S&W revolvers with locks

[Dougaz]

I have a couple of new Smith's that have the lock feature. I understand that many people here don't like the newer Smith's with locks but I don't understand why.

Can someone explain the downside to the whole lock thing?

Thanks ....

[ContinentalOp]

Don't know how long this thread will stay open as this topic tends to get locked (pun intended... ), but detractors typically fall into 3 camps: 1) Don't like the aesthetics; 2) Don't like the political inspiration for the lock; and 3) Don't like that the lock can cause the gun to freeze up, potentially in a life-and-death situation.

There's also overlap among these groups.

There've been multiple threads on this topic, so I'd suggest doing a search. There's also a sticky posted at the top of the Concealed Carry subforum by Massad Ayoob.

[torizus]

4). All of the above

[uncleted327]

Bottom line is almost nobody likes them, absolutely nobody likes the aesthetics of them and locking up unintentionally is practically unheard of, no matter how much the hardcore lock haters try and say otherwise. The final reality is that they aren't going away, so we should all make our peace with them one way or another...

[The Norseman]

I just want to shoot. Safety Device or no Lock I don't care.

It's also the next Phase of Collecting S&W Revolvers.

[Seamus O'Caiside]

Originally Posted by Dougaz

Can someone explain the downside to the whole lock thing?

In my humble opinion, there is none.

BOTOH, there is a downside to removing the lock. If a child or a STUPID picks up such a gun and kills himself or somebody else, the owner of that gun would be better off dead than have to face what's coming to him.

[riverrat38]

No matter how long enthusiasts collect S&W revolvers, I doubt that we will see a Smithing article on how to add an internal lock to a Registered Magnum!!

Best,
Rick

[cmj8591]

What lock?

[Mister X]

For me, it’s primarily the potential for unintentional locking up during fire plus it’s just another unnecessary part to rust or otherwise cause problems. The only revolvers I’m interested in are J-frames, in particular the lighter weight models and those have been the ones with the most complaints about locking up. Many if not most of the high profile instructors like Massad Ayoob, Grant Cunningham and David Kenik to name a few have recommended to avoid them for defensive purposes and many have witnessed lock failures firsthand. I don’t think a lock malfunction is likely, but I don’t see why I would add another potential failure point when it offers me no advantages.

[75Vette]

[Babysitr]

My 637 has the lock...only S&W I own with a lock...has never failed..I carry a Ruger LCR...it also has a lock,under the grip..its never failed either, its an older one, shot quite a bit...hope I never need it!

[s&wchad]

A forum search for “internal lock” will provide enough reading material to get you through the year.

We’ve discussed the lock ad nauseam and people don’t come to this section of the form to be told how ugly their “new baby” is. This will invariably lead to lock bashing, so it’s closed.

This is a good read: Bashing, Crying & Whining