New vs. old S&Ws

[slabside2]

Old every day. With that said there's nothing wrong with the new ones but if you're buying one for an investment forget about the new ones maybe in 50 years It will be worth more than the MSRP it you decide to sell it.

 

[Sgt911]

I have a dozen or so of the new ones. I don't care for the lock and a couple don't have them. I don't know how many older ones I have. The newer revolvers get more work time. The only new revolver I sold because I didn't like it was a 67. I traded it for a new 69 which I like very much. If S&W would drop the lock, their sales would increase.

 

[Scott_HM1000X]

I have a 90's vintage M29 and Colt Python. I also had (sold) two different 586 that were 90's vintage along with a M19. Just bought a 4" 686-6 that probably hasn't seen 100 rounds. The fit, and trigger on this 686 is better than all the previous revolvers I listed. The cylinder lock up is so tight, I've really never seen something that good before. A few weeks ago I put 100 rounds of 357 and 100 rounds of 38 through it and it shoots very well. So, no matter my thoughts about MIM parts or the hammer lock at this point I really don't care because this 686-6 is pretty much the best put together revolver I've owned. The overall finish is as good as anything else as far as I'm concerned. My example of old vs. new shows quality, fit and finish have all improved IMO.

 

[Xfuzz]

Locks ?...M&M's ???
I am still tryin to get past this new fangled
double action stuff.

 

[Rock185]

Having purchased my share of NIB S&W revolvers, starting in the '60s but mostly in the '70s, I'll throw in my 2¢ worth. I enjoy the older guns as much as anyone else, but have also purchased a few of the newer MIM filled guns, one even had the lock.

The older S&Ws were aesthetically more pleasing to be sure. But the ones I actually purchased were likely as not to have timing/carry up issues. And that cherished forged lockwork rarely had DA as smooth from the factory as my later MIM guns. And with the MIM guns I've owned, all have solidly timed/carried up, and nothing has broken, bent, deformed or crumbled. I did have to return a 686SSR with the lock for an issue, but once corrected there wasn't a thing wrong with it. But ultimately, I admit I couldn't abide the lock and sold it.

BTW, Years ago, I was present when a fellow shooter's S&W Model 19 hammer nose did break off.

 

[balin]

In general I find my newer Smith 's to be more accurate then my older ones. And well put together. I do appreciate the bluing on the older models as it is better.

 

[dsf]

I only own eight (8) S&W revolvers from Model 10 to a 58. The oldest is the M10 made in 1961 when I was born. The newest is a 19-5 from 1985.

If I ever buy a new lock/MIM model, you can bet it will be an N frame, as the J and K frames have altered frame symmetry that just is so obvious as to be offensive.

I think most overlook this aspect of the effect on the gun by the lock. Especially the J frames. That shallow as heck slope from rear sight to grip top just looks odd as hell. There are ways to minimize the look of the lock. IIRC some fellow sells oversized cylinder thumb latches. But that profile - no way to change it.

To each his own. I like my newly made 442, it's a model not changed by the lock. Although mine doesn't carry it.

 

[Darkenfast]

I guess I'm a heretic. I think the curve on the back of the frame (to accommodate the dreaded lock), looks better, at least on the L-frame. In fact, I think the current 4 1/8" 686+, with standard rubber grips is visually the most appealing of any current revolver made, including the Python. I will admit that, viewed from the left, the "Hole" is a distraction.

Oddly, my next favorite type is the earlier Combat Magnum, where the matching of the target grips to frame is usually perfect and really finishes off the appearance.

Of course, I also think my early Gen 1 Glock 17L is "handsome"!

 

[Snapping Twig]

If its got MIM or the hole - keep it.

Sure, they work, but life is too short to accept something when you can get something you enjoy.

Modern methods are good, but craftsmanship rules.

 

[jtcarm]

If you do find $1,000 on the ground, it's mine.

Thank you very much.

Was it wrapped in a rubber band?

If so, I have the rubber band.

 

[jtcarm]

Mythbuster

The new S&W Model 19 Classic ~ A S&W Armorer's Review - YouTube

Fast forward to 6:00 but the whole 50 minutes is worth watching.

Thanks for confirming what I've been saying for years: Lots of hand-fitting means your manufacturing tolerances suck.

 

[UncleEd]

Thanks for confirming what I've been saying for years: Lots of hand-fitting means your manufacturing tolerances suck.

The tolerances may not suck but
they require each/every day the old-time
craftsmen, each and every one of
them, to be at the top of their skill.

And yet they must still have had to
make some sort of quota to keep up
with the demands which were very
heavy in the 1950s through the mid
1980s.

I believe those craftsmen often settled
for "good enough" on quite a few of
their production numbers.

 

[Tom_R]

The new Key Lock guns that I would strongly consider buying are:
- 586 L Comp
- 4" 586+
- Model 19 Performance Center
- 610

If the lock ended up bothering me, I'd just get the lock delete kit, plug it, and be good to go.

 

[Tom_R]

The new Key Lock guns that I would strongly consider buying are:
- 586 L Comp
- 4" 586+
- Model 19 Performance Center
- 610

If the lock ended up bothering me, I'd just get the lock delete kit, plug it, and be good to go.

 

[Cellar Hound]

I own S&W revolvers with and without the IL...

Either way, they are great guns...

IMHO, if Smith & Wesson produced a premium series of popular model numbers without the IL and added some hand finishing work, They would fly off the shelf at a 50% premium (even with MIM parts).

 

[UncleEd]

I own S&W revolvers with and without the IL...

Either way, they are great guns...

IMHO, if Smith & Wesson produced a premium series of popular model numbers without the IL and added some hand finishing work, They would fly off the shelf at a 50% premium (even with MIM parts).

I doubt the revolver-buying market is that strong;
also "premium" models do exist on the used market.

 

[hemiram]

All my S&W guns, both revolver and semiauto, are discontinued pre lock and pre polymer models. I wish S&W well in the future, but they have nothing in their handgun lines that interest me in the slightest.

 

[misswired]

It's all a matter of simplicity. I see, I want, I buy. Intrigued After watching the gunblue video I spotted a newer' model at a reasonable price. I fondled, inspected and worked the action. Didn't want, didn't buy......won't look at another. Being flush with pre-locks and internal lock pistols the new' better revolvers are not for me. I'll gladly pass them over even though gunblue says they will last a lifetime.

 

[shocker]

In summary, as the good book says

"And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say, 'The old is better.'"

 

[smithman]

Unless it's half price I don't buy guns with locks. I have one 629 that I got cheap and took the lock out of. All others are no lock.