Old vs. New
- Thread starter JayFramer
- Start date
The "new" is suppose to be easier on the thumb in with heavy recoiling magnums..........................don't think I have any of the new style...... me and my revolvers are OLD!
As my father used to say as he reached geezerdom
Ach,it's chust a fad!
Ach,it's chust a fad!
ContinentalOp
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I guess I'll be the odd man out. I've used both styles on J-frames and I find the release to be more positive when doing speed reloads when using the new style latch, though I have to admit both work fine for me. I have a 642 no-dash with the old-style latch and a 642-1 with the new-style latch, and I'm considering getting a new style latch for the no-dash.
As far as shooting comfort, I've gotten "wear spots" on my thumb using either latch style, so no real difference to me in that regard, though I do like that the newer latch has more rounded edges than the older latch.
As far as shooting comfort, I've gotten "wear spots" on my thumb using either latch style, so no real difference to me in that regard, though I do like that the newer latch has more rounded edges than the older latch.
I put a new style on my 625, shot a few matches then swapped it back.
I like the old style, but then I am old.
tb
I like the old style, but then I am old.
tb
31FordA
Member
I prefer the old style. Almost all my revolvers had it to begin with, and I have switched the few others to the old style. The new style latch on my 340 was always cutting my thumb, the old style latch I installed in it's place hasn't cut me once.
I wasn't even aware of the new style -- newest S&W I have is a 640-1.
I fined it to be just what your use to.
Have both and doesn't seem to make a difference when opening the cylinder.
Have both and doesn't seem to make a difference when opening the cylinder.
My standard hold is to put my thumb on the latch -- the new one makes that just a bit better on my 640-1 Pro. Looks-wise I have to go with the new one, too.
My favorite latch, though, is the original baby chiefs flat latch.
My favorite latch, though, is the original baby chiefs flat latch.
Ranger514
Member
I like both, but IMO the new latch is a bit easier to grip...so I voted the newer.
ContinentalOp
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BigBoy99
US Veteran
Unaware of the change as the only revolvers I own are the "old" style S&W. (two digit model codes, i.e. 10, 28, 29, 60, etc.)
Any 2nd. Gens. I own are autos and won't even touch any 3rd Gen. stuff!
Any 2nd. Gens. I own are autos and won't even touch any 3rd Gen. stuff!
I've been researching a few models lately that seem to put the transition from the "old" to the "new" (as shown in your photos) about 1996/97. Does that seem right?
Thanks,
Bob
Thanks,
Bob
Not sure if this should go in a different section. Sorry!
For cylinder release thumb latches, which do you prefer, the old style or new?
Old:
New:
Discuss and vote!
Snapping Twig
Member
When I got my first 29 back in the 80's, I used the stock 2x4 crappy S&W grips. The thumb latch made hamburger out of my thumb.
Shot it anyway and considered it the cost of entry.
Over time I realized grip fit was paramount, so I swapped out my grips for Hogue and now Kurac's.
World of difference!
No more hamburger.
Shot it anyway and considered it the cost of entry.
Over time I realized grip fit was paramount, so I swapped out my grips for Hogue and now Kurac's.
World of difference!
No more hamburger.
31FordA
Member
I believe 1996 was the transition. My 1995 vintage 640-1 had the old style latch, but the 625-6 Mountain Gun from March of 1996 has the new latch.
I have both styles on my two 640-1's. I much prefer the old style.
gregintenn
Member
I'm a fan of the flat latch, so I'll say "old style".
Cardboard_killer
Member
I'm again' the flat latch.
I've never used one of them there new fangled whatchamacallits, sonny.
medic15al
Member
Every S&W revolver I get I get a old style (dished out and knurled) latch to put on it. It is easier to activate it as I have a touch of neuropathy in my thumb.
AZretired
Member
I answered old, but honestly either is fine. The old style just looks better.
JayFarmer, you should get a job for S&W. You think they would have had some customer input before making a major change.
Tradewind36
US Veteran
I have the new style on my 640, haven't used the old one. But I prefer the release on my Ruger SP101.
muddocktor
Member
I'm definitely in the old style camp. Much rather it than the new style and I am keeping my eyes out for a stainless steel old style to replace the one on my 627-5 Pro.
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