Q: Any troubles with S&W internal locks?

[Dave Workman]

Having had the opportunity over the past few years to fire newer revolvers with the internal lock and compare them to ones I've owned for years, I'm wondering, HAS ANYONE had a bad experience with the lock?

Taurus has a similar lock mechanism, and I've fired a bunch of them, revolvers and semi-autos.
Presumably, if one never engages the lock, EVER, it should never become an issue.

I've heard about (but not actually seen) one "problem gun" where the lock somehow jammed up the works.

Looking for any anecdotes. I'm trying to get a handle on this.

 

[loveaffair#686]

I've had reason to start using the IL on my revolvers that have them. I was glad to have the option. No problems. Always go bang.

And I know this is heresy, but I'll say it anyway: I like the look of the lock. It looks mechanical. I dig it. I'm sorry.

 

[shocker]

I store mine locked. Never had a functional problem and one of them has had a number of heavy loads through it, the Model 69. A recoil impulse strong enough to actuate a lock would probably leave me with a bloody stump at the shoulder.

 

[NJM15]

Having had the opportunity over the past few years to fire newer revolvers with the internal lock and compare them to ones I've owned for years, I'm wondering, HAS ANYONE had a bad experience with the lock?

Taurus has a similar lock mechanism, and I've fired a bunch of them, revolvers and semi-autos.
Presumably, if one never engages the lock, EVER, it should never become an issue.

I've heard about (but not actually seen) one "problem gun" where the lock somehow jammed up the works.

Looking for any anecdotes. I'm trying to get a handle on this.

Have one on my model 25 Classic I lock
it before I put it in the safe, have had no problems whatsoever
with it, I think it is a good idea

 

[Macinaw]

Wow! Positive comments about the IL? Did I wake up in a bizzaro world?

Just kidding! Good for those of you that use it.

 

[Kframerbluvr]

I have a 442 with the lock. Keys are still in the box. No issues after about 500+ rounds of 158 grain standard loads and about 25 factory 158 grain +P LHP defense loads. I don't worry about the lock and am actually wanting one of the 625 .45 ACP Performance Center revolvers, which has the lock.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Never had an issue with one. I don't engage them when storing, or ever. Only have a couple of them.

 

[2hawk]

Welcome to the Forum!

Hi Dave,

You're new, so you ought to know that this is a subject of great contention around here, and often results in locked threads (sorry for the pun).

You can use the search feature on the top right of the banner to look for threads on the subject. Here's a search result for "about the lock":
http://smith-wessonforum.com/search...iodb9lchnk&cof=FORID:9&q=about+the+lock&sa=Go

I don't have any S&W's with locks, so I am not going to be able to provide anything first hand. But you can see from the search that there are both positive and negative experiences reported. Although, in this case, positive is just the absence of negative

 

[ginzo]

Same here, tried it, it worked as it should, now it stays unlocked even when stored. Never an issue.

Personally, I either like (desire) a gun. IL, or MIM is NOT a factor for me.

I can't afford "collectables" but I can afford "desirable" guns, just in case I ever got in a pinch and had to sell something for what ever reason, I know I could at least break even.

Never had an issue with one. I don't engage them when storing, or ever. Only have a couple of them.

 

[Muss Muggins]

. . .But you can see from the search that there are both positive and negative experiences reported. Although, in this case, positive is just the absence of negative

This ^^^^^^, although it seems to have taken an extraordinarily long time for the other shoe to drop . . .

 

[Elkins45]

I have personally had the lock on my 340 PD engage under recoil, rendering the gun unstable until I took it home and removed the sideplate (and the lock). I guess I could have used the key but at that point I was determined the lock had to go. I just couldn't stand the idea of paying $700 for a personal defense carry gun that might fail again.

I had no problems with the lock on an N-frame I used to own. I think the mass of the platform plays a big factor: the scandium framed guns have such a high recoil impulse that it can overcome that tiny spring on the lock flag.

 

[Old cop]

I had a 638-3 (gone now) w/the lock and never had a problem. That said it was traded b/c of the lock and all the internet stuff I'd read. I know how silly this is but I could not get past the idea of "just maybe" and went back to carrying my J w/o the lock.

 

[at_liberty]

Having had the opportunity over the past few years to fire newer revolvers with the internal lock and compare them to ones I've owned for years, I'm wondering, HAS ANYONE had a bad experience with the lock?

Taurus has a similar lock mechanism, and I've fired a bunch of them, revolvers and semi-autos.
Presumably, if one never engages the lock, EVER, it should never become an issue.

I've heard about (but not actually seen) one "problem gun" where the lock somehow jammed up the works.

Looking for any anecdotes. I'm trying to get a handle on this.

