I WOULD buy new S&W revolvers...
if I could afford it.

I want: 686+ 3" Talo
686+ 2.5"
Nightguards in .357/.45acp/44magnum
340 M&P
442 no lock
642 no lock
classic series model 29

Probably ain't gonna happen....so I will settle for a couple pre-lock 19's and 66's !!

I couldn't agree more with you djshaw. I too believe the classic series should have been designed without the lock - made with the exact design as the originals. I've also heard that the classics don't come with the wooden presentation box any longer which is another thing I just don't understand. I know I would have no problem buying a few more if such a beast was produced.

Just purchased a 642 Airweight to supplement the 640.

New guy chiming in...ever since S&W incorporated the lock it has ruined the classic lines of both the J, K, and L frames. Add to that the newest models (the Night Ranger or whatever the hell they call it) are about the butt-ugliest firearms I've ever seen. I'll stick to the old models.

I have purchased new 4 S&W revolvers over the past 3 or 4 years that had the lock. That being said, in the past year I have sold or traded all of my S&W's that had the lock and replaced them with pre-lock guns. The pre-lock guns have better quality and fitting and don't have any compromises that are the result of political BS.

__________________
"I'm just a dog chasing cars."

I, and many others, hate the lock. It'd be okay if redesigned. The "L" indicating a locked position looks like, on some guns, it was scratched into the metal with a nail. The cheap pop-up tin by the hammer requires cutting a big slot by the hammer. My ruger vaquero has a lock completely unseen and well designed. Smith's design it pathetic. It bothers me because I would love to by a new S&W. They have some great looking models right now, if it weren't for the poorly designed lock.

Bought a 438 with lock it has met my needs so far.

As many others have stated, S&W no longer makes anything I am interested in due to current design specs and features. I am very much interested in older Smiths, say anything pre lock, and older is better. I won't debate the merits of old vs new, but I like what I like and thats all there is to it.

In all fairness to S&W, they're not the only ones I feel that way about. I am/was a Remington shotgun guy (I have 5 870s and 2 1100s,) but I am not interested in anything Remington has made since about 1995 or so.

I want a 460 and a 500 so badly.

i plan to buy several new s&w revolvers in the future

I bought this 642 no lock for my wife last year. I would opt no lock every time, unless for some reason I had an immediate need and no choice or the price was too good to pass up, neither of which is likely in the cards for me...

I could kick myself for the S&W revolvers I have sold in the past...all years ago...I only managed to hang on to a model 60 snubby I purchased back in '91...then today I see a 686-1 and a 629-? prelocks both for 1250.00 OTD and in excellent condition...did I really need them? nah but this is retribution...or something like that...either way, I can't wait for them to arrive...

Kinda funny posts on this one. I own both new and old, love em all.......... ya know why. Cause new or old they are still the best. The lock makes zero differance to me, they are still the best made revolvers on the market. For the guys with the Rugers, you can have all you want, they may have an "attractive" lock.. but that's where it ends. I keep wanting to buy one but everytime I pick one up to inspect for possible purchase, I want to throw up.... Love my locks, bought about 5-6 of them since the 1st of the year. Have also bought 5-6 prelocks since the 1st of the year... your loss, my gain.

Thanks guys

__________________
Jack C

I do. I'd like one of them all..........old and new........just can't afford them all.

__________________
S&W Accumulator

I've purchased two in the last 6 months. Number one was a M27-9 "Classic Series" and the other day I picked up a 627 Performance Center 5'. I am enjoying both!

These revolvers are making me want to sell my 1911 collection to buy more S&W revolvers....help.

S/F
Adam

Greetings to all. I'm new to the forum, but certainly not new to Smith & Wesson revolvers. As a Deputy Sheriff in Texas, I carried a P.C. 629 (4" barrel) that had the combat package. In a weak moment I let that one get away from me. I tried talking the guy (a reserve deputy) into selling it back to me many times after I sold it to him, but he never gave in. Well, that was in 1987. I've lost track of him, but I believe I have the ability to find him, and start working on him again to get him to sell my very first duty weapon back to me.

This sudden inteterest in S&W revolvers has roots in several areas of my life. The immediate urge came when I saw a S&W 500 P.C. Hunter Model with a 6.5" barrel fitted with a 1" compensator on Gun Broker. S&W only made that Hunter barrel length in 2004. Now the S&W 500 P.C. Hunter has a 7.5" barrel and the 1" compensator.

I know from personal experience, that if the barrel gets much over 6" I'm not going to carry it, rather, I'll leave it in the truck. But this revolver just spoke to me. Now I find myself combing the auction sites, looking for a S&W at least close to the one I first carried. If anyone out there knows a Steve Kyle, about 50 years old, give me a shout; I want my baby back.

There were only 500 of the 6-1/2" model made. As for the 7-1/2" it was originally offered with a black finish and only 2000 were made.

Apparently S&W is doing something right if they're still selling guns.

There are several newer ones I would like to have, but for the price I have bought 3 older ones instead. I wouldn't hesitate over a lock if I found a good deal.

If S&W stopped making ILS guns people would probably start collecting them.

