Internal Lock Failure - Happened to Me?

As A followup to my previous comment, I found a link to a Massad Ayoob article, for those of you who don't believe that these locks can fail.
Massad Ayoob » Blog Archive » INTERNAL GUN LOCKS

I find Ayoob's opinions interesting and informative. But... a Series 80 firing pin on a 1911 can fail as well. Mechanical things fail. I'm more concerned about the adrenalin rush and inability to think clearly that I would experience if the unthinkable happened, then I am about a fail to fire.
 
Been shooting S&W revos for many years, currently own a bunch
of pre-lock guns.

NEVER had one lockup that I couldn't open by hand or by tightening
the rod.

(maybe I don't shoot enough between cleaning/maintainence sessions) :D
.
 
JUST IN CASE ... I always carry a S&W key on my key ring.

but wait, what if I have multiple IL S&W revolvers? how will I know which key goes to which lock?? :confused:

oh, you say that S&W uses the same lock on all their guns??? :eek:

so S&W, I now ask you, how is this a "lock" if everyone and their uncle can get a FREE, universal replacement key sent to them in the mail from S&W, just for the asking? :confused::confused::mad:



(this post is NOT a dig at the poster of the quoted comment)
 
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but wait, what if I have multiple IL S&W revolvers? how will I know which key goes to which lock?? :confused:

oh, you say that S&W uses the same lock on all their guns??? :eek:

so S&W, I now ask you, how is this a "lock" if everyone and their uncle can get a FREE, universal replacement key sent to them in the mail from S&W, just for the asking? :confused::confused::mad:



That's why a 1911 is my primary and 442 is a secondary carry. If the dreaded Series 80 block fails, and the IL fails, then, well, I probably won't be around long enough to care. /shrug.
 
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Lock or no lock, that's a nice looking pistol! Although, personally, I think it would better without it. :)
 
If that was my gun and I had an IL failure, I would put it up for sell and replace it with an older pre-lock gun. That's just me.
 
I am so mad at S&W!

My 638-3 has had as many +P rounds through it as I can stand, which isn't a lot; no IL failure!

I usually shoot a box of WC rounds each range trip too; no IL failure!

I lock and unlock the dang thing once in a while; no IL failure!

If it locks up, I plan on sending it back to the factory for a new one so I can try and wreck it too!

No failures yet; I'm soooo mad at S&W!
 
Twice my guns had the ILS partially lock up on me. Might be the pitchfork's spring failing or might be a piece of gunk just right. Either way I removed them and no problems since then. It's very easy to remove and Bullseye Smith makes it easy to replace. I don't need or want them in there, but it's a very personal decision.
 
I am so mad at S&W!

My 638-3 has had as many +P rounds through it as I can stand, which isn't a lot; no IL failure!

I usually shoot a box of WC rounds each range trip too; no IL failure!

I lock and unlock the dang thing once in a while; no IL failure!

If it locks up, I plan on sending it back to the factory for a new one so I can try and wreck it too!

No failures yet; I'm soooo mad at S&W!


You've been had! You should ask for your money back! :)

Seriously, for a self defense gun, I don't like them. For any other purpose, the IL doesn't bother me at all (I only own one gun with the IL and it's a fighting gun so I removed the lock guts).
 
The lock mechanism can be completely removed, all four parts, with no need to fill or plug any holes or leave any IL parts in the gun. Just take them ALL out, and keep in a safe place ( I use a CF memory card case ) so you can re-install them later if you need to. If you grind off the flag nub, the rest of the parts and the flag can still malfunction anyway.

That little hole left by the bolt is nothing significant. It says "L" for lubricate. Seriously, your revolver has plenty of holes in it already, the muzzle, about 4 exposed chambers, an open slot all around the cylinder, a space behind the trigger. One more hole where the lock was removed is not going to bother anything.
 
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That little hole left by the bolt is nothing significant. It says "L" for lubricate. Seriously, your revolver has plenty of holes in it already, the muzzle, about 4 exposed chambers, an open slot all around the cylinder, a space behind the trigger. One more hole where the lock was removed is not going to bother anything.

I don't want to downplay a fellow member's product, but I have been wondering the same thing. Now, I can certainly see how it has cosmetic appeal, but in terms of keeping junk out of the mechanism, it seems like it might not be necessary. For example, I keep my handguns in pistol socks in the safe when I am not carrying them...my bedside gun is in a pistol rug...my carry gun is in a rug (in the car) or a holster (pocket or waist) so they aren't exposed to much lint and dirt and stuff anyway. Plus, having that little hole might be good to drop just a tiny drop of lube in when cleaning your revolver.

I guess if you wanted a temporary plug for when you are at the range, I think you could find a little rubber stopper that would fit. Granted, if you want a "permanent" plug, the Plug sold here is the best solution...IMHO.
 
I'd be sort of interested in a plug for my 649, but then .... that is putting another small part inside the frame, which possibly " might could " potentially in some unforseen unlikely instance .... get in the way.

Does the plug installation require any other parts, any of the original IL parts to be left in place ?
 
Ruger did it right

I bought a Ruger Blackhawk. It had a padlock to lock the gun. I conplained till I saw what Smith did,. I put the lock on my shed. The gun was unaffected:confused:
 
Smith and Wesson have had problems with the spring breaking and making the airweights,and scandium frames lock up. Not all of them did that but if there is problems you have with the ils lock,call S&W up and send it in on their dime.
 
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