Last month, while looking for handgus for my daughters, I impulsively purchased a couple J frames with internal locks (638-3 & 642-2). Then I got to reading on this forum and others and discovered concerns (real or imaginary) about the internal lock's reliability. My own opinion tends toward the attitude of why add complexity and possible unreliability to an otherwise fine revolver. Further reading left me wondering if the no lock 442 & 642 shown on the S&W website were new and readily available items or limited in availability. Anyway, I found an opportunity (in the classified section on this website) to obtain no-lock J frames and made a 250+ mile round trip which brought me 2 new revolvers, a 442 and a 642-1 with no internal locks. Imagine my surprise to find a set of internal lock keys in the case with the 442! All that aside, I feel real good about finding these 2 revolvers. Does anyone know if S&W is now going to offer no lock models or if these are part of special production run. Can anyone shed light on this subject?
Ironic: keys came with no lock 442
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Last month, while looking for handgus for my daughters, I impulsively purchased a couple J frames with internal locks (638-3 & 642-2). Then I got to reading on this forum and others and discovered concerns (real or imaginary) about the internal lock's reliability. My own opinion tends toward the attitude of why add complexity and possible unreliability to an otherwise fine revolver. Further reading left me wondering if the no lock 442 & 642 shown on the S&W website were new and readily available items or limited in availability. Anyway, I found an opportunity (in the classified section on this website) to obtain no-lock J frames and made a 250+ mile round trip which brought me 2 new revolvers, a 442 and a 642-1 with no internal locks. Imagine my surprise to find a set of internal lock keys in the case with the 442! All that aside, I feel real good about finding these 2 revolvers. Does anyone know if S&W is now going to offer no lock models or if these are part of special production run. Can anyone shed light on this subject?
I also bought 2 642 no-lock smiths, and when I called S&W they told me the 442&642 no-lock were limited and when they are gone that is all.
I also heard that a few 37 no-lock S&W were also out there.
I would also be interested in knowing what anyone else has heard.
I also heard that a few 37 no-lock S&W were also out there.
I would also be interested in knowing what anyone else has heard.
We newcomers always seem to ask questions about topics discussed ad nauseum well before we arrived on the forum. I've searched for and read alot of discussion on various forums about these recently available no lock models. I take from what those who have called S&W report that S&W does not intend to make more no lock revolvers. The 442 and 642 no lock models still appear on the S&W website and the dates on the envelopes containing the fired cases for my 442 and 642 are 9/30/08 & 10/31/08 repectively. Is the special run finished? I guess I'll quit wondering and let time tell the story.
I recently bought a new 37-2. No lock but it did have the keys in the box.
Black_Sheep
Member
My bro's no lock 642 also had keys in the box, now I have another set of spares...
model10
Member
My out look on the lock is like buying a new car or truck with all the bells an whisles on them just one more thing to go wrong ,when u dont want it to , bean counters an lawyers i gress need a job , but not at my expence wont own one , Smith & Wesson should told the gov to shove it years ago,, i do agree they do make some of the best but , i dont want to lay my life on the line over it , wont ever own one least a new one just my 2 cents on it ,
stiab
US Veteran
I have a theory on this which I have expressed before when this same question was asked: I think it is possible that the lock does exist inside these guns, but there is just no hole in the side plate. I could be wrong, of course.
CowboyKen
Member
Someone who owns one of these, and knows his way aropund one, must have opened one up to check it out. That would give you a difinitive answer. Anyone?
Ken
I opened up the new no-lock 642 after noticing the last two posts. There is no lock present and the inside of the frame has no recessed area for the lock mechanism. I think it is what it is advertised to be...642-1
stiab
US Veteran
Good info and thanks for checking, BUT is the one you checked an example that DID come new WITH keyes?
Mickstix
Member
The frame of IL guns are recessed for lock, guts, and "flag", which is visible externally next to the hammer.. W/O the recess the lock and guts wouldnt fit.. In other words, during the assembly line process, someone just put a set of keys (most likely aleady in the accessory bag) in the box, assuming the guns were going to be internal locked versions..
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