help needed - Model 25-2 - yoke double ball lock???

[cmansguns]

I have a Model 25-2 up for sale in For Sale forum. I sent some more pics to another Member who had PM me. He e-mailed me that he had not seen before what my pics were showing and wondered if the gun had been "customized".

I have recently (within the last 2 years) sold several N Frame guns, all had factory Letters, including this Model 25-2. I am attaching a pic of each that shows the double ball lock on the 25-2, but none on the 28-2, or the 29-2.

The 25-2, s/n N24533 shipped 2-14-1972, the 28-2, s/n N237801 shipped 10-13-1975, and the 29-2, s/n N798908 shipped 12-31-1980.

I never gave the double ball lock any thought until this question just arose. I've shot the gun a lot, with full moons and never had trouble. I've not disassembled for any reason. The LOA does not mention this lock, and confirms the original shipping configuration. There are no factory rework marks anywhere on the frame, and Roy Jinks book (specifically mentioned in the LOA), pg 199 does NOT describe this double ball lock as any sort of engineering change.

I don't like listing something for sale that doesn't jive with what I'm selling so the question for you experts and experienced armorers is how did this get on this gun? There is no evidence of any reblue, no evidence of "outside machining" so I would love to hear some comments. I'm considering withdrawing the gun from sale until I can (with your help) determine if factory original or ????

 

[505Gibbs]

A 'head' scratcher for sure! Answers should be interesting to say the least.

 

[H Richard]

That is an after market gunsmith installation. I would call it an "enhancement". It certainly isn't a defect. I wouldn't be surprised if the action might show signs of a trigger smoothing and pull reduction. I'll bet it iw a great shooter.

 

[Truckman]

I've not only never seen that, I never even heard of it......Ben

 

[murphydog]

Guns that had the forward extractor rod locking point removed often had this added. The John Jovino "Effector" 2 3/4" barrel conversions for model 25s come to mind. I have not seen this done on an otherwise unmodified gun.

The X frames use a similar system in concept.

You can accurately advertise this one as a "Quadruple Lock".

 

[Protocall_Design]

That is definitely an aftermarket enhancement. A positive one in my book. I have done several of those ball locks on PPC guns.

 

[Nightowl]

That yoke lock was commonly done on PPC guns that had a custom barrel installed. It was easier and probably cheaper and "better" than having to custom recreate the front locking pin arrangement.

Most folks consider the yoke lock a better method.

 

[PeteC]

I am the one with the annoying questions about "double ball locks"... say that quickly three times...LOL.

I emailed a pic from the OP to an old friend who was into competition shooting at one time. According to him...

Ball Detent Crane Locks were common 20+ years ago, also called BDCLs. S&W recommended against installing them, not sure the reason. A double ball lock used to be something installed by a gunsmith and shooter called Jack or John Wiegand(spelling??). Not sure if that rings a bell with anyone.

... my friend also said something about "Belt and Suspenders x2", and my bifocals, that I will not quote here, LOL.

I have never had or shot a Model 25, although I owned a Model of 1917 once, that took moon clips. Hoping that target grips and a Moon clip loader work better with my large hands and fat fingers!

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

My Performance Center 629 has a 2 5/8 barrle with a factory single ball lock! works great.

Ivan

 

[El Juero]

I have a "Jack Weigand" custom revolver that has the ball detent lock at the crane as depicted. This 640 revolver was shown on American Handgunner in about 1995. I had one so modified and have carried my 640 revolver for 25+ years as an undercover officer. (now retired) I like the detent lock for their intended purpose. Google the article and you can see them in the photos.
Smith and Wesson 640 Weigand 4PJ Executive package

 

[Pisgah]

Definite after-market add-on. If I'm buying as a collector, no go; as a shooter I'll take it, thank you very much...

 

[PeteC]

I have a "Jack Weigand" custom revolver that has the ball detent lock at the crane as depicted. This 640 revolver was shown on American Handgunner in about 1995. I had one so modified and have carried my 640 revolver for 25+ years as an undercover officer. (now retired) I like the detent lock for their intended purpose. Google the article and you can see them in the photos.
Smith and Wesson 640 Weigand 4PJ Executive package

I have seen the single ball lock like the one pictured in the article. Never a double ball lock. I don't see any negative comments, so that is encouraging,
​

 

[s3dcor]

I have a 686-1 3" that Magnaport ported, double detent, action job and bead blasted. The double detent is nearly identical to yours. In 2014 Magnaport offered the double detent service for $55.

 

[swagmeister]

Over the years, I have had several Smith revolvers with the ball lock detent installed by Clark Custom Guns. I have one of Jim Jr.'s personal competition Model 14 revolvers with the ball lock that he sold me shortly before his death. I spoke with him one time about them doing a double ball lock and he said they could do it but it would essentially be overkill; one ball lock is enough. He said it would not hurt anything but was really not needed. I thought it looked cool at the time and still do. I think it would be a positive selling point for your gun. Good luck.