people like newer guns more than they let on

[GerSan69]

Unfortunately, to make the lock fit, they changed the contour of the frame where the hammer is for the K and L frames, making the radius much more shallow. It might be nitpicky to some, but to me this ruins the appearance of the gun. They look bloated to me. Because of this more than anything else, I haven't found a medium frame S&W with the lock that I liked. The N frames have not been changed this way, so I might be tempted to buy an S&W with the lock if it was a model that does not exist without it, like the TRR8 or 929. But if it exists as a pre-lock version, I'd much rather have the pre-lock gun.

Exactly. EXACTLY!!! You've hit that nail square on the head.
Add J-frames on there, too. I just cannot reconcile the change to the profile in my mind.
Now, I'm not one of those "lock-bashers." I actually can see where someone with small children might want an IL for the extra measure of safety. If that's what allows another person to take advantage of a firearm for personal or home protection, I'm all for it. It's just not for me. Thankfully there are still a few older models available on the used market for us contour snobs.

 

[amazingflapjack]

Had a new acquaintance share that he had bought a new holer-taken it to the range for the first time-and it locked up. I asked why he didn't buy an early production gun of the same type-"can't afford it." IMHO it's is in many cases $ that drive the choice-a stroll down GB lane is an education-and there are fewer and fewer non holers for sale-Hmmmm, I wonder why?

 

[Dan Christopher]

I like the new guns just fine. They are a little more pricey than I would like for them to be, but what isn't anymore?

The lock is a non-issue to me. I wish it wasn't there, but it hasn't prevented me from buying a new S&W that has one either.

No doubt about it, the older pre-lock S&Ws are prettier, especially the blued ones. But I have had zero functioning issues from any of the five new S&Ws I currently own ( 3 M500s, 1 M29, 1 M69 ).

I have my uncle's M29-2 with an 8-3/8" barrel. It's a beautiful gun with a lot of character, but when I go to the range I shoot the newer ones.

 

[gman51]

All this hoopla about mim parts and internal locks but there really has not been probably even a 1% of reported problems as a result of them.
Calling the new S&W revolvers as sub par IMO is absolutely ridiculous especially when sometimes heard from someone that doesn't even own one.
While my new 627-5 that isn't polished stainless steel, isn't blued and did have a rubber grip I sure don't consider this gun to be sub par by any means. Show me your old S&W that has an 8 round cylinder. The trigger after oiling and firing a bit has become an excellent far from sub par trigger. It IMO is a very good light action trigger even in DA. The fit of all parts of the gun are precision fit. The gun is for me as accurate as my Colt Python.
Sub par as compared to what??

 

[Snowwolfe]

I never owned a pre lock S&W in my life and don't plan on starting now.

 

[rattlesnakedaddy]

To the OP; the lack of trade might be that those who would be interested in your Pre-lock 629, don't own a modern classic to trade.

I was lucky enough to start my shooting career early enough to already own most of the S&W revolvers that I want. I'll admit, I am one who doesn't like the lock. It's a looks thing over the lock-up risk issue. I am just not a fan of the look and the compromise S&W made to put it there. That's my issue though.

I will add, I am at least happy that S&W is still producing revolvers. A nice revolver is a wonderful thing (I carried them for many years), and I think every gun owner should have one. The new guns are keeping the revolver alive, and giving more people the chance to experience what I feel is an amazing and versatile platform.

YMMV,

RSD

 

[psharon78]

I just purchased a 629 5" brand new. The lock, doesn't bother me. I paranoid about buying things from people I don't know. As others have said, I like to put my own history on the gun. I have full confidence the gun will be durable, is far more precise than I am, and is a lot of fun. I'm already looking forward to purchasing a 686, but that purchase will have to wait until next year.

I have my doubts that as to whether or not Smith and Wesson will ever ditch the lock. If they did, the anti gun crowd would drag Smith and Wesson's name through the mud. CNN and MSNBC would be playing episodes in prime time about how Smith and Wesson are making guns more dangerous by removing 'important, life saving' safeties, and kids will die. It will be a public relations nightmare for Smith and Wesson and their shareholders, just as it was for Remington. Their claims won't contain a shred of truth, but a PR nightmare will be regardless.

 

[SeamasterSig]

I don't think there has been one documented case of a life saved by the IL.

Likely true, but hardly surprising. That would be like expecting a statistic on robberies prevented by concealed carry holders. No one reports when something good happens.

If they did, the anti gun crowd would drag Smith and Wesson's name through the mud.

And so what if they did. The anti-gun crowd is hardly singing S&W's praises for adding the lock as it is. You can't please someone who is predisposed to hate you in the first place.

 

[muddocktor]

I just turned 60 yesterday. And you know what I ordered for a birthday present? I have a 627-Pro coming at me. I much prefer a no-lock, no MIM gun if possible and if the price differential isn't enormous. But I have been wanting an 8 shot N frame 357 for quite a while and I guess the square barrel on the Pro grew on me. When I first saw pictures of the various Pro and PC guns with that squared off looking barrel, I thought they looked ugly. But I ran into an old school buddy at the range I hadn't seen for 30+ years and he had a 686 with that squared off looking barrel and in person it wasn't nearly as ugly as I thought. And seeing that I don't know if S&W even made any non-lock 8 shot 27 or 627 or how rare they might be, I decided to go with a new pistol.

We bought a 60-15 for my wife about 1 1/2 years ago and when we got home I immediately took the side plate off and cleaned out the guts and polished the rebound slide with a finish stone as it had a sharp edge that was slightly cutting into the frame and the trigger on that pistol was pretty darn nice after. And it got even better after installing a lighter Wolff rebound slide spring and the single action trigger feels as good as my older pistols.

As to the possibility of the IL engaging, well I just don't think it will happen. I've tried to get the J frame to engage itself with some really hot rounds and all it did was beat up on my hand and perform like a champ. This pistol is a range play gun anyways, as I have many others stashed around the house if needed.