642 lock trouble?

[check123]

Howdy, folks, newbie here. Smith's excellent service just sent me a new 642 to replace a 642 no-dash from 1996 that cracked in the frame, just under the barrel.

My question to ya'll is, has anybode here had any problems with the 642 internal lock?

 

[check123]

Howdy, folks, newbie here. Smith's excellent service just sent me a new 642 to replace a 642 no-dash from 1996 that cracked in the frame, just under the barrel.

My question to ya'll is, has anybode here had any problems with the 642 internal lock?

 

[alde]

Mine has been perfect for well over 1000 rounds. It's also pretty accurate to boot.

 

[DocAlamo]

Got the 442 and have put almost 1200 rounds through it with absolutely no issues ... regular .38 and +P loads ... no problems whatsoever.

Dr. Bill

 

[check123]

Thats good to know! I have had it for a few weeks, not sure if I wanted to try it or what to do. The old one was a really good gun, and accurate, too, even with the crack! i carried it everywhere.

DocAlamo...San Antonio is my favorite city in America, and have been there many times from the late 70'S to the mid 1990'S. I used to like the Crockett, and was at the Menger once. The Menger didnt have my room ready on arrival, so he let me have the Presidential Suite! VERY GOOD of them! Also like Casa Rio and Mia Tierra, too!

 

[leejack]

check123- Enjoy your new gun!
The 642 is an awesome gun!

Thanks for the kind words on the Alamo City!

That's where I hang my guns every night!

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I'm not trying to open a can of worms but, if it were me I would sell the replacement gun while it's new and buy a used pre-lock J frame. Just the very small possibility of a malfunction is too much a chance IMO. I had a M838 and fired at least 2000 rounds through it without a problem but that lock was always worried me so I sold it off.

 

[josp]

I have the 340 m&p and fire 357 magnum loads through it monthly. The lock has never engaged, and never interferred with the operation of this amazing gun. Forget what you heard. Shoot it to make you feel better and drive on!

 

[Old Navy]

If it worries you to much and like the gun, just remove the whole lock system. It took me about 10 minutes to remove it and I just covered the hole with clear tape. If looks are more important then look up the thread here about partial removal.

 

[460v LAC du FLAMBEAU]

I have shot 3,000 rounds through my 2007 642/CT grips. Never have touch the lock...no problems.

 

[Geronimo Jim]

If it were me, I would sell it and replace it with an older gun without the lock.

 

[bhk]

I have one with an unaltered lock and it works every time, without exception. I think I would be more likely to be hit by lightning on a sunny day than have a 642 lock failure.

 

[tobar8]

Originally posted by Old Navy:
If it worries you to much and like the gun, just remove the whole lock system. It took me about 10 minutes to remove it and I just covered the hole with clear tape. If looks are more important then look up the thread here about partial removal.

Are you talking about the little round wheel that is turned on the outside to lock it? If so, I imagine I could find a little plastic plug to fill that in.