Owners of the new no-locks

[offrdmania]

On the other hand, a Model 10 that cost around $130 new in the mid-1970s comes out to the high-$800s/low-$900s in present day with inflation. They're priced at what they more or less have always been. The smooth stocks that are on these new ones are from Tyler Gun Grips and they're lightyears better and thicker than the cheap Altamont laminate grips that have been the factory default lately.

My point was that you can still find pencil barrel 10s in 95-98% condition with full box and papers in the $400-500 range and they are quite readily available. I picked one up not too long ago for $500 but it was likely NOS. Why would I spend double that for a new one?

 

[NY-1]

My point was that you can still find pencil barrel 10s in 95-98% condition with full box and papers in the $400-500 range and they are quite readily available. I picked one up not too long ago for $500 but it was likely NOS. Why would I spend double that for a new one?

I'm not sure if you would, but there are plenty of reasons why someone else would. Perhaps this hypothetical person wants a brand new gun that they're the first owner of. Maybe they want a modern gun that the factory can't screw up if it has to go back for any maintenance. Maybe they already have a vintage/family heirloom Model 10, but want something they can shoot constantly or carry in day-to-day use and won't feel bad about banging up or putting cosmetic wear on. Maybe they're a collector of significant changes in S&W's lineup. Or perhaps they're like me - someone that wants to support S&W's dropping of the lock in these new models, and that always wanted to purchase a brand new K-frame without a lock, but wasn't of-age to purchase one prior to 2001.


Additionally, finding vintage, NOS-condition S&Ws in my local market for not-unreasonable money is a difficult endeavor to say the very least.

 

[BluedRevolver]

My understanding of the new 19's is that the design was changed where durability with magnums is no longer an issue. The originals had a flat on the bottom of the barrel/forcing cone where the cracking occurred. The new ones with the two piece barrel do not. From photos I've seen the no-lock Model 19 has the new design. Jerry Miculek has a video covering the differences with the new design.

I put a box of Magnums plus a couple cylinders-worth more through my new Model 19, but overall my usage of Magnums in this gun will be very limited. The issues with cracking the forcing cone may be eliminated, but K Frame .357's were known to go out of time much faster with regular usage of Magnum ammo.

I'm mainly using my GP100 and incoming Security Six for shooting Magnums.

 

[smithman]

S&W finally has me interested at least mildly in their new guns again. I'm waiting on a 625 45acp mountain gun. Come on, S&W!

 

[SWFan27]

I put a box of Magnums plus a couple cylinders-worth more through my new Model 19, but overall my usage of Magnums in this gun will be very limited. The issues with cracking the forcing cone may be eliminated, but K Frame .357's were known to go out of time much faster with regular usage of Magnum ammo.

I'm mainly using my GP100 and incoming Security Six for shooting Magnums.

I have never heard that S&W K frames are prone to timing issues with heavy magnum use before. That is a first for me. I shoot mostly magnums through my modern K frame M66-8 and M19-9 Classic. They handle them just fine and continue to function flawlessly.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

It's a model 19. Don't shoot 125 gr 357 through it. Lol

New ones are probably OK with ANY ammo.

Iffen you search my posts you will find 4 in nickel 19 FC cracked while shooting 158 gr cast bullets. pics included.

Lets put the "old wife's tale" to bed.

 

[Sgt. Buzzard]

I'm not sure if you would, but there are plenty of reasons why someone else would. Perhaps this hypothetical person wants a brand new gun that they're the first owner of. Maybe they want a modern gun that the factory can't screw up if it has to go back for any maintenance. Maybe they already have a vintage/family heirloom Model 10, but want something they can shoot constantly or carry in day-to-day use and won't feel bad about banging up or putting cosmetic wear on. Maybe they're a collector of significant changes in S&W's lineup. Or perhaps they're like me - someone that wants to support S&W's dropping of the lock in these new models, and that always wanted to purchase a brand new K-frame without a lock, but wasn't of-age to purchase one prior to 2001.


Additionally, finding vintage, NOS-condition S&Ws in my local market for not-unreasonable money is a difficult endeavor to say the very least.

And maybe your a geezer who was issued a #10 in '73 but not allowed to purchase it when the city moved on to autoloaders. Maybe you look back on the many years of carrying a #10 and want to relive those glory days, just because.

I can afford it and I can't take either the money or the gun with me
so why not? In what little time I have left it would give me great pleasure to have a new issue. My money, my business. Just sayin' lots of reasons, besides I'm a S&W fan so there's that too.

 

[DHernandez]

S&W finally has me interested at least mildly in their new guns again. I'm waiting on a 625 45 COLT mountain gun. Come on, S&W!

I fixed it for you…

 

[NCBeagle]

I just picked up my new Model 19 Classic No Lock. Feeler gauge showed .004" barrel/cylinder gap. I immediately took it to the range.

