Cylinder Latch Interchangeability?

57jeeper

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I have a new 625-8 which has the new teardrop shaped cylinder latch. I like the release on my 686 no dash much better. I've looked in Numirch Arms, and I think that I can just buy an old style and replace it. Before I buy one, does anyone have any experience with this? Will it fit?
Thanks.
 
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Should work fine.
I have "backdated" a 21-4 and "updated a 64-5.
No problems with either one.
21-4.jpg

64-5.jpg

That said I actually prefer the feel of the newer thumbpiece.
 
I hit the middle on thumb latches. I like the older "classic" style with the bottom wing ground off to clear speed loaders. I've had this one for about 20 years +, and I continued to use when Project 616 was born... I wouldn't have it any other way. :cool:

Froggie
 

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I have a new 625-8 which has the new teardrop shaped cylinder latch. I like the release on my 686 no dash much better. I've looked in Numirch Arms, and I think that I can just buy an old style and replace it. Before I buy one, does anyone have any experience with this? Will it fit?
Thanks.

I believe it will fit. Too bad they don't make one that covers up the lock hole for when people remove the offending device. :)
 
This one came in a Ed Brown pkg marked J,K,L,N. Factory ones I don't know about.

thumb.jpg
 
I'm sending you a PM with a link to a discussion of it, I think we're not supposed to post links to another forum here.


Bob. Are you sure it was Ed Brown? I searched his site and only found 1911 references.
 
Bobf. Thanks for the PM info.
My friend has the Hogue release on his 625 that he uses for pin matches. I do like the feel of it very much, but I'm not using my gun for any speed matches, and I don't know if I could get used to that big "hook" sticking up. Now that I've described why I don't want one, my MO is most likely I'll be ordering one next week. (The same thing happened with getting married, having kids, buying a single action revolver, etc)
I just hate the feel, and looks of the new latch. To me, the cylinder release is part of the iconic look of a Smith and Wesson revolver.
Truthfully, the ridiculous lock hole on the side bothers me a whole lot less than the new latch release.
Just my, (old fashion), opinion.
 
I've wondered about the hogue it looks big, the one Dillon sells looks a lot like the EB. I used mine on the 610 it's pictured with but took if off I probably will try it again.
 
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