__________________
Be obscure, clearly.

The ILS is litigated...that alone bothers me whether or not it is a functional issue...I've heard unsubstantiated stories...but then there is the MIM factor...yes I know it saves time and money...and is supposed to be as straong or stronger then the forged...I have had to replace many many MIM parts on 1911's over the years...and though I don't generally go into harms way...I like to think my firearms are prepared should the need arise...and I personally feel better about no binding...forged parts...guess I'm an old fashioned boy

I won't buy one. If I want a lock on my gun I'll make that decision for myself.

*this goes for any brand with an IL

Now, regarding the pre-lock guns.....I want them all !!

I love it, more for me

__________________
GO NOLES!!!

Works out perfectly don't it

Absolutely

__________________
GO NOLES!!!

I think the 340PD is one of the best CCW guns ever made. That said I have a lot of older pre-lock Smiths, too...J, K, L, & N up to .41 mag. Haven't met many S&W revolvers that I don't like.

YES!!! Thank you so much for turning your nose up to this one..... now it's mine!! I think you passed on these too.... now the last pile, we could probably fight over half of those.... These were pretty much my purchases since the 1st of the year... yep, got a little crazy..
Enjoy

Attached Images

	686.jpg (153.1 KB, 63 views)
	686-2.jpg (140.1 KB, 56 views)
	686-3.jpg (170.4 KB, 52 views)
	2011 guns.jpg (77.5 KB, 60 views)
	April guns-3.jpg (102.4 KB, 65 views)

__________________
Jack C

After patiently waiting for a used 4" 629 to show up on the Denver and nationwide websites, I finally gave up and went new. I don't like the lock, wish it wasn't there, but I haven't had an issue with it, or on the new 442 that was purchased 18 or so months ago...yet.

Most if not all of the older guns were selling as high as or just a few dollars short of retail and I wanted the Lifetime warranty...

Bummer because I had to let a very nice, early 90's 629 DX go in October 2008 for $450, this was on GB, and I advertised it well. Just the best I could get at that time, right after the economy crash in September.

It wasn't normal because I've since done well on GB.

The 629 is still in the new and break in phase, the 442 has been wrung out a bit with many mild to hot loads, runs very nice and is surprisingly accurate, I'm confident and happy with that purchase.

Not a revolver but, we have an M&P 9c that's been running like a champ too.

I wouldn't mind having the new Smiths. But I'm averaging 2-for-1 price-wise on the older Smiths. For what they're charging, all they would have to do is either; a) Make a product that I couldn't live without - like a shiney new model 60 without the lock, or, b) cut their prices to get closed to the used S&W/new Ruger market (thus driving down the prices for used guns further - but that's ok with me).

__________________
But then, what do I know?

To each his own

I just put a 442 no lock on layaway but wouldn't buy a newer large frame revolver with so many nice older ones out there...

Rhino

Yes as long as there are people with common sense who really think it out there will be a market for high quality self defense double action revolvers and face it S&W is the high art of the DA revolver as matter of fact I need to go and stretch the legs of my 629 44 mag as it is getting daylight here .

Got a text from one of my local gun store employee's sunday evening ....... he just got a new 66-8 Combat magnum in ... did I want it .... he knew the answer. So I picked it up yesterday, it's a beauty. I broke out my magnifying glass, dial calipers, laser alignment tool, feeler gauges and whatever else I could find to be sure this gun was built to amazingly perfect 1970 specs ... all I can say is it passed!

The barrel was straight and the sights were in perfect alignment. The barrel crown looked to be professionally worked.. and to my surprise, cyl lock up and timing were perfect ... boy am I lucky!


Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

__________________
Jack C

Got back in to guns/shooting last year. First purchase was a 686 Pro. Couple of guns later a 27-2. Both great guns, but damn that 27 is nice! Prefer the older Smith's, maybe 'cuz I'm old to!

IMG_1104.jpg

Look at the forcing cone on a new JM625. You will be shocked how bad it is.I sent one back three times and it still shot terrible! Find one at least 10 years or more older from when they cared about the revolver line and were not so crazy about only making cash cow auto pistols.

Most recently bought S&W's were a 642 (no lock) and a 380 Body guard. Both are my wife's guns. I would consider a 640/no lock/tritium. I won't buy any Smith's with a lock ... locks belong on a front door.

I purchased a 27-9 in March. I know, I know about the annoying lock. When and if I find a 27-2, I will continue to shoot the -9, and simply admire the -2. The -9 shoots, nicely.

I bought two this year. Both were Pro Series. The first one in Jan. was a 686 SSR and in Feb. a 640. I had action jobs done on both and they are "light & smooth". I'm completely satisfied.

I try to buy a couple a year. Some new some old. I kinda look at it like this. They don't make anything like it used to be. I have an old pickup (77) and the new ones arnt like it. Does that mean I should not buy a truck that's fuel injected. Or trade a wood burning stove for a gas. Just saying. I also have a newer pickup.

