686-6 lock

A320graham · Jul 15, 2012

Been away for a while and now I'm back.
Just bought an unfired 686-6 with the lock.
Have been reading articles about the lock engaging (sometimes) when the gun is fired.
I have not shot mine yet is this something to be worried about?
Thank you.

Smithaddict · Jul 15, 2012

No. I ground mine off in my carry J frame in any event, but I don't see any need in a revolver that is not constantly deployed for self defense.

A320graham · Jul 15, 2012

lock

Thanks for the input.

vjp · Jul 15, 2012

I have the locks on almost all of my Smiths. The 442 and 642 that I carry have locks. The exception is an old Model 15-3 that I am very fond of, fond of because I like the way it shoots NOT because it doesn't have the lock.

I shoot my guns on a regular basis and my 686, with the lock, is my favorite and I'd trust it anyday of the week. I haven't experienced the first problem with "the lock" on any of my revolvers and I think the whole issue of the internal locking system on S&W revolvers continuously gets blown way out of proportion.

Shoot your gun, get to know your gun and if it performs well, trust YOUR gun.

A320graham · Jul 15, 2012

lock

Thanks for this.

olds442guy · Jul 15, 2012

vjp said:
I haven't experienced the first problem with "the lock" on any of my revolvers and I think the whole issue of the internal locking system on S&W revolvers continuously gets blown way out of proportion.

100% agree. It's not a problem at all. All the people that argue "the lock is horrible, I never have and never will own one with a lock," how would they know it's bad if they've never had one? Enjoy your gun and get ready to spend all your disposable income on ammo, it's addictive!

A320graham · Jul 15, 2012

lock

Yes I will, it's my 'Coonan B' backup.

Pef · Jul 15, 2012

I have about 3,000 rounds through several lock guns (mostly +p in my j-frames or .357's in my 686's). Never an unexpected lock. I have no concerns about it.

71firebird400 · Jul 16, 2012

It's not a common failure, but to all the naysayers who say "It's a myth" here's a video proving that it does in fact happen on rare occasion-

Smith & Wesson Performance Center 686 handgun locks up - YouTube

vjp · Jul 16, 2012

71firebird400 said:
It's not a common failure, but to all the naysayers who say "It's a myth" here's a video proving that it does in fact happen on rare occasion-

Smith & Wesson Performance Center 686 handgun locks up - YouTube

Not saying it's myth - I'm just saying to the OP, "shoot your gun enough to develop a sense of trust in it".

If anyone out there is so disgusted with their S&W revolver with the ILS and just can't take it anymore, I'll take it in and give it a good home!

vjp · Jul 16, 2012

Ok, I just watched the video and it DOES NOT support the idea that the ILS was at fault.

71firebird400 · Jul 16, 2012

vjp said:
Ok, I just watched the video and it DOES NOT support the idea that the ILS was at fault.

There are additional videos from the user, at a gunsmith, showing the lock is at fault. I trust you didn't take the time to watch those before voicing your opinion?

vjp · Jul 16, 2012

No, I didn't look for more videos. As I stated before, I've had good luck with my Smiths so far.

A320graham · Jul 17, 2012

lock

I had bought the 686 then watched some of these videos.
Shot it for the first time yesterday and apart from not holding the gun properly it was perfect in DA and SA. I like to shoot S&W revolvers in DA/SA hardly ever cock the gun.
Love squeezing the trigger and feeling the first and second stage of the action.

chief38 · Jul 21, 2012

I guess I'm just too "old school"------ no locks for me. I have never had to remove one because NONE of mine ever had them. Won't buy a I/L gun, period!

Chief38

july1952 · Jul 22, 2012

I've got a 686-6 factory ported, with the lock, bought it brand new, a couple of hundred rounds fired through it with absolutely NO problems. Unless you plan to use it for self protection or war, I wouldn't worry about it. I also have a 686-3, no lock, bought new in 1989. Between the two, I can't tell any difference in gun functionality or accuracy.

epj · Jul 23, 2012

I have removed the locks from my 686P and my 627Pro largely for aesthetic reasons. The holes were filled with "The Plug", available in the classifieds. There was evidence on both guns of the hammer dragging on the lock plate.

Nephrodoc · Jul 23, 2012

I have shot alot of hot .357 loads out of my 686-6+, with no problems. I have no problem buying a gun with a lock. I would buy a used one without the lock, but then you get no lifetime service policy.

My local gun range say they have never had problems with their rentals locking up, and they have a few thousand rounds through those.

686-6 lock

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