The dreaded lock question!

[g-dad]

I have some with locks. Actually locked and unlocked a couple last night just to remind myself of the feature. 1st time I've done that in years. But since they're in the safe I don't see a need to double lock them. Locks don't bother me.

Interesting thread.

 

[twodog max]

No I do not use the lock. I never tried the lock. I own I think 5 revolvers with the lock and shoot them a lot and never had it engage on its on. I rarely think about them except when mentioned on here. If I need to secure the gun it goes in the safe.

If I ever have one engage on its on they will all disappear that day.

 

[Bullet Bob]

I use it on the ones in the safe, so if some lowlife breaks into it he'll still have to contend with that. I have a key on my key ring, so it's no problem to unlock them when they go to the range.

 

[Fastbolt]

I only own one new model S&W revolver equipped with the ILS (lock). It's an early production M&P340, bought it in '05, before they offered a variation without the ILS.

I replaced the locking arm and torque lock spring after I came back from a factory revolver armorer class. Did it for the practice and because there was a revised spring listed. I've used that snub as a range beater, armorer "practice" gun (cut some new extractors) and a frequent off-duty & retirement weapon.

I eventually bought the new M&P340 variation without the ILS, so now I own a pair of M&P340's. They take turns being range beaters.

Oddly enough, I prefer to carry the older one, meaning the one with the ILS, if they're both clean at the same time. The older one with the lock has acquired some scratches, dings, marks & rub marks ... but the dry & live-fire has given it a very nice trigger pull over the last 10 years. I also installed a set of Boot grips that add 1 ounce to the weight, making it tip the scales at 14.3oz (empty) instead of 13.3oz. It's simply a very nice handling and shooting snub.

In answer to the OP's question ...

While I originally tried the ILS to confirm normal functioning, including after replacement of the locking arm and spring, I don't use that feature, myself. I have a safe and a couple lock boxes that can be used to prevent any visiting grand kids from accessing guns.

I wouldn't mind seeing the company come up with a modified locking system that eliminated the somewhat obvious and glaring hole above the cylinder thumb latch, given my druthers.

FWIW, I've spoken with a few folks who said they used and liked the ILS feature, so I imagine it's appreciated by some owners (albeit probably not by many S&W revolver "traditionalists" ).

 

[357-RevolverGuy]

C'mon. Everyone knows that no one uses them. I have asked this question before for years and have yet to find anyone that does. I'll make it fun. If there really is someone that does, I'll send them an extra key that's never been used on my dime.

 

[John Rus]

Well Bullet Bob just stated that he uses them on the guns in his safe, so does that qualify as a winner?

I honestly don't know if I like them or not because I don't own a hand gun with one yet. So part of the reason for this thread is just to see if anyone actually finds a use for them.

 

[jhcii]

Ok, this is not your usual lock question thread.

Do any of you actually use your lock on occasion or actually like it?

Please don't tell us how much you hate the lock or I will have to ask the admins to lock this thread, no pun intended .

If you don't use it just be polite and say something to the effect of "I have no use for it." or "I don't use it." or even "I have removed it for carry reasons." or "I don't care for it one way or the other.", just as long as it's not "That ---------------------------------------------------------!" well you get the idea!

Have at it,
John.

The lock works if you want it. Why bother over original designs pre-lock or post lock for the lock or not the lock. I have locks on three N Frame 29-10s and no lock on the 629-1 from 1985.

I have found the recent production SWs to be superior in timing and metallurgy to the "no lock" SWs.

If I really wanted to lock down one of my many SW revolvers aside from N frame dash tens I know how to use the lock to do so.

I have no children in my house and guns are indeed loaded here and there.

Ignore the lock if the lock is not needed. Use it the time you feel you need it but otherwise the gun WITH the dreaded LOCK is stronger and more durable than the old non locks.

CH (MAJ) John H. Carr II USA (RET)

 

[jhcii]

PS.

Here's a dreaded lock SW in 29-10 that shoots best in my ENTIRE handgun collection for handgun accuracy:

Before shooting it I replaced the GRIPS with Goncalo Alves:

The first five shots after grip replacement went high into the cluster. I dialed the sights to make the 6th shot.