__________________
No gold. Only lead. Bobby

I was one of the curious ones about revolvers. I have shot them in the past but never owned one. But I have owned different SW semi's. So I ordered a BNIB Model 60, came in, I went to pick it up, barrel canted and sights were canted to left, called SW the guy said it's withing tolerance and sights are centered to rear sight. I was like seriously, I'm the one looking at it, he said I needed to go shoot it, I wanted a couple of days without shooting it and got a shipping label and now it is at SW waiting in the what they call the queue to be fixed, been there since 18 May. So I'm going to give SW another shot, the Post Exchange on the post where I work has a 642 going on sale on 16 June and I looked it all over for 30 min and couldn't find anything wrong with it, barrel was straight. So I'll be at the PX getting another new revolver. Then whenever I get the 60 back I will determine if I want to keep it or sale it. Not really give up on SW right now, but I REALLY REALLY REALLY think that SW needs to good a better QC DEPARTMENT. Also, they need to start building their guns with good quality parts and stop using MIM parts, but if they continue using MIM parts they need to float some of the savings down to the consumer and instead of the executives of SW.

The only "new" S&W revolvers I have bought in the last few years have been their no lock variants. One is a 340 in 357mag the other is a 351 in 22mag. Both work just fine. No complaints or issues, my only complaint about new production revolvers is the IL.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Anyone notice that this thread is over six years old?

Sure did But take this into consideration A revolver Never fails to feed , never stovepipes , No need to rack it
Besides Magazines can be banned ( look at NYS )

While I've shot the models with the lock and never had a problem I just do not like the look and refuse to buy one. For me there's a pride of ownership I don't have with that ugly lock. I wish they had put it somewhere else but suspect there are legal problems with that.

__________________
Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I own a few S&W's with the "Hillary Hole" and they seem to be well made.
Mostly bought the ones I have based on configuration such as barrel length, etc. For instance the Model 63-4 with the 5" barrel that was only produced for a short time was at the top of my "Want List" for years and I finally ended up with one a month or so ago.

__________________
Tom Graham SWCA #2303

The shop I work at sells plenty of J frames. Mostly 642/442's. K frames, almost none. L, N and X frames occasionally. Especially in "cool" chamberings like 7 & 8 rounders, 9mm, big 460/500 etc. Seems the whole world of new shooters has been smitten with the Poly Semi love fest. It's a rare and/or experienced customer that understands the advantages and beauty of a wheel gun.

__________________
Dave

I need a new N-Frame! As I get older, the prospect of coming out of a sound sleep and defending myself with a revolver (no safety, no magazine, no chambering) becomes more and more appealing. I am as good cycling an automatic as anyone when awake and I own more semi-autos than revolvers; but I am always and thinking (or dreaming) about other things under normal situations/environments and a revolver requires less thought to get to action. Folks also enjoy the difference balance and feel between Semi-autos and revolvers and few semi-autos can fire 357 or 44 mag.

I have just recently gotten back into revolvers after an almost 20-year hiatus. I thought that my 2 Series I Kimbers were all that I'd ever need; a Classic Custom and an Ultra Carry. Both have proven extremely durable and reliable.

Then, just in the last 18 months, I set my sights on a Model 36. Found a beautiful 1983 example at a local gun show (previously used as a nightstand gun) that I intended for warm weather EDC. But, it's too darn pretty to carry.

And after joining this forum and learning so much more, off I went in search of a stainless J-frame.

Found a NIB Model 60-15 - perfect condition and shoots better than me - and purchased a Milt Sparks horsehide VMII. This combo met my warm weather EDC requirements perfectly.

Then Fall comes....."needed" a new OWB and purchased a like new Model 66-4 (1997) from a fellow forum member and had a custom holster made by another.

Now, good to go, right?

But noooooooo.....my brother-in-law (ex-LEO) had a Model 19-5 (1988) that he rarely shot and made me a friends-and-family deal that I couldn't refuse.

And a couple of weeks ago, a Model 60 no dash (1986) shows up on an auction site that I couldn't pass up.

When will it end????

I guess the point is, that while my Model 60-15 has been flawless, I tend to prefer the earlier, no-lock, S&W's.

Attached Images

	IMG_1118.jpg (79.2 KB, 34 views)
	IMG_1249.jpg (94.9 KB, 34 views)
	IMG_1146.jpg (115.5 KB, 35 views)
	IMG_1258.jpg (118.2 KB, 33 views)
	IMG_1219.jpg (90.4 KB, 36 views)

One more observation I will offer is that in the six years since this thread started there seems to be less universal condemnation of the new revolvers. Many still do hate the newer guns, of course, and always will. But there does seem to be a bit more acceptance of the lock, MIM, and rubber grips. My favorite guns will always be bright blue with wood stocks, but guns like my 627 Pro with its slab sided barrel, eight shot cylinder and fiber optic sights have a place too. Probably my go to range gun. Wouldn't feel underarmed with it in a SD situation either. Same goes for my 7 shot 686. Both do wear square butt conversion stocks made of wood, however.

I am the rare person who far prefers to compete in action pistol games with revolvers. They're a blast.

However, you are making up cons of autos that just do not exist. The right self-defense auto, like revolvers, has no safety and requires no chambering at time of use, and the magazine is an actual advantage of the auto over the revolver-far, far faster reloads, and laughably more capacity.

I bought a model 637 and a model 60, both brand new.