No good will come of this question. If you want a Smith & Wesson, buy one.

 

[71firebird400]

Very rare, but it can happen.

Smith & Wesson Performance Center 686 handgun locks up - YouTube

 

[Dave Workman]

Hi Dave,

You're new, so you ought to know that this is a subject of great contention around here, and often results in locked threads (sorry for the pun).

[snip]
I don't have any S&W's with locks, so I am not going to be able to provide anything first hand. But you can see from the search that there are both positive and negative experiences reported. Although, in this case, positive is just the absence of negative

HA! Wasn't intending to start a range war. The lock idea has fascinated me, though like many a dinosaur, I'm a little apprehensive about new-fangled stuff. I wouldn't swap my tin can and a string for a cell phone no matter what!

As I noted in the OP, I've fired quite a few handguns with an IL feature. S&W, Taurus...so far, so good.

All of my 'Smiths are from the old days. However, in my quest to find that 4" model 57, I did catch the scent of a Mountain Gun in that caliber, with that bbl length, and it's got one of those lock thingys.

I had some experience a few years ago — another T&E of course — with a Mountain Gun in .357 and while it bucked a bit, it was a remarkably good shooter. That impressed the heck out of me, and looking back, I cannot say anything bad about the Mountain Gun concept. It's a good idea for anybody who spends time in the back country and all one needs to make it work is loose ammunition.

I think the main reason I asked here is because I'm suddenly in pretty good company — knowledgeable, that is — about all things S&W and I figured I would get honest answers. And I have.

Obliged to all of you who weighed in.

No good will come of this question. If you want a Smith & Wesson, buy one.

Therein lies the story of my life. I've already bought a few. <tsk> Actually, I think a fair amount of "good" came from it. I got some useful feedback. Thanks for the reply and your concern.

 

[at_liberty]

Originally Posted by at_liberty
No good will come of this question. If you want a Smith & Wesson, buy one.

Therein lies the story of my life. I've already bought a few. <tsk> Actually, I think a fair amount of "good" came from it. I got some useful feedback. Thanks for the reply and your concern.

It's early yet.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I have never understood why it is an issue. The 442 and 642 are both available without the lock.

On other models used for defense, the best option is to simply remove the entire offending device. On models used simply for target practice, who cares?

 

[Dave Workman]

I have never understood why it is an issue. The 442 and 642 are both available without the lock.

On other models used for defense, the best option is to simply remove the entire offending device. On models used simply for target practice, who cares?

Being familiar with how litigation goes, and being a pal of Mas Ayoob's for more than 30 years, I'd always counsel caution about removing something from any firearm mechanism that is a "safety." I had a heck of a time explaining this once to a friend who wanted to permanently lock down the grip safety on his 1911.

After gently asking him, "ARE YOU NUTS??!!!!! " we had this jovial conversation about lawsuits and jail food and charges of gross negligence.

Thank you all for an invigorating chat.

As for it being "early yet," that's only because someone forgot to set his clock ahead

 

[ankona]

Being familiar with how litigation goes, and being a pal of Mas Ayoob's for more than 30 years, I'd always counsel caution about removing something from any firearm mechanism that is a "safety." I had a heck of a time explaining this once to a friend who wanted to permanently lock down the grip safety on his 1911.

After gently asking him, "ARE YOU NUTS??!!!!! " we had this jovial conversation about lawsuits and jail food and charges of gross negligence.

Thank you all for an invigorating chat.

As for it being "early yet," that's only because someone forgot to set his clock ahead

And I'd love to see an actual case that was litigated successfully. Have heard all the internet nonsense including Ayoob's. As for the Hillary Hole I've learned to live with & disable the "unecessary additional component in search of a problem".

 

[one eye joe]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM, DAVE. I HAVE OWNED MANY S&W REVOLVERS, ALL BUT ONE W/O THE IL. I SEARCHED IN VAIN FOR MANY MONTHS FOR A PRE-IL, 4', 10 SHOT, M617. UNABLE TO FIND ONE, I FINALLY RELENTED AND BOUGHT A CURRENT EDITION WITH THE LOCK. THE ONLY PROBLEM THAT I HAVE HAD WITH THE LOCK IS ITS LOOKS. EVIDENTLY, S&W DOESN'T LIKE IT EITHER, AS THEY ALWAYS SHOW THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FIREARM IN THEIR CATALOG PICS…..

I HAVE NEVER USED THE LOCK. MY REVOLVER HAS NEVER LOCKED UP. I DON'T BELIEVE THE .22LR ROUND CAN DEVELOP ENOUGH RECOIL TO JAR THE LOCK MECHANISM IN A REVOLVER WITH THE WEIGHT AND MASS OF A 4" M617……...