that

Plaintiff: "I just wanted to look at it and didn't think it would go off and now I'm entitled to all the manufacturers money."
Defendant: "The revolver in question incorporates an internal lock which the owner elected not to use."

 

[jar]

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.

 

[mope540]

Even though the IL can be removed and the hole plugged, I've never considered using anything Klinton related for self defense...but i do have a scarce S&W that was made for only a short period after the IL came along. It's the only IL model i've ever considered buying. It would be a great nightstand/HD handgun if it didn't have the lock.

 

[Zendude]

I have used it occasionally, but prefer a regular cable lock. It’s hard to tell whether the internal lock is engaged or not without really looking closely (requires my reading glasses).

 

[Riomouse911]

Beyond a couple of "Oh, that's how it works" I've never used one. Even that wore off after the first couple of times. Never used any kind of "gun lock" either. I've probably got a couple dozen at least floating around here somewhere.

I remember some years ago, the county had boxes of gun locks (cable type) around the courthouse complex. Take as many as you want, no charge. They couldn't give those things away.

I had about 100 of those left over, same thing. All were free but no one ever wanted one.

Stay safe.

 

[sparkyv]

It is no longer possible to lock mine.

 

[JERRY]

Plaintiff: "I just wanted to look at it and didn't think it would go off and now I'm entitled to all the manufacturers money."
Defendant: "The revolver in question incorporates an internal lock which the owner elected not to use."

There's also an owner's manual the owner elected not to read, these manuals also come free of charge at the request of anyone.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

I just pretend it isn't there.

 

[Hal]

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.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

I only have two Smiths that have the lock.

I never use the lock.

The appearance of the lock does not bother me.

The lack of quality control at S&W does bother me, so I will not be buying any more new Smiths.

I have plenty of "pre-lock" Smiths to shoot, so I don't need any more new ones.

 

[Gary W. Strange]

I bought two S&W with the lock. I still have one of them, but it will go in a trade, when the time is right. I just can’t make myself like the lock. I don’t have a specific reason. I can’t get past it. Looking a new S&W revolvers, they don’t look the same as those of the past. Especially the j,k and l frame revolvers. They are more boxy looking and don’t have the same lines. I hope at some point S&W removes the locks but I am not sure I would want one even then. I love and buy the older ones. I heard old timers saying they were done with S&W when they stopped pinning the barrels and recessing the cylinders. If feel the same about the current ones.

 

[guyfromohio]

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.