Keyless "K" Frames

Sierra138 · #1 09-30-2016, 01:16 AM

I understand that in some of the current manufactured "K" Frame Model 66's there is an option of getting it keyless, is that correct??
I want to buy one but don't want one with a key!
Thanks in advance

Snapping Twig · #2 09-30-2016, 01:23 AM

Not sure about that. I've heard of specific model J frames, but nothing else.

Want no lock, go with an older one.

BUFF · #3 09-30-2016, 01:30 AM

I believe that the only non-IL revolvers S&W has made for a while are all J frame Centennial variants. No K, L or N frames.

murphydog · #4 09-30-2016, 04:31 AM

Correct information above. Sales of the IL model 66 may be OK but not enough to justify new production methods to remove the lock.

kennyb · #5 10-01-2016, 01:13 AM

yep agreed...J frame only

grcoffman104 · #6 10-01-2016, 02:52 AM

Can't even get them to make a 3 inch. That would only involve a shorter barrel.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

riverrat38 · #7 10-01-2016, 03:05 AM

Since its a two piece barrel, it would be a lot more difficult to make a 3 inch version than if it had a one piece barrel. The barrel shroud is not something that could just be cut off, it would need to be a new forging. Or casting; I am not sure how the shroud is fabricated.
For some reason, S&W has determined that a Centennial, and only a Centennial, without an IL, is safe!

Best,
Rick

long colt frazier · #8 10-01-2016, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riverrat38

Since its a two piece barrel, it would be a lot more difficult to make a 3 inch version than if it had a one piece barrel. The barrel shroud is not something that could just be cut off, it would need to be a new forging. Or casting; I am not sure how the shroud is fabricated.
For some reason, S&W has determined that a Centennial, and only a Centennial, without an IL, is safe!

Best,
Rick

Grip safety.
Mark

Lee's Landing Billy · #9 10-01-2016, 09:23 AM

Only get lockless guns on hammerless guns.

Engine49guy · #10 10-01-2016, 10:03 AM

Just received the October American Rifleman magazine,
S&W has an ad for the Performance center inside the front cover showing 3 revolvers, 629 V comp, 686 plus and a 929.
The thing that caught my eye is the 629 appears to be missing the IL hole although the IL hole is visible on the other two.

I just checked the S&W website but they only show right side views .

On a side note seems most of their photos either tilt the gun to obscure the IL with the cylinder release or only show right side views... Perhaps just a coincidence ?

BUFF · #11 10-01-2016, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by long colt frazier

Grip safety.
Mark

None of the Centennials made after the originals were discontinued in 1974
have the grip safeties. The current crop beginning with the Model 640 in 1989 have done without.

It's just speculation on my part, but I think one reason that the current Centennials can come without the IL is that they can only be fired double action and thus are somehow slightly less likely to experience a user-induced negligent discharge from a casual or child's handling than a gun that may be cocked and fired single action.

Whatever the reason, I'm glad they can be had like that.

BrianXIX · #12 10-01-2016, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Engine49guy

Just received the October American Rifleman magazine,
S&W has an ad for the Performance center inside the front cover showing 3 revolvers, 629 V comp, 686 plus and a 929.
The thing that caught my eye is the 629 appears to be missing the IL hole although the IL hole is visible on the other two.

I just checked the S&W website but they only show right side views .

On a side note seems most of their photos either tilt the gun to obscure the IL with the cylinder release or only show right side views... Perhaps just a coincidence ?

Nope they photo it that way on purpose. S&W knows how unpopular the IL is. Thats why if you look on their web site the 442, 642 and 340 they will have the no IL version with a pic of it...as a selling point.
I'd happly buy a new 60 66 or 686 if it didn't have the stupid Hillary hole

riverrat38 · #13 10-01-2016, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BUFF

None of the Centennials made after the originals were discontinued in 1974
have the grip safeties. The current crop beginning with the Model 640 in 1989 have done without.

It's just speculation on my part, but I think one reason that the current Centennials can come without the IL is that they can only be fired double action and thus are somehow slightly less likely to experience a user-induced negligent discharge from a casual or child's handling than a gun that may be cocked and fired single action.

Whatever the reason, I'm glad they can be had like that.

The Centennials are sealed guns. By that, I mean that there are no openings in the frame in the neighborhood of the hammer. An IL would ruin that by drilling a hole (hereinafter known as a Hillary Hole), as well as milling a slot for the flag. Perhaps S&W are trying to preserve the sealed nature of the frame by eliminating said Hillary Hole and slot. I really would like to think so!
I have a M640-1 Pro that is my EDC gun. I really like it and agree with the comments about being glad that S&W still offers this revolver without the Hillary Hole.

Best,
Rick

Kernel Crittenden · #14 10-01-2016, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riverrat38

The Centennials are sealed guns..... Perhaps S&W are trying to preserve the sealed nature of the frame ...

Good theory, but it doesn't account for all the Centennials they do make WITH the ILS. Most of the common ones can be had either way, and both styles are in current production.