Finally broke down and bought one with an internal lock (new 638, from Buds.) I'm leaning toward removing the lock and putting in a PLUG. But in case I do decide to leave it in I'm thinking I would want to be sure to have a key available should the silly thing decide to lock up. The gun comes with 2 keys, and I'd put one in a range bag and leave the other at home. But I have several range bags that I might have with me. And I might like to have another one in the car just in case. I gather there's only one pattern of key.

So I'm wondering - any of you ever bought extra keys? And if so, where's the best place to get 'em?

When I called S&W a couple years ago to get keys for a used gun they just mailed them to me at no charge.

I've got an extra, PM me w/your info and I'll send you one.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

I used to own a Taurus, bought it used without a key to the locking hammer. I called Taurus & asked for a key & they just sent it, no problem. I can't imagine that S&W wouldn't do the same.
I disabled the internal lock on my 442-2 by just removing the actual locking piece inside (the "flag"?), and left the cam-like piece with the keyhole in place. IMHO the keyhole doesn't look any worse than a hole with a plug, after all there's still gonna be the little "L" and the little arrow right next to it.

I called the factory a few weeks ago and they said they would send me a couple. Haven't heard from them since. Must be shipping once a month.

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That's just somebody talkin.

KEY....... YOU DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' KEY!

Take out the I/L.
Use the Plug to fill the hole.
NO KEY NEEDED!

Is the key loc hole threaded from the inside? Maybe we can make a short setscrew to fill the hole perfectly if we remove the loc screw. I have no plans on removing the loc's yet i have rugers to hammer on.

I lean more toward just removing the lock parts and leaving the hole where it is. Sure, if you've got it buried in sand and grit, it might be an avenue for stuff to get in the action. But probably not. All the keys/locks are the same. One fits all, just like handcuffs.

I had a buddy who got divorced about 20 someodd years ago. They had a cherry old cutlass that was just beautiful, and a Yugo (we called it a you-went). Anyway, the girl took the Olds, and left him with the rollerskate. At the time he was driving 40 miles each way to work so it seemed fair. But then he realized he'd been a good guy and gave her all the keys to her car, but she didn't bother giving him her extra for his car. She just was snotty and said she lost it. So keys are only a buck or so to get copied. He stopped at a place that made keys and tried to get another. The guy looked at it and told him it was a dealer item. So he tried the Sears store and they told him the same thing.

So he stopped at the Yugo dealer (I've never seen one) and went to parts. He asked them if they cut keys, as he needed a spare. The parts guy asked what year his was, and he said, I think, 1987. The guy turned around and on his pegboard he had a wire sticking out full of keys, one for each year. He took a 1987 key and compared it to the one my friend had, then charged him a dollar. When my friend started sputtering and questioned the idea they were all the same, the guy just got a disgusted look and asked him if he'd steal another one. Apparently the demand for 2nd Yugos is low. When his stopped running, he left it in the farm yard, where it rusts to this day.

Not sure why anyone would want a Yugo. I do understand why we want a S&W with the lock feature. We just don't want it on our gun. The only time I've ever read about them locking is when they shouldn't. Maybe the better ranges should get a steel fishing leader and nail it to a nearby pole or post. Then attach a S&W key. Free for anyone to use, just don't steal it.

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Dick Burg

There are no threads in the hole and the plug can be installed and removed as desired (held in by a clip). The original parts can be put back if and when you sell the gun. It is a simple 20 minute procedure and there are a few video's on the procedure if that is the way you wind up going. I believe one of the members here on this Forum makes and sells them. Check out the vendor section.

Chief38