I have a .500 and would like to disconnect the key safety. Will I risk losing any reliability by doing this?

All my lock guns are now plug guns and they have never failed to fire and that includes a 500. a couple of alloy framed 325s and a 396.

Although unlikely but keep in mind, if your firearm is ever involved in a human injury or facility (accident or self defense) I can guarantee that little plug will land you in jail for a long time, even if the situation is totally justified. I realize people don’t use a 500 for personal defense, my statement is meant for anyone that wants to do them same thing on a gun that might be used for such.

You won’t hurt the gun’s function by removing the lock.

However, be sure to hang onto the parts: if you ever have occasion to send the gun to Smith for warranty work, you’ll want to reinstall the lock.

I’m unaware of any instance in which the presence or absence of the lock had any bearing on criminal culpability in a sd shoot.

Please provide a documented case of your statement. If the key lock is removed (plugged) and therefore is not there at all (as opposed to being deactivated and still present) then nobody could state that it did not work as designed.

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S&W factory revolver armorer

Those are wise words, and I suggest that every S&W owner should heed them.

How can you guarantee that?

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

That's just silly . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I don’t like the lock either and I’m not going to search for a specific case (if there is one). I guess my response would be, try to get a reputable gunsmith do this work for you, and let me know when you find one. They won’t do it for liability reasons. I have a 686-6 with the stupid lock, but I’d never think of removing it. I don’t use it and I don’t give it any thought. I’m just giving my opinion. If I ever had an accident that resulted in an injury or facility involving my 686, I sure wouldn’t want that lock replaced with a plug when the police take my gun into evidence

Will changing a stiff, gritty factory trigger to a lighter, smother Apex, land one in jail should one find themselves in a SD situation?

Not at all. I'm not aware of any case in which that was raised as an issue, but it will happen sooner or later. A savvy prosecutor will realize what that little plug means, and he will rake the defendant over the coals for it.

Doesn't matter whether the removal of the lock had any bearing in the cause of the shooting, it will be presented to an ignorant jury as proof that the defendant is careless with his guns.

Never mind what other evidence is presented - GUILTY!

I know several reputable gunsmiths that will install the plug. They also do trigger work.

De-activating a safety device is pretty common (e.g. deactivating magazine safeties, deactivating the grip safety on a 1911 and disabling or removing the safety on newer lever action rifles).

I’m still unaware of an instance of criminal culpability associated with a disabled safety device and I have taken some time to research the issue.

I’m glad you enjoy your 686 as it came from the factory.

I'm not going to comment on the lock , but I will say..
That removing the lock arm(flag) in itself causes the hammer to scrape inside the frame. At least it did on a lockless 625 I had.
I'm sure once the frame was properly clearanced, would that be a non issue.
Hate to think of all those metal shavings inside.
But good luck to all in your endeavors!

I wonder if a lock gun with enough scrape marks inside would cause for the factory to not warranty a gun for an apparent modification.

Food for thought.

Some believe the earth is flat.

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Have Fun/Stay Safe

That’s just silly . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Question asked and answered, thread closed.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220