To grind or remove IL flag

kpla51

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So for christmas the wife got me a model 60 pro series that I've been eying for over a year. I could never find one and the IL turned me a little off. Well she found one and drove damn far to get it but I have a few questions. I see a guy here that makes a plug for the IL. Should i use the plug in conjunction with the nub shaved off the flag so the flag hole is covered, or will that small hole from leaving the flag out not be big enough to let a bunch of crud in? The small hole exposed won't bother me but don't want it to let all sorts of crud in there and booger it up. Thanks guys.
 
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Just remove the flag and save it. You can leave the key piece in place on the frame to avoid leaving a hole. Without the flag it stays in place with no function other than it will turn freely in either direction.
 
Just remove the flag and save it. You can leave the key piece in place on the frame to avoid leaving a hole. Without the flag it stays in place with no function other than it will turn freely in either direction.

That answers the one question of if that lock will stay put with out the flag. I plan on replacing the lock with a plug. the other open hole is the one that will worry me.
 
If you remove the IL and plug it, where will crud be gathering?

Sorry if I'm not making myself clear. From research when removing the flag there is a small hole where a pin on the flag goes into the frame. Therefore removing the flag leaves a small open hole. Hope this is more clear than my previous statements.
 
The small hole should not pose a pose a problem. The gap behind the hammer is bigger.
 
The small hole should not pose a pose a problem. The gap behind the hammer is bigger.
would this gap cause an issue with anything getting in there? I haven't thought of this since all my j frames have been hammerless. This is why i was thinking of shaving the nub off the flag but then if i needed to send it in for warranty work id be screwed.
 
You are overthinking it. Leave the lock in and be happy.
Im not super worried about the lock but if i can cosmetically enhance and permanently disable it then i will. this mod seems to be better suited for hammerless models since there will be no gap by the hammer.

The best would be if i can find a spare flag if anyone has one let me know ill buy it off you:D
 
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Merry Xmas and enjoy your new gun.
I think if you remove anything lock wise and then return the gun to S&W for any type repair, they will replace any missing lock items before sending it back. And may not return your plug so I'd remove it before returning the gun. I wouldn't concern myself with anything other than buying ammo to keep your new gun fed and maybe finding a nice holster. As a plug purchaser, I own 2 (Governor & M500) and have not had a problem with the hammer gap left by removing the flag.
 
Merry Christmas and congrats on your new gun. that's my carry gun.
I didn't mess with the lock, it doesn't bother my any. I have shot every 38 or 357 load out of mine and have had no problems.
im a lefty, holsters were hard to find. I had to order custom, milt sparks, simply rugged and Kramer all did great work for me.
your wife is great!! what a what a great gift!!
don't forget to thank God for sending his son Jesus for us
 
thanks for all the positive responses! The cool thing is is that i only mentioned that i loved the gun once but she's watched me for the past year look everywhere for it and knew i really wanted it. Ive been carrying it in an owb open bottom tagua holster and surprisingly it disappears under a t shirt don't ask me how. The extra grip length keeps the shirt from coming over the grip unlike my smaller grip j frames when bending over. Have only shot 50 rounds of 357 and can't wait to shoot some 38s. So far this is looking to be the best carry gun i have and has a different type of value to me!
 
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Merry Christmas OP. I'm not sure if it is aesthetics or functionality that concerns you. If the former, well that's just personal taste and good luck in making your decision. If the latter, I can tell you that I have multiple J's, L's and an N with the lock, and I have shot thousands of rounds - ranging from tame wadcutters to punishing full house .44's, and I have never had a problem with lock failure. In short, I have Zero concerns about a lock failure at a critical time.

Enjoy the 60 Pro. It is a dang beautiful gun.

Finally, you have a very thoughtful wife. What else can a guy ask for?
 
I understand that the one lock failure that was posted on the internet there are a million others that haven't had promblems. And failures can happen no matter if theres a lock or not. Its more aesthetically pleasing for it not to be there. And yes she's awesome! My recently aquired 340pd is now up for sale since this will be my daily carry. Im strange about having guns sitting around not being used. Only ones I'm ok with that are sentimental guns. Just how i am if it will sit i sell it to someone who will use it.
 
anyone know how the bead blast finish wear with a lot of use. When i received it there were already scratches in it probably from other people rings and such and poor handling at bass pro shop. Im not concerned with it since its a carry gun but the finish does seem to scratch easily and the only fix seems to re bead blast.

Also any good tips on cleaning up the bead blast finish maybe a certain product or method? Thanks again guys.
 
mine has been carried 14 hours a day for 9 months and just the high spots are shining now. the cylinder has scratches on it. I think it looks good with a little wear.
 
I had to removed the flag a few years ago when I switched to a different hammer on my M&P 360. No issues to report even with lint in the slot.
 
mine has been carried 14 hours a day for 9 months and just the high spots are shining now. the cylinder has scratches on it. I think it looks good with a little wear.

Im sure the majority of the scratches were from the plastic stands and glass case they keep their fire arms at bass pro and who knows how long it was there. Only noticeable if you look closely. I like the bead blast finish and its what drew me to the gun. Would you mind posting a picture of yours? I love worn finishes and am curious to see a well used 60 pro!
 
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