I'm not one who normally has an issue with the lock. Sure, given the choice I'll go without it. Since there are conceal carry options without it and I think that's the one time it matters some, I'd like to consider all my no-lock options.

So, what are my no-lock carry options? I'm looking to pocket carry.

I know the 642 can come no-lock.

Not sure about the 442. It doesn't appear the 4/638 has the no lock option.

What else?

Much thanks in advance!

Any S&W revolver made before 2001 will be lockless. In J frames this would include, but not limited to:
M36, M37, M38, M40, M42, M49, M60, M640, M642, M442, .....The list goes on and on.

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Formerly know as Lucky Derby

642 no lock or 442 no lock would be at the top of my list. You can also get Pro series versions of either model, which are cut for moon clips and have no locks.

Current no-lock S&Ws that I am aware of:

442 SKU 150544
642 SKU 103810
442 PRO SKU 178041
642 PRO SKU 178042
640 PRO .357 SKU 178044
M&P 340 .357 SKU 103072
M&P 340 w/ Crimson Trace grips .357 SKU 150971


Also available, but not on the S&W website:

40 SKU 150222
42 SKU 150502
340PD .357 SKU 103061

While I realize this is a S&W site you may want to consider the Colt Cobra .38. Available on the used market these are 6 shot D frame Colts about the same size and weight as the Js mentioned above.

I own and carry a couple of the Js, but my favorite is my 1968 Cobra w/a bobbed hammer. Just something to think about . . .

colt 1903 hammerless- no lock

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The absence of pain is...death

Thanks for all the replies. I probably should have mentioned that I was mostly interested in new. I wouldn't have a problem with used, but I would prefer to just be able to buy one readily available.

47D thanks for the great post.

I do like the idea of the 638, being able to see where the hammer for some reason is comforting. I do wonder if that's really worth much, and whether it's at all worth the risk of lint becoming a problem after a decade of use.

I went with a clean used 640-1. Very nice little revolver.

I'm also a big fan of the Colt Cobra. Good luck with your search! Regards 18DAI.

I've had a model 49 for years, and although I don't carry it much, I've never had a lint problem with it. There are no paths into the innards of the gun when the hammer is down (as it will be when it's carried) and any lint that might collect behind the hammer spur (between the "ears" of the frame) is easily visible. Now if you carry it for a decade and never clean out the hammer path you might well have a lint problem, but a quick blow on any dust you may see behind the hammer from time to time will keep things clean enough for reliable operation.

Personally I see and feel no difference in double action shooting between my 49 and my "hammerless" 442 (except for the extra weight of the all steel 49.) But it is fun to be able to cock the hammer and fire carefully aimed single action shots at longer distances. I was at the range today, introducing a friend's wife to the joys of shooting. At one point I moved back 25 yards from a rack of 6" plates and let fly with the snubbies. I could hit pretty well with the 442, but got more hits easier with the 49 when I cocked it.

forget about the lock its a non issue, the new guns lock or no lock are excellent do to CNC machining and Superior metallurgy

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The absence of pain is...death

Model 37.... Enough said...

But then again I don't a locked S&W...

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One gun is never enough...

27-2 3 inch

You must have some big pockets!

For me it's not an issue with the lock. After reading this same discussion all over this forum, I went with a 36 in good, but not great, condition that I picked up for under $300. I wanted something in steel vs. alloy. The 36 I picked up cost less than half that of a new one and many on the forum would argue that it's a better gun - it certainly locks up tighter than any of the 'other' brands I handled.

So, IMHO, it's about price and quality, not the lock.

I just put the Pachmayr Compacs on it for carry yesterday - I don't want to tear up the original diamond, serialized, wood grips that came on it. They had to order a DeSantis pocket holster for me. So I'll be good to go in a few days.

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But then, what do I know?

These are the guns I carry. M638 w/ a Barami Hip Grip and my M649 in an Galco Ankle Glove. I removed the lock in my M638 and trplaced it with "The Plug".

Attached Images

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If looking at new no lock pistols, the big consideration is price. The 442 and 642 are fairly cost efficient, while the others listed are priced significantly higher.