I am watching the Model 69 market and I just noticed some pics of a 2.75" that shows a different ball detent lock than the 4.25" model. Being the obnoxious guy that I am, I have to ask, Why? Searched the topic on this forum and found nothing.

I've owned both styles.
External
Pro: works and stays clean of residues
Con: it doesn't look right
Internal
Pro: gives very positive tactile feedback on closing the yoke, like the front lockup actually does something.
Pro: doesn't generate complaints about not looking right.
Con: gets dirty from cylinder gap blast so requires a little attention when cleaning.
My preference? Internal.

Thanks for the info. I was just surprised that S&W uses 2 different types of lockups for the same frame gun, the only difference being barrel length.

I have guns with both -- have shot them a lot 12,000 plus rounds. Never had a problem with either. My personal opinion is that S&W changed to the newer version shown on the 2.75" guns because of the uninformed negative comments relating to the alignment of the ball in the v notch version on the 4.25".

I was a bit surprised that S&W didn't assign a new "dash no." to id this engineering change.

As far as my opinion goes - you know what they say about opinions.

FWIW,

Paul

Thanks Paul, that sounds like a logical explanation.

Neal,

Can you provide links to the photos?

Thank you.

Kevin

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The 4 inch photos are easy to find, right here on this forum. Here is a pic of the lock on a 2.75" model.

Attached Images

pix585724530.jpg (65.5 KB, 87 views)

and the detent on the yoke.



The 4 1/4" version -- V notch on ejector shroud, ball on front face of yoke.

Thank you Paul. Looks like either should work for the intended purpose.

Kevin

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