I'm getting a new M638 j frame. My only experience with the IL was a M649 that I sold to my son. I just ignored the IL and never had any problems with it. Should I bother removing the IL from the new M638? Should I use the plug? Where can I get the plug? I'll likely carry the M638 a lot, especially in the summer. Any info is appreciated. Thanks!

The plug is sold on this forum.

I would leave it "as is" and see if it works fine without modification.

If you feel the need to remove the IL, my preference has always been to remove the entire locking mechanism, including the spring and the pitchfork. I prefer not to remove some tiny parts that may lock up the revolver while leaving in other tiny parts that may lock up the revolver.

My 442 is a BUG, and I have never used the lock and never would have. So I had no hesitation to remove the dam thing and Plug the hole. Looks better now and absolutely no chance of a lock malfunction.

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Certified AR-15 / SIG Armorer.

I have four revolvers with the lock. My gunsmith said he never had a firearm in his shop for a faulty lock. His recommendation was to leave it as is unless I was going to have engraving done. No one can make that lock look pretty

I think that I will leave it in and ignore it unless there is a problem. Thanks for your responses.

IF YOU DO REMOVE IT, MAKE SURE YOU REPLACE IT IF YOUR REVOLVER HAS TO GO BACK TO S&W FOR WARRANTY WORK. TAKING THE IL OUT WILL REVOKE YOUR WARRANTY. YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR REPAIRS, AND THE REPLACEMENT OF YOUR LOCK…..

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'Nam 1968-69.DAV,VFW,NRA Inst.

Tell ya what I think.....S&W ought to quit bowing to the whims of the New World Order and the stinkin lawyers, and forget about making anything with a lock...flame me if you will...but I think it stinks.

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Semper Paratus

That may be true now, but it wasn't my experience with several repairs on 329PDs -- they do replace the lock though.

FWIW,

Paul