The "Plug" for a S&W J-Frame

Bullseye Smith said:
Some people don't like the locks, so be it. But don't tell people what and not to buy. I would take a lock on a new S&W over that other junk and tupperware that is made. That is like saying if you own a glock then you need to put your butt on a plane and move to where they are made. Nothing is wrong with the new Smith's, pull the lock stuff out and put a plug in it. That will solve the problem, I didn't come up with the plug for the money, I did it so a young person can buy a new Smith and be proud to own it. There are a bunch out there already that are very happy with it and the looks of the guns after the fact. This forum is a family, the people in the 1856 section has respect for this section and like wise from here. So don't cry about it, do something to help. That is like telling your kid not to buy a ford but buy a toy instead. I have olds ones and I have new ones and I support S&W 100%, because I what my Great Grand Child to be able to buy a new one and be proud of it. Then take it to the range with one of mine and have fun.
My 2 cents
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Morning, Bullseye Smith, and All,

This is a great post, and absolutely true! One thing we sometimes forget, in this otherwise outstanding hobby of ours, is that old 1960's phrase, "different strokes for different folks". Some folks like having an IL, and some don't; some folks live in States that require such a lock before the gun can even be sold there(!); and some folks simply don't care, one way or the other.

To make such a huge deal out of this, is, in my humble opinion, more damaging than productive, especially when new folks come on board, and start to get that warm and fuzzy feeling of being with others of like mind, only to find this type of "argument without end"!

As to 642's, I have one "without", and will very soon have one "with". I look forward to comparing the two, when I can, and fully expect them to be pretty much the same in every way but the IL. And, even though I'll be leaving my IL as it is, for a little while, I am definitely going to order "The Plug" from you, Bullseye Smith, and I thank you, VERY much, for having come up with this simple, yet very elegant solution for those so inclined to remedy "the problem". I'll be talking to you soon, and sending payment for your neat gizmo. Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc (who has lots of Smith & Wesson pistols, and loves them all!) [By the way, the .41 Maggie Smiths are the top 'o the heap, IMHO!]
 
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Hello pluggies!

I wrote to S&W a week ago, asking if they would consider making a Model 649 without The Lock, and got a response back from a fellow that said they *have* to make them with The Lock or they would not be able to sell the guns in many states.

I had not heard that reason before, do you fine folks know if that is truly the case?

I carry an old Model 49, and shoot the .38 Special 158 grain +P lead hollow point semi-wad-cutters out of it, and those seem rough on the poor baby. It is developing quite a bit of end-shake, and I would love to replace augment it with a nice stainless Model 649.

Now that I see there is a plug available, maybe I'll be able to live that dream! :D

- Thomas
 
Saw the "plug" mentioned on another gun forum. Glad I found out about it as I just acquired a 642 with the internal lock. As soon as I can I will be sending off for one of the plugs!
 
ThomasH said:
Hello pluggies!

I wrote to S&W a week ago, asking if they would consider making a Model 649 without The Lock, and got a response back from a fellow that said they *have* to make them with The Lock or they would not be able to sell the guns in many states.

I had not heard that reason before, do you fine folks know if that is truly the case?
Click to expand...
Maybe the reason you never heard that reason before is because you never went to the right source for it (?).
 
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What states require an internal lock to be designed into the gun???
 
The ONLY state that requires an internal lock on handguns, in order to be sold in that state, is Maryland. NO others.

Don't take my word for it, look for yourself. That "many states require it" excuse has been around for years and is still incorrect. Regards 18DAI
 
18DAI said:
The ONLY state that requires an internal lock on handguns, in order to be sold in that state, is Maryland. NO others.

Don't take my word for it, look for yourself. That "many states require it" excuse has been around for years and is still incorrect. Regards 18DAI
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Morