HELP!! I AM BEGINING TO WEAKEN!!

[skipr77]

Up to this point all of the Smith revolvers I own do not have the IL, but ever since I sold my 66 2 1/2" like a D*** A** I have wanted to buy another one or something similar which brings me to my dilema!

I really like the looks of the 686 round butt 2 1/2 and 3 inch barrels but I do not want the the IL but I am really beginning to consider doing it.

It would make a great addition to my 586 4" no dash I bought new in 1984 (Which I will never sell!) and my customized 681.

But I still cannot get past the lock!

Let me know what do you think?

Yea or Nay?

Skip from Wisconsin

 

[Sebago Son]

Skip,

Resist. Keep your virginity. Don't give in. You'll thank me later.

Drew

 

[Richard Simmons]

IMHO the IL is a non event. If you like the firearm, buy the firearm.

 

[Kahoon]

From someone who recently acquired their first revolver, I don't understand the prejudice against the internal lock.

Do they lock up on their own often?

 

[skipr77]

For me the reasons I do not like the lock is for one I I think it detracts from the look of the gun. Secondly I think S&W should offer it as an option. Lastly, even though I agree that the chances of something going wrong is remote, in my 25 years of experince in the Navy working with various weapon systems the more mechanical equipment you have the chances of something going wrong regardless of how remote.

Plus knowing me if I ever locked the revolver I would lose the damn key!

 

[Bullseye Smith]

Buy it and get over it, they are a nice gun.

 

[Bendutro]

I can't get past Cindy Crawford's mole, it detracts from the... holy smokes... what am I saying?

Two PCs with der lock. No issues, never even used it. If the buggers so much as look at me funny I'll remove them but it hasn't been an issue. Go and buy one!

 

[Sebago Son]

Check out the resale value before you jump.... around here you can't hardly give away a used Smith with the Ignition Switch.

You WILL thank me later....

Drew

 

[NMPinNYC]

Just do it, and keep your eye out for a pre-lock model as well. I finally sprung for a JM 625... my first N-frame, and yes, my first with the "infernal (internal)" lock... will be contacting Bullseye Smith (above) for a plug shortly and will gut it right out. Then I shall feel more comfortable carrying it when I leave the state and it is with me. I also want a 17 HMR S&W, and I understand they did NOT come without the infernal lock, so to repeat, just do it...

 

[ENGINE18]

The only firearm I own w/ an internal lock is my 638-3. I've fed it some pretty stout +Ps and never had a problem.

I have 1 640-1 original to me that I really like, however, when I realized they weren't making any more (w/o the IL) I replaced it with the 638-3 for CCW. That said, I wish I had purchased a pre-lock J-frame Airweight instead of this one!

 

[ENGINE18]

(maybe I need a 642 no lock!)

 

[scooter123]

I am one of those who isn't bothered by the lock. In fact, at times I find it convenient. If I am visiting relatives with children, I can lock the gun and then use the cable lock to lock the case. So, instead of one layer of protection, I have two.

I also think the claims that it destroys the lines of the S&W are way way overblown. People should just man up and admit they don't like that hole because of what it symbolizes. Personally, I would have preferred that S&W hadn't caved into the pressure when the lock was implemented but at the time it probably looked like the only way to insure that S&W could remain in business. Fact is, the entire gun industry got a lot of protection from lawsuits in return for Taurus, Ruger, and S&W implementing internal locks.

That only leaves two real issues with the lock. One is that the rotation is in the wrong direction. This can cause the lock hardware to "stand in place" during an extreme rate of muzzle flip and cause it to self activate. Which leads to issue number two. Because of that design, it does present a potential for self activation in the featherweight revolvers when the shooter isn't capable of controlling the muzzle flip. Add in the fact that these featherweights are normally equipped with undersized grips that don't permit good control and you have a problem with self activation that is a fact, not a myth.

However, keeping that in mind, I don't think the lock is an issue for most of the shooting population in any model that weighs in at over 30 ounces and has a full sized grip frame. Only those with very poor hand strength will have a problem with the heavier guns.

I would say to go ahead and get the 686 you want. Personally, I find the 3 inch 686 + a very desirable revolver. Don't have one yet, but it is on my list. As for the lock, if you don't think you'll ever find a need for it, go ahead and just remove it. However, do keep in mind that they are convenient sometimes and in a gun as heavy as the 686 it's only an issue for someone whose hand strength has been degraded by arthritis or injury. BTW, don't worry about losing the key, because as I have discovered on my lock equipped guns, one key fits all.

 

[Markcuda]

Skip, do not buy the Smith's with the Hillary hole.
I am getting a 686-4,2.1/2 in a few weeks, there are way to many guns to be bought with out going with the lock models.
Resist the temptation

People should just man up and admit they don't like that hole because of what it symbolizes.

I'v maned up a long time ago.

 

[mtscout]

skipr77

come over to the dark side....

I waited a long time for my first SW, and I wish now I had not.
Life is just too short.

And now I'm planning for number 2.

You will not regret it.

 

[Snowbandit]

Scooter123 hit the nail right on the head. I hate the lock for what it represents. Only have one with the lock, a 340. That's because they never made a 340 without the lock so it was a take it or leave it proposition. It's my all day, every day carry gun and I really like it for that purpose. Never had a problem with the lock and have no idea if it even works. It's never been locked and I probably couldn't even find the keys if I wanted to lock it. It's a non issue BUT, given a choice I would never intentionally buy one.

What I dislike even more is the frame mounted firing pins. Those just don't look right to me for some reason. Guess I just have to keep buying the old ones. Fortunately there's a lot of them around.

 

[Nightowl]

Be patient! You will be able to find a 686 without the lock, with forged parts and hammer mounted firing pin for less money than a new one. They are out there and you will be glad you did.

 

[andyo5]

If the lock really bothers you, disable it. Just be sure to keep the parts you removed in case you want to sell it later.

 

[skipr77]

I appreciate all of your input, since I just picked up a brand new 442 (No IL) from S&W to replace my 449 I bought around 1986, and sold like a D*** A** (another tale of my stupidity).

I am now waiting for my Model 15-3 (LE trade in) I am going to have to wait awhile to replenish my ultra ultra secret funds until I can buy another S&W.

I have to concede I understand everyone's views as to which L frame to buy, as to which one, it will come down to which one I like the best, whether it has a IL or not. I just wish they still made them in blue!

Thanks again for your input, I really enjoy reading them!!

Skip

 

[andyo5]

Perhaps if the "mission" of Saf-T-Hammer, S&W's parent company, were put forth, their reason for using the lock would be clear:

"About Saf-T-Hammer
Saf-T-Hammer Corporation, the parent company of Smith & Wesson, was originally formed to develop and market firearm safety and security products designed to prevent unauthorized access to firearms. Saf-T-Hammer continues to market its own branded products to sporting goods distributors, law enforcement distributors, law enforcement retailers, law enforcement agencies and gunsmiths both in the United States and Internationally."

 

[Kent J]

You have to realize that many of us on this board were around and buying guns when the 1968 gun control act was signed into law. Back then there weren't any guns with locks. When we learned to shoot guns they were in a glass front cabinet in the living room. The lock is another reminder to many of us of the freedoms we have had taken away from us in such a short period of time. All you pups out there have grown up with more of these restrictions so to you it doesn't seem like such a big deal. And in all reality it isn't. That said I only own 3 IL guns a 460 a 500 and a 627PC my wife bought me for my birthday. All 3 will have the lock removed and be plugged. I will never carry a IL lock gun, lock removed or not, I do not trust the lock and if removed I believe it would cause a serious legal threat to me if I had to use the gun to defend my life. I know there are some here that insist the lock is only a storage device. Please invite me to your trial as you try to sell that to a prosecutor or the "victims" attorney I would find that very entertaining.
Maybe this will give some folks a better understanding of why some of us are the way we are. Just my 2 cents .