I fired 174 rounds in just a bit over an hour. 12 rounds were Magnums, 12 rounds were Federal "High Velocity" 158gr SWCHP .38 Special +P, and the rest were Speer Lawman 125gr TMJ .38 Special standard pressure.

Function was flawless. I was surprised at how accurate I was with it. The DA trigger is rather nice. I didn't shoot but two rounds in SA. Overall I really can't find anything to complain about. The cylinder doesn't spin when open as much as my older ones, not sure if that matters or not. It's a very nice looking revolver, and the newest Smith I've owned made after the lock was introduced (but this one being "no-lock"). My other newest Smith is a 625-7 Mountain Gun .45 Colt made in I think '99 or so.

How many rounds do y'all think before I can say I got "one of the good ones"? I'd like to vet it's reliability enough to trust for carry.

Excellent. Glad that they are hitting the shelves. Waiting for mine to arrive in Charlotte.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I'd say it has been vetted enough for carry, but perhaps others will disagree.

 

[gnappi]

When they come out in calibers / models I'm interested in, I'll be a S&W buyer again. Until then it's only pre-lock guns for me, and I'll pay more for them.

 

[Wfevans4]

Yes. I have the new Model 36-11 and like it very much. It looks sharp. Shoots like a laser beam. So pleased that Smith & Wesson ditched the lock. I have ordered every other new lockless gun. Waiting on a 10, 19, both Mountain Guns, and the titanium UC. There's a lot to like here.

I think it would be cool if Smith & Wesson revived some of the old boxes. A vintage looking box would compliment the gun.

Do the new revolvers say Springfield, MA or Maryville, TN on the side?

 

[daveyc]

My point was that you can still find pencil barrel 10s in 95-98% condition with full box and papers in the $400-500 range and they are quite readily available. I picked one up not too long ago for $500 but it was likely NOS. Why would I spend double that for a new one?

one reason is that if that NOS revolver breaks/needs repair/parts, it is highly unlikely that Smith will be able to repair. they no longer have hammers or forged parts to work with the older guns. warranty work would be very valuable to some owners.

 

[Tinkertech]

I always hated the 'locks'.

But in the overall scheme of things does it really matter?

Never heard of one locking up a gun unless the lock was actually broken but a lot of others issues sure will lock these revolvers up.

 

[Doug M.]

Some folks resist them for political reasons; understandable. I resist them because it is a useless failure point. If I were not dedicated to some other uses for my money that must be a high priority, I would consider the 686+ MG. If S&W can be supported for making no lock models, we should.

 

[BluedRevolver]

While I can understand avoiding them for political reasons, my issue with the lock is the potential of it failing. While it seems to be very, very rare, I have learned of enough credible reports of the lock engaging un-commanded to not trust them.

As detailed in this thread, I am an early adopter of the new no-lock Smiths with my Model 19-10 Classic. So far I seem to have gotten a good one, and I hope that continues. If it does, I will certainly support Smith by buying one or both of the new no-lock Mountain Guns after they become available.

 

[SeppW]

Recently picked up the Model 19-10 Classic No Lock. It indeed has the shrouded barrel; I assume the semi-target hammer and combat trigger. The chamber end of barrel *is not* notched for cyl crane clearance. Nicely done polish finish. The only thing out of whack is my revolver is fitted with square butt target grip and not a round butt conversion target. Waiting to see of S&W will send the correct grips because I can't get around the glaring gap. Yes, I f'd up during inspection.

 

[Invictus357]

Recently picked up the Model 19-10 Classic No Lock. It indeed has the shrouded barrel; I assume the semi-target hammer and combat trigger. The chamber end of barrel *is not* notched for cyl crane clearance. Nicely done polish finish. The only thing out of whack is my revolver is fitted with square butt target grip and not a round butt conversion target. Waiting to see of S&W will send the correct grips because I can't get around the glaring gap. Yes, I f'd up during inspection.

Did you contact SW about the wrong grips?
Altamont makes them. Perhaps you could call them too and ask if they'll swap you for the right ones.

 

[Beju]

I always hated the 'locks'.

But in the overall scheme of things does it really matter?

Never heard of one locking up a gun unless the lock was actually broken but a lot of others issues sure will lock these revolvers up.

I've mainly heard about recoil induced issues in scandium J-frames and the big X-frames.

Self-engagement/breaking in the median steel J/K/L/N frames seems exceedingly rare, but it is still a theoretical failure point.

The only thing out of whack is my revolver is fitted with square butt target grip and not a round butt conversion target. Waiting to see of S&W will send the correct grips because I can't get around the glaring gap. Yes, I f'd up during inspection.

I don't think you effed up.

I have a 625 JM that came with a wooden grip, and it's got the same gap that's apparent in the pictures of the Model 19 Classic No Lock that are on S&W's website.

