Since its a two piece barrel, it would be a lot more difficult to make a 3 inch version than if it had a one piece barrel. The barrel shroud is not something that could just be cut off, it would need to be a new forging. Or casting; I am not sure how the shroud is fabricated.
For some reason, S&W has determined that a Centennial, and only a Centennial, without an IL, is safe!
Best,
Rick
Grip safety.
Mark
Nope they photo it that way on purpose. S&W knows how unpopular the IL is. Thats why if you look on their web site the 442, 642 and 340 they will have the no IL version with a pic of it...as a selling point.Just received the October American Rifleman magazine,
S&W has an ad for the Performance center inside the front cover showing 3 revolvers, 629 V comp, 686 plus and a 929.
The thing that caught my eye is the 629 appears to be missing the IL hole although the IL hole is visible on the other two.
I just checked the S&W website but they only show right side views .
On a side note seems most of their photos either tilt the gun to obscure the IL with the cylinder release or only show right side views... Perhaps just a coincidence ?
None of the Centennials made after the originals were discontinued in 1974
have the grip safeties. The current crop beginning with the Model 640 in 1989 have done without.
It's just speculation on my part, but I think one reason that the current Centennials can come without the IL is that they can only be fired double action and thus are somehow slightly less likely to experience a user-induced negligent discharge from a casual or child's handling than a gun that may be cocked and fired single action.
Whatever the reason, I'm glad they can be had like that.
Good theory, but it doesn't account for all the Centennials they do make WITH the ILS. Most of the common ones can be had either way, and both styles are in current production.The Centennials are sealed guns..... Perhaps S&W are trying to preserve the sealed nature of the frame ...