To date the most accurate handgun in my reach regardless of caliber is this machine engraved SW with WITH LOCK and old original N Frame grips.

I feel my hands around any grip on any pistol and know when I have the right pair.

So far it's still original 70s and 80s Goncalo N Frame wood.

Then after getting rid of those narrow and long grips to the N Frame the gun feels right. Yes, this 4" machine engraved 29-10 is the most accurate handgun in my house. No .22 LR or .38 or Performance Center .357 Magnum (Competitor) comes close enough to it.

So that's the way I leave it and that's the way it is with SW 29-10s (I have THREE 29-10s). The first handgun I ever shot was in 1974. It was the N Frame SW 29 no dash in 6.5" all original. It could shoot about a four inch group at 100 yards.

Since then I was sold on 29 and not 57 or 27.

CH (MAJ) John H. Carr II USA (RET)

 

[GeoJelly]

I just picked (today) up a 4 inch 64–7 – does anyone have a link for the replacement plugs? Typical, I think, of used stainless Smith's nowadays – it's going to take a lot of polishing to get it cleaned up to look decent. Sorry, this is a little bit of a subject change but I don't think it's a hijack…

 

[Jboutfishn]

My 686 has a lock, never use it. My 617 has no lock. Both get equal love.

 

[DonD]

I had thought that the moderators were closing the never ending "horrible lock" threads. Wish they would RIP. Don

 

[PatriotX]

I had thought that the moderators were closing the never ending "horrible lock" threads. Wish they would RIP. Don

This looks to be more of a "group hug" this time.....

 

[Kframerbluvr]

My only Smith revolver with the ILS is my 442-2. The keys have never left the box. No issues after about 600 rounds fired. It goes with me nearly always.

 

[John Rus]

This looks to be more of a "group hug" this time.....

LOL, that was hilarious!

I didn't intend it to come out that way but glad it did.

 

[Bugkiller99]

Only one revolver with a lock. It's a range gun at this time, so it's not a problem. Put gun in safe when not in use.
Don't use the lock. Probably need to locate the key and give it a secure home. Like the range bag idea someone mentioned.

 

[retiredbadge8091]

I can't get to the range without my truck, can't start my truck without my keys, so the IL key goes on the key ring and is with me whenever I take my two IL lock equipped revolvers to the range. I've never experienced a failure with the lock and have shot the two revolvers enough that just like my other handguns that would be considered as carry guns, I trust them to be reliable.

I don't use the lock, haven't even activated them on the two IL guns I own and would prefer that S&W offered new models without them. Hope that statement is within the guidelines of civility required by the forum.

 

[muddocktor]

I bought a 60-15 for my wife that has the lock. Neither of us has ever tried it to see if it works. It hasn't accidentally deployed itself either and hopefully never will. I also have a Taurus 99 semi auto that has some kind of lock on it on the lower grip backbone and never tried it either. As long as they leave me alone I leave them alone.

 

[stablesowner]

Recently received a pair of revolvers, 686 and 617. Used. Arrived by mail. Was eager to open and inspect. Imagine my chagrin when neither would function. Never had one with a lock before so felt pretty stupid once I figured it out. There may be a place for this, such as shipping but I haven't figured that out yet.

 

[Blackbarry]

I simply don't understand the "added safety" of the lock. Wheel guns will only fire when the trigger is pulled in double action. With single action fire, the shooter has already made a conscious decision to arm the weapon and shoot with minimal barrel movement. I suppose the lock might prevent an ignoramus from firing a loaded weapon without checking if it is loaded first, but maintaining a wheel gun with live rounds in it is also a conscious decision for instant availability to perform. The lock only defeats that intent if engaged. This is why I can't bring myself to own a wheel gun with the ILS.

We CCW wheel guns because we only want to draw and fire when TSHTF. Don't want to remember to disengage the safety on my semi-auto. So my bottom line question is what is S&W's rational in the first place? Yeah, it's called the "Lawyer Lock", but someone please explain.....

 

[gnystrom]

EDC = S&W key+ handcuff key+auto key module.