hello, new to the form really enjoying all this information im sucking up. I'm really interested in purchasing a new 686 (i dont buy used) and I was reading all the information on websites about the interlock. I was just wondering if it is illegal to take out this interlock? also if I should wait for them to come out with a new model that does not have this interlock? After reading around I believe the interlock was in production since 2002, thats almost 10 years now, and still no change. Anyone know if it is coming soon? or just go with what they got now?

Thanks!

If you want a new 686, then buy it. I cant tell you the lock will never screw up, because anything mechanical made by man certainly can. That said, I would take with a grain of salt all the stories you hear on the internet about the lock, or a lot of other things for that matter.

For what its worth, I have a 629 with the lock, and never had a problem after firing a lot of heavy loads. Before I retired last year, I was a firearms instructor for a large federal law enforcement agency. I spent a lot of time with quite a few guys who shot many thousands of rounds thru a variety of S&W revolvers with the lock, without an issue.

As far as removing or making it non functional, I am not a lawyer, but I would not think it illegal. I would be concerned about a lawsuit in civil court if say a child got hold of it, or it was stolen and used in a crime. Don't know, but I would not want to be the test case..

Larry

I understand very good points. Well this is what i figured...I'm sure it is a one in a couple thousand chance that it might lock up? I'm guessing on the number but I'm sure smith & wesson would test their products through a couple thousand rounds before selling to customers. But like many others I was curious about the chances of this happening, because the last thing I want to do is be hunting in bear country and having a black bear attack my *** and have the revolver lock up with me.

I've been thinking purchasing a 686 for awhile now and haven't been bothered about the internal lock until I saw this video...

YouTube - Smith & Wesson Performance Center 686 handgun locks up
(AND this is a Performance Center revolver)

I believe this is one of the first internal lock malfunctions to be caught on camera. My other question is.... The new s&w comes with a lifetime guarantee. Well if I was to remove the internal lock would it void the guarantee?

My apologies, I should of said that I don't plan on buying used. I have a Glock 23, my first gun that I purchased was used. But I've always been a huge fan of the revolver and it being one of smith & wessons work horses I want to be the first and original owner of one. Just as older man love their 1950's chevy corvettes i want to love my revolver hahah

Absolutely would I have talked to Smith about warranty voids.

On that video I thought the lock locks the hammer down not cocked. That seems more like a problem between the trigger and hammer. Like maybe a bad Trigger Job. Am I wrong?

Something wrong with that video.. I'm sorry, but the end when he "acted" as though the trigger was locked, just did not look right.. looked staged to me!

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Jack C

Find a like new in box 686-4. Last of the everything you need and nothing you don't 686's. They are readily available on the auction boards.

Then if you decide you don't care for it, you can easily get your money back out of it. Might make a small profit too! Good luck! Regards 18DAI.

I agree, this video looks very suspicous

Just a question that has nothing to do with the OP, but exfebee----
HOW DID YOU GET THE CYLINDER OPEN AND THE HAMMER COCKED?

Cock the hammer back, push the cylinder release forward, & swing the cylinder out. Or, do it the other way around. Be super careful if gun is loaded when you close the cylinder & pull the trigger. It hurts. By the way the 686-4 plain revolver does not have an IL. Perhaps the plus 7 shot model might.
Carl

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Retired FBI Agent

If you want a new 686 get one, and don't worry about the lock. I also have several S&W N frames that I use for work. My 627 Pro and 629 both have the lock. Both have several hundred rounds through them, with the 629 having mostly full power 44 magnums. Neither has ever given the slightest indication of an unintentional lockup. I'd only worry about the lock on the extreme lightweight, heavy caliber guns like the scandium 44 mags and such. I think a dead primer or other ammunition failure would be a more likely scenario, than an unintentional lockup. I've seen a couple examples of that happening, never a lock problem.

It's not illegal to deactivate the lock, at least in my part of the country. (May be in one of those north eastern states.) I don't think you'd have any issues if you deactivate the lock and end up using the gun in a lawful shooting. As long as everything else about the shooting is legit, it shouldn't be an issue. (Not intended as legal advice, just my personal opinion.) But lawyers being lawyers, if you have "deep pockets", they could go fishing in that direction. Who can say for sure one way or the other, I know I can't. I wouldn't worry about buying or using a S&W 686 with the lock though.

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Tom
"Panem et Circenses"

Buy it and enjoy.

Do a SEARCH on the IL & the 686. There's lots of info here on the Forum about it. The 686-4 is not made "new" any more. That was the last 686 S&W made before they started using MIM parts. The 686-4 is one of the most sought after 686s. Good luck.
Carl

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Retired FBI Agent

I bought a model 10-14 4 inch new. Its has the interlock. I have not had one problem with the revolver. I have hundreds on rounds put through the revolver. I do not lock the revolver. I would rather have a prelock S&W anyday but I really can't bash my model 10. I would say buy the revolver.
Regards,
Howard

I have several 686s' and 627s' both with and without the lock. I've never used the lock, and really pay it no mind. All but one has had trigger work but I never bothered to remove them.

Is there any special reason why you don`t want to buy used ?
I have about 75% used and only 25% new in my arsenal and to be perfectly honest I cant tell any difference or even remember which is which half of the time.
Guns last for several lifetimes and at the rate most of them are not shot they have the potential to last indefinitely .

Regarding a 686 I would not think the lock would bother me and I`d buy one if it came my way. As to removing the lock , since the 686 would not be my main defense gun I`d leave it alone, but If I had totally rely on it That lock would be history.

Someone stated on another thread if you are involved in a justifiable shooting it wont matter what you did to the gun or it`s ammo.

I think the lock`s primary purpose is to prevent unauthorized persons being able to shoot the gun ,so if you keep it in a safe or other protected area what does it matter?

Great question and answers so far as I too am thinking about the 686 as my first purchase. Bud

You will know, when the bullet hits the bone. Do you feel that little red dot on your back from a CT grip. You will know

hmmm, not sure about the meaning here... but maybe I do... I have felt the red dot here more than once.. guess I don't always agree..

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Jack C

Focus on the front sight and not the lock …you will be just fine.

I am interested in buying an interlock for a S&W 686-6.

If anyone took theirs out and doesn't need it, I'll take it.

Thanks.

Thanks for the chuckle!

I can't figured out "WHY" is it when someone ask a simple Question and states that he likes to buy new that he gets treated like he is the last sinner in the world and you guys are acting like a bunch of preachers that is going to save his soul from sin for buying a new Smith & Wesson. Why do you want to change someone and take his "FREEDOM" to choose what he buys from him?????????????????? I alway though that this Great Country was built on that one word and you are trying to take it away from people. I truely feel sorry for that group. I don't need to say names -or point and I didn't type this to upset anyone at all, just to remine you that this person can do what they want. When you live in a glass house you don't throw rocks at people around you. You can state your feelings, but when you state "That is junk buy the model "A" instead the new Chevy" is going across the line in "MY" eyes. I may be totaly wrong - If I am - I'm sorry, My 2 cents and $2 bucks will get you a ice tea .