Newb "Lock " question.

[Dab867]

Not very familiar with the particulars of S&W revolvers. I have seen the terms pinned, pre-lock, etc. and have figured out the pinned part. Would someone explain the "locked" part? And the benefits of pre-locked. However the benefits may be self explanatory one I figure out what the lock is. Thanks for all you knowledgeable guys sharing.

[Steve in Vermont]

I would suggest you Google Search "Internal Lock S&W Forum" for an answer to this question. This question has a potential to open a can of worms, as you'll see.

[loutent]

Here's a shot of my 638 bodyguard that shows the lock:



Since I bought this about 5 years ago and learned about the lock here on the forum, I have not purchased a newer SW with the lock. There are a lot of threads here that discuss it - some aren't bothered by it, but I would say that the majority here don't like it if only for cosmetic reasons.

[shouldazagged]

The question isn't an improper one at all, but the subject has been chewed over an awful lot here. I second the recommendation of a Google search, and I hope you'll keep asking questions. There aren't any dumb ones.

[gdnagle]

OK here come the worms....

S&W install internal locks on their revolvers as per a March 2000Clinton agreement supposedly for safety. Don't know how true the internet reports are but there are rumors going around of the lock engaging after firing which could be a bad thing during an emergency.

You can read about the lock here under agreement of 2000. Smith & Wesson - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is my understanding of it if not correct sorry for misinformation someone else will chime in. My wife has a Lilac Ruger LC9, which I kinda like also, with the internal lock and mag disconnect, which I feel is unsafe also as if you hit the mag release button by mistake you can not fire the chambered round if a emergency arises. Carrying in her purse you never know what could hit it and release the mag never had it happen but I can see a tight holster hitting it and releasing the magazine. One round is better then none in my opinion.

[Dab867]

Ah, now I see. Thank you for helping out the less educated here. I tried a forum search but after sifting through a few posts, I figured this was the best way to get my question answered. Thanks again and any opening of the worms is unintentional.

[Hillbilly77]

I hate the lock on my Smith & Wesson.
It makes handling & holstering the gun a real pain, and as shown in the picture, the lock causes an unsafe trigger condition as the gun is inserted into the holster.
I hate it.

[lagavulin62]

It's really just a case of something on a gun that has nothing to do with it's intended purpose. Smith and Wesson is not the only company to do this. The safest gun is one that is so simple even a Caveman can operate it. Making something as deadly as a gun more complicated is never a good idea and anything but safe.

[loutent]

Originally Posted by Hillbilly77

I hate the lock on my Smith & Wesson.
It makes handling & holstering the gun a real pain, and as shown in the picture, the lock causes an unsafe trigger condition as the gun is inserted into the holster.
I hate it.

I think that the lock should be behind the trigger

[Hillbilly77]

Originally Posted by loutent

I think that the lock should be behind the trigger

That's why it's so bothersome - design flaw.

[Mickey D]

Wait until he asks about CTG.

[ladder13]

Originally Posted by Mickey D

Wait until he asks about CTG.

Or the skinny barrel

[GKC]

Originally Posted by gdnagle

My wife has a Lilac Ruger LC9, which I kinda like also, with the internal lock and mag disconnect, which I feel is unsafe also as if you hit the mag release button by mistake you can not fire the chambered round if a emergency arises.

My wife has an LC9 as well (hers is the TALO Gold model) and it does have a lock that requires a key to operate...but unless you know where it is, you would never know it's there. Plus, I have never heard of any instances of a Ruger lock engaging under recoil (like the reported instances of S&W.)

The mag disconnect on the LC9 can be removed...it's a little involved, which is why I haven't tried to take it out on my wife's gun. We haven't had any problems with the mag releasing unintentionally so far.

[woodsltc]

To the OP....I'm kinda surprised someone hasn't already sent you to this : LOCK- ..can't get past "the hole".

Read to your hearts content.

Just my .02 cents.....I refuse to buy a S&W with that useless lock.

Don

[yaktamer]

Originally Posted by ladder13

Or the skinny barrel

or +p, or 5.56 vs. .223, or .....

[kennyb]

the lock can be removed easily and a member here designed and sells a "plug" that fits into the opening...i have done a few in this manner and it works well....welcome to the forum!

[Dab867]

Originally Posted by woodsltc

To the OP....I'm kinda surprised someone hasn't already sent you to this : LOCK- ..can't get past "the hole".

Read to your hearts content.

Just my .02 cents.....I refuse to buy a S&W with that useless lock.

Don

Thanks for the info. 'bout sums it up. I've been around guns all my life and own plenty but none of the newer S&W's therefore no previous reason to follow the forum and no dealings with locks. I've recently come to appreciate the classic revolvers in particular and glad I found a site where information is so readily shared without too many elitist responses.

[CAJUNLAWYER]

welllllllllllllll well well well well.
Another lock thread........................
Some like 'em- some don't-
Some accept them-some think they are the "mark of the beast"
Some buy guns with them-some only buy fine blued steel and walnut
Some call them a pimple-some call them that ^*&%$ hole
Some take them out-some live with them
I think that just about covers it.

Think it's about time to start up another bear gun thread.

[LVSteve]

Originally Posted by yaktamer

or +p, or 5.56 vs. .223, or .....

..or 7.62 NATO vs .308, or how about 8mm Mauser vs 7.92x57, then there's 38 S&W vs 38 Special.....