The “hole” got me!

[jeffrefrig]

Beautiful day in Pittsburgh today so I took a ride up to the Game Land handgun range today. I had my bags packed for two weeks with a few guns I've been wanting to shoot, including the 629-6. So that was the first one I pulled out. Get the pain over with. Lo and behold some idiot loaded it and for the first time locked it. Of course the key was 45 minutes away back home. About 6-8 other people there, not one wheel gun let alone anyone with a key. Half didn't know what I was talking about, even the other retirees.
I had my 27-9 for my revolver fix. (I really like how that one shoots, BTW.) So, I learned my lesson, I hope.
So also, another thread here I read a little while ago there was a small discussion about the trigger pull on the newer 629s, PC and Classic. Mine averages DA 7# 8oz. Maybe someone before me had something done to it? It's a very nice gun to shoot.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Methinks you are the first and onliest person I ever heard of who used the IL to lock his revolver. Most folks leave the keys in the boxes or toss them or something but lock the gun? Nevuh hoid uv sech uh theeng!

 

[PHS327]

Too bad I wasn't there. I keep a key on my keyring just for such emergencies. Maybe you should also. They don't weight much. Of course, the key has been on my keyring for 6 years and it's never been used.

 

[71vette]

I've never locked any of mine and honestly I only have my 325NG left with the lock not removed. Just haven't gotten around to it.

 

[jeffrefrig]

I loaded the gun and threw it in a sock then put it in the bag instead of in its box like I always do. I've never used the stupid lock and never will again no matter how many beers I have when I pre-pack! I figure telling the Forum will embarrass me so bad I will never do that again! Duh. One less gun to clean tonight.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Heck, I admire you for telling the story regardless of your motive.

 

[ImDrRich]

I have a 629-6. I honestly couldn't tell you where those keys are.

 

[Imissedagain]

Gots to put it on your key ring or as an earring for the Mrs.
Always test the lock when gun is new.
Would request an Ale if someone would need it......
after shooting.

 

[Moo Moo]

Whilst I don't like the look of the lock, etc, it does come in handy for us shooters in Australia. With our laws, handguns need to be locked up when being transported to and from the pistol range. For maximum compliance, the key lock is used (or a separate trigger lock), then locked into a Pelican type case, which is then chained to the car. I know it's over-kill but this is what is required so I can keep my Licence.

 

[Super Trucker]

The 2 revolvers I own with the lock now have "the plug". My 340 locked itself while shooting it at the range, I sent it to S&W they claim to have fixed it so I shot it for a while and it locked itself again while shooting hot loads.
I decided that is a useless gun but wanted to carry it so after research I found "the plug" and will never have a gun with a functional lock again, problem solved.

 

[Chrisj357]

I have a few revolvers with locks. Maybe I believe a fantasy but I think think that if I use the lock even one time it will loosen it up so an unintended locking might occur while firing. Therefore, I never have and never will insert the key into the hole.

 

[PHS327]

I have a few revolvers with locks. Maybe I believe a fantasy but I think think that if I use the lock even one time it will loosen it up so an unintended locking might occur while firing. Therefore, I never have and never will insert the key into the hole.

Me too! I was wondering if anyone, besides me, thought like that.

 

[s&wchad]

Too bad I wasn't there. I keep a key on my keyring just for such emergencies. Maybe you should also. They don't weight much. Of course, the key has been on my keyring for 6 years and it's never been used.

Good advice!

I've had one on my keyring for close to 20 years. I used it once to unlock a gun at a gun show. They're small and don't eat much!

 

[Green Frog]

Beautiful day in Pittsburgh today so I took a ride up to the Game Land handgun range today. I had my bags packed for two weeks with a few guns I've been wanting to shoot, including the 629-6. So that was the first one I pulled out. Get the pain over with. Lo and behold some idiot loaded it and for the first time locked it. Of course the key was 45 minutes away back home. About 6-8 other people there, not one wheel gun let alone anyone with a key. Half didn't know what I was talking about, even the other retirees.
I had my 27-9 for my revolver fix. (I really like how that one shoots, BTW.) So, I learned my lesson, I hope.
So also, another thread here I read a little while ago there was a small discussion about the trigger pull on the newer 629s, PC and Classic. Mine averages 7# 8oz. Maybe someone before me had something done to it? It's a very nice gun to shoot.

