NEW 629 and 686 NO LOCK MOUNTAIN GUNS ANNOUNCED!

Anyone know when these start shipping? I plan to call the LGS tomorrow morning, but I can't stop thinking about these. This is the first time I've been excited about a S&W release in quite some time.
 
Personally, I think that this is a perfect move for S&W. Personally, I'd love to see a 657 Mountain Gun with a McGivern bead front sight and the case hardened target hammer and the OLD case hardened semi-target trigger without the IL!
 
I am wondering what the - number will be for the 629. will they go to 629-7 or go back to 629-5, which this one looks like.

Iirc the internals changed with the introduction of the lockwork my guess has been thats why they needed to change the frame shape to make room for the lock hole.

If I'm wrong and the hammer trigger etc from a 629-5 Mg is exactly the same ( except in case color) in theory they could stamp it a 629-5 but thats only a theory.

They can't with the 686 because of the new ball detent alone.
 
I suspect that the return of the Colt revolvers had no small part in this decision by Smith. I'd be on a no lock 617 with Standard barrel contour (a/k/a stainless model 18 in 10 shot) faster than a .....let's just say fast!

It's unfortunate this ^^^^ concept has escaped the standard catalogue for so long.
 
Appears to be the same frame on the 686 MG that will accommodate the lock.( Am I mistaken) Lets go back to the old frame contour if it is. Still a bold move by S&W and I applaud their willingness to make that change.
 
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Doubt they will change the frame contours,
I can imagine a time in the future where none of their revolvers come with a lock but it would be an option available on special order (for a small fee).
 
Lock-up

I didn’t realize, until I watched the videos,
that the Mountain Gun Mdl 686 357S&W
Mag has the integrated ball bearing
detent Block Cylinder Yoke lock-up.

I like the ball bearing detent lock-up. It is
on my 1995 Performance Center Light Hunter
44Rem Mag. The lock-up is strong, secure,
and lock-up between the Frame and Yoke is
tight in that area.

Man….Gun Distributor Lipsey’s seems to be single
handily making Smith & Wesson Revolvers relevant
again. Thank you.
 
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I've heard that the ball detent lockup is better, curious if it's really that much of an improvement or is it more theoretical? I have one on my 19 K Comp and it does seem a little stickier to open and close for reloading than my old 686 did.
 
Am I the only one shaking my head over this very welcome and unforeseen change by S&W coming---coincidentally---with the new Standard Catalog that now feels a little obsolete immediately after its release?
 
I recently purchased an 1854 to pair with my mid 90's Mountain Gun. Pretty cool to see these return. I wonder if the release of the 1854 contributed. Now I want a Mountain Gun and an 1854 in .357 Mag
 
I've heard that the ball detent lockup is better, curious if it's really that much of an improvement or is it more theoretical? I have one on my 19 K Comp and it does seem a little stickier to open and close for reloading than my old 686 did.
I think it is a great improvement as it moves the forward lock from the tip of the ejector rod to the crane and frame. Don't have to worry about the ejector rod backing out and binding the cylinder.
 
I think it is a great improvement as it moves the forward lock from the tip of the ejector rod to the crane and frame. Don't have to worry about the ejector rod backing out and binding the cylinder.

The problem with the new lockup (combined with the unnecessary "enhanced" forcing cone) is that it appears to not have left enough room for a gas ring. The purpose of the cylinder mounted gas ring is to prevent carbon/lead from building up between the axle/arbor and cylinder, thus causing the cylinder to bind.

Without a gas ring, any revolver will be more prone to sluggish cylinder rotation or binding while shooting. The current model 66, 19, and 69 revolvers also lack gas rings to my knowledge. This has led to reoccurring complaints about these models.

The L frame did not need any durability enhancements. It was created due to the shortcomings of the K frame magnum. I honestly think this is a cost cutting measure, so that the Model 69 and 686 revolvers can share more components going forward. We are likely to see these unfortunate changes on the standard 686 soon.

The lack of a gas ring is a downgrade that consumers need to be aware of. I'm disappointed to see this on the new 686 Mountain Gun.
 
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The problem with the new lockup (combined with the unnecessary "enhanced" forcing cone) is that it appears to not have left enough room for a gas ring. The purpose of the cylinder mounted gas ring is to prevent carbon/lead from building up between the axle/arbor and cylinder, thus causing the cylinder to bind.

Without a gas ring, any revolver will be more prone to sluggish cylinder rotation or binding while shooting. The current model 66, 19, and 69 revolvers also lack gas rings to my knowledge. This has led to reoccurring complaints about these models.

The L frame did not need any durability enhancements. It was created due to the shortcomings of the K frame magnum. I honestly think this is a cost cutting measure, so that the Model 69 and 686 revolvers can share more components going forward. We are likely to see these unfortunate changes on the standard 686 soon.

The lack of a gas ring is downgrade that consumers need to be aware of. I'm disappointed to see this on the new 686 Mountain Gun.
I have a new 66-8 and a 19-9 Classic. I have not experienced any of the problems you mentioned after shooting many thousands of rounds. That complaint is not something I have heard before.
 
I have a new 66-8 and a 19-9 Classic. I have not experienced any of the problems you mentioned after shooting many thousands of rounds. That complaint is not something I have heard before.

You are a sample size of one. There have been complaints on this very forum. Anyone interested can feel free to search for themselves.

Here is a thread that directly examines the issue.

Jamming-Binding-Locking up new model
 
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