The "Old S&W vs. IL and MIM S&W" threads are gaining on the "9mm vs. .45" threads for the most dead horses beaten.......a close third is the "AK47 vs. M16".

I advise people who buy the hype that new S&W's are "garbage" try them for themselves. Never let other people decide for you, decide for yourself. I did, and I own 3 IL and MIM Smiths. I will own more, too.

For those who don't like the new IL and MIM S&W's, don't buy them. Problem solved. Just don't nag the people who do shoot them.

I second that, buy what you want, unless you are buying for the CB's on here.

I have bought approximately 30 new or mint cond revolvers over my 30 year police job. The only two I have kept were my Duty model 10 and wifeys Duty model 64. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a new one due to quality or the lock. Like car engines etc etc, I believe tolerances and design along with newer metal bonding make the newer smiths the best ever. The lock would be in it's own box however. That being said, the one new smith I would seriously enjoy owning is the x frame 500 in a 4 inch. Just and only just for the wow factor. Are the older smiths better buys, maybe, but it sure seems a lot of people are finding those great once in a lifetime buy, over and over again. I cant understand The rational of finding a nice older gun, putting it in a safe and not shooting/enjoying it. Even it the weapon doubled or trippled in value over next few years that honestly works out to a profit of a few tanks of gas and two or three large grocery shoppings. In summation, buy what you enjoy, don't let some faceless Internet site dictate your purchase, and enjoy your life.

nothing new could possibly be discussed here but I just wish those that preach that there is nothing wrong with the newer guns(and I agree, I think my 686-6 has the best trigger of any smith I own), could understand that the real issue of many is just the appearance of the lock and the whole reasoning for it's origin. that what just drives me nuts. that one of the best gun makers ever caved in to that nonsense. that's all it is for me.

now let me veer off course sort of and ask a question.

since many of you know I just ordered the no-lock 442 but I was noticing on the locked version there seems to be another hole or mark of some sort just to the right of the "hole". I looked at some on gunbroker and so wondering what in the heck is that? is that just a photo problem? doesn't look like a hole per say, more like someone just knicked it maybe. I have seen this on several pictures. well on second look I think it does look like another hole. I would post a link to a gunbroker ad but I don't want the mods to get upset or give the impression I am sabatouging someone's auction. just do a gunbroker search for 442 and you will see some examples if as interested as I am. I don't think I have seen this in the stores, I would have remembered that.

I'm relatively new to handguns but I've purchased 4 new Smith & Wessons in the past 15 months.

I have several of the newer "J" frame guns, what you are seeing is a pin head, it must hold what I think is called the flag on the side of the hammer. Just another attractive part related to the IL guns... I'm looking at my 640 right now, I love that gun, not like my wife though... similar to my M&P's I think... but not quite as much, but then.... that could change too.. it's a S&W...

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Jack C

thanks turbo. ..........next time I need a new car gonna request one with an attractive dent on the front bumper. it doesn't matter much to me, I know mechanically the car will be sound. it's new!

Hahahaha... rotflmao... that was a good one... but thinking about it... not a good comparison, but a good line none the less!!! ... now if you had said something about having deer warning thingys on the frt bumper....

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Jack C