Back in the day when men shot single shot rifles offhand, Harry Pope designed a tang sight that used a very similar key to adjust windage and elevation. He hung his on his watch chain. You should probably do the same. You do carry a pocket watch and chain on your vest at the range, You do wear a formal vest to the range, don't you?

Froggie

 

[The Norseman]

Safety First

Good Revolvers are getting harder to
find. So collecting Revolvers that I
want, the Key Safety is the least of
my worries!

When I had the chance to buy a
safe queen unfired, box, and all,
and met all the S&W Pre-inspection
criteria, a S&W Model 629-6 44S&W
Mag Mountain Gun you bet I
jumped on it.

I tried the Child Safety on this one
once to see how it worked. This
44S&W Mag. has been shot many
times and never a problem.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.

 

[JohnHL]

Maybe that's why S&W says:

"Never load a locked gun"

"Never lock a loaded gun"

I guess they forgot their key, too.

John

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Two differen IL trigger results!

The first IL revolver I had was a 638 about 8 months after introduction. It was a little heavy, gritty and on the third shot of SD ammo, became locked! It was gone a few days later.

The only other IL gun I have owned is a 629-10PC 2 5/8". The trigger is on par with my old 29 -? Classic Hunter 8 3/8! I have fired about 59 to 60 factory 240's in the 629-10 and it has never had a hiccup! I normally use an 11 grain Unique with a 240 SWC in Mag brass and find it very manageable and just below uncomfortable to shoot!

Even the 629-10 PC is a snub nose, it still pulls the pants down with a good 1 1/2" belt and DeSantis holster! I guess I have to do a belt and suspenders!

Ivan

 

[Grayfox]

I've never had a problem with the lock or forgetting the key.
But then, none of my S&W revolvers have a lock.

 

[CH4]

Methinks you are the first and onliest person I ever heard of who used the IL to lock his revolver. Most folks leave the keys in the boxes or toss them or something but lock the gun? Nevuh hoid uv sech uh theeng!

Then there are those who will never suffer such an embarrassment.

 

[Green Frog]

The first IL revolver I had was a 639 about 8 months after introduction. It was a little heavy, gritty and on the third shot of SD ammo, became locked! It was gone a few days later.

Ivan

Friend Ivan, my 639 is a semi auto, and I've never noticed an IL that I can recall. Did you really mean "629" instead? Just sitting' here wondrin'.

The sharp eyed Frog

 

[ISCS Yoda]

jeffrfrig is embarrassed enough - I shan't say another word.......


As for this:

it does come in handy for us shooters in Australia

Sad........my thoughts and prayers are with our shooting cousins Down Under in the Land of Oz.....that might be redundant........

 

[Bald1]

Maybe next time don't load the gun till you get to the range. Just a thought.

 

[jeffrefrig]

Maybe next time don't load the gun till you get to the range. Just a thought.

I may have missed it, but is that the 1st safety suggestion regarding me preloading the gun instead of when I get to the firing table?
Actually one of the best suggestions yet!!!

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Friend Ivan, my 639 is a semi auto, and I've never noticed an IL that I can recall. Did you really mean "629" instead? Just sitting' here wondrin'.

The sharp eyed Frog

My bad it was a 638 silver Lightweight Humpback! I'll go back and edit my post!

Ivan

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

You would think that the IL could have been keyed the same as S&W Handcuffs!

Ivan

 

[steelslaver]

My keys are in a bag in my gun safe, right along with all the locks and flags.

 

[Well Armed]

I never use the lock not even once, never will, so I have no use for the key or to carry the key. The keys are in the exact same location that the S&W factory workers left them in the box.

Much to do about nothing

 

[ken158]

Whilst I don't like the look of the lock, etc, it does come in handy for us shooters in Australia. With our laws, handguns need to be locked up when being transported to and from the pistol range. For maximum compliance, the key lock is used (or a separate trigger lock), then locked into a Pelican type case, which is then chained to the car. I know it's over-kill but this is what is required so I can keep my Licence.

Do you not have the right of self defense in your country? I ask as a serious question because bandits and other such criminals are everywhere… As a resident of the US, they are everywhere here…

 

[chief38]

No hole for me! You can always get "The Plug" and be done with it.

In the future, look at Colt's new line up - They are stellar! No holes!

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Only have one.
Got it in a trade.
Key is in the box, I think.