Maybe someone with non-OEM packaged Altamont grips can say for sure, but that might just be how they do it. It wouldn't surprise me if they do it without a super precise fit because S&W frame dimensions haven't been perfectly consistent over the years, particularly when comparing pre-MIM frames to older round butts. The gap probably negates the potential need for fitting.

 

[Wfevans4]

I've mainly heard about recoil induced issues in scandium J-frames and the big X-frames.

Self-engagement/breaking in the median steel J/K/L/N frames seems exceedingly rare, but it is still a theoretical failure point.


I don't think you effed up.

I have a 625 JM that came with a wooden grip, and it's got the same gap that's apparent in the pictures of the Model 19 Classic No Lock that are on S&W's website.

Maybe someone with non-OEM packaged Altamont grips can say for sure, but that might just be how they do it. It wouldn't surprise me if they do it without a super precise fit because S&W frame dimensions haven't been perfectly consistent over the years, particularly when comparing pre-MIM frames to older round butts. The gap probably negates the potential need for fitting.

If you don't like the grips, get some Culina grips. That's the first thing I'm doing when I get my model 19. I think that little gap is supposed to be there. Go on Google and search "Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic," then click on images and look around. It looks like that's just the way they are because it's a round butt frame.

 

[Beju]

I threw a grooveless Hogue rubber grip on my 625 for my smedium hands to better absorb recoil when I'm doing my very slow Jerry Miculek impression.

 

[SeppW]

Did you contact SW about the wrong grips?
Altamont makes them. Perhaps you could call them too and ask if they'll swap you for the right ones.

S&W CS asked for my address so assume they are going to send the correct grips

 

[SeppW]

If you don't like the grips, get some Culina grips. That's the first thing I'm doing when I get my model 19. I think that little gap is supposed to be there. Go on Google and search "Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic," then click on images and look around. It looks like that's just the way they are because it's a round butt frame.

\

I had assumed the 19-10 was a square butt frame as are my several early model 19s When I got home and taking a closer look I was hit with ***, a glaring gap. The target grips installed were definitely made for a square butt. Frankly, I would be leery shooting full power loads with that gap and the sharp edges of the grip. The round butt conversion targets fill the gap. Hopefully S&W send's the correct grips

 

[MSD2343]

If you don't like the grips, get some Culina grips. That's the first thing I'm doing when I get my model 19. I think that little gap is supposed to be there. Go on Google and search "Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic," then click on images and look around. It looks like that's just the way they are because it's a round butt frame.

That's correct. They adapt the square butt grips to the round butt frame. Maybe not perfect but the idea is that an owner can have whichever type of grips that they prefer over the round butt frame.

 

[SWFan27]

Recently picked up the Model 19-10 Classic No Lock. It indeed has the shrouded barrel; I assume the semi-target hammer and combat trigger. The chamber end of barrel *is not* notched for cyl crane clearance. Nicely done polish finish. The only thing out of whack is my revolver is fitted with square butt target grip and not a round butt conversion target. Waiting to see of S&W will send the correct grips because I can't get around the glaring gap. Yes, I f'd up during inspection.

Did S&W send the correct grips to you? And how are you liking your 19-10?

 

[BoulderTroll]

Did S&W send the correct grips to you? And how are you liking your 19-10?

I'm amazed S&W still had a pair of square butt target grips to accidentally put on in the first place. How long has it been since they released a square butt revolver that came with target grips?! 20 years at least...or is it closer to 30?

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Or perhaps they're like me - someone that wants to support S&W's dropping of the lock in these new models.

You had me at this one.

They've fixed what we've been whining about for two and a half decades.

Good enough by me. I grabbed one for each hand (Model 36-11).

 

[SWFan27]

I'm amazed S&W still had a pair of square butt target grips to accidentally put on in the first place. How long has it been since they released a square butt revolver that came with target grips?! 20 years at least...or is it closer to 30?

It is almost like someone was bored on a Friday and did it as a joke. Looks good to me and hello weekend...

 

[sniper]

It's only money. Buy both!! I want the MG and the 19!!! MG has to have front sight changed to black ramp though!!

Decisions, Decisions! I have missed my Model 19 for Decades, and have wanted a 357 Mountain Gun since they were first introduced. I now have a Ruger Match Champion that I...like... but am considering selling or trading for one or the other Smiths. Life gets teedjus, don't it?

 

[sniper]

Recently picked up the Model 19-10 Classic No Lock. It indeed has the shrouded barrel; I assume the semi-target hammer and combat trigger. The chamber end of barrel *is not* notched for cyl crane clearance. Nicely done polish finish. The only thing out of whack is my revolver is fitted with square butt target grip and not a round butt conversion target. Waiting to see of S&W will send the correct grips because I can't get around the glaring gap. Yes, I f'd up during inspection.

My problem has always been I love the looks of the Smith Target grips, but, they are a bit large and unsecure feeling in my hands. But...I've never even come close to dropping one...yet!