Guns for Sale Photo's-purposely avoiding showing lock?

[fran m]

It seems to me that sellers may be avoiding showing the lock by showing the other side of the gun or angling the guns so that the thumb piece kind of blocks it. It seems like if there is no mention of it, it's the first question asked of the seller.

Since the lock is of concern to a lot of members of the site I think should be mentioned in the description or at least clearly shown in photos.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

[Rangerone]

I agree...
I routinely see this on Gunbroker and other auction sites.

 

[Titegroups]

Sales are an art of deception. Should be is a liberal phrase.

 

[fat tom]

I agree with all three of the previous posts.
f.t.

 

[mc5aw]

I concur. Many left side shots will be taken from the trigger/grip angle (looking upward) so that the lock is obscured by the cylinder latch. Caveat emptor.

 

[murphydog]

If you see the integral (J-shaped) cylinder stop on the left frame, caliber marking on the left barrel and "Smith & Wesson" on the right barrel, it almost certainly has the lock. The exceptions are the J frame Centennials (442/642), still made without it.

 

[chud333]

I always ask alot of questions before finalizing a deal.
This would be question number one if i was unsure.


chuck

 

[hsmith9491]

My belly shows on my side profile no matter what I do.

 

[Tap Tap]

If you see the integral (J-shaped) cylinder stop on the left frame, caliber marking on the left barrel and "Smith & Wesson" on the right barrel, it almost certainly has the lock. The exceptions are the J frame Centennials (442/642), still made without it.

Good info to have. If you go to the S&W website they do the same thing so even they are aware of the drawback for many.

 

[billybob44]

With Lock/or Not??

^^^Is my first question to the seller if the pic. does not show, or I think an attempt to hide is done..Bill.

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

My belly shows on my side profile no matter what I do.

Yes sir... And ya still can't see my belly button, either!

 

[TAROMAN]

Hidin' yer "Hillary Hole"

Pretty common as observed.
Even the factory's shame is apparent.

 

[fran m]

Surly S&W should get the idea that the lock should be an option.

I don't get why they have done this for so long to a coveted brand.

I'll check the catalog. I didn't realize that they were hiding it in their materials.

 

[Smee78]

If S&W is so proud of the hole then I say it should be in the picture, long gone are the days of the full side pic and the only reason I can conclude is the lock. I really get annoyed when sellers avoid the hole with angle shots or a full shot of one side and not of the other. I to ask first and formost if it has the lock.

 

[gumpys]

I always ask alot of questions before finalizing a deal.
This would be question number one if i was unsure.


chuck

Exactly, and you should also know what you are buying, but if ever in doubt ask lots of questions and ask for more picture's.
Eric

 

[P&R Fan]

I've noticed most gun magazines do the same thing. They have a review of a new S&W revolver, and you can't tell if it has the lock.
Jim

 

[KLNC]

Yes, I've noticed sellers hiding the lock in the pictures, but I doubt many are fooled if they know anything at all. If I had any doubts whatsoever, I'd certainly ask. But I suppose there are buyers to whom it just doesn't matter.

 

[Dave T]

If you've been looking at S&Ws as long as I have you can tell if it has a lock just by the altered shape of the frame and the more hidden hammer. The slight of hand these sellers and even S&W are trying doesn't make any difference. You can tell from any angle once you know what to look for.

Dave

 

[GKC]

My belly shows on my side profile no matter what I do.

Got ya beat....mine shows from my rear view!


I've noticed that in the gun shops I frequent, the S&W revolvers with locks are all turned so the right (non-lock) side is up. (Like that is going to fool anyone.)

 

[scott625b]

The quickview in the S&W website shows the right side, and when you view the 360degree view, the lock is quite visible. This is not b big deal. The new guns have the lock.....the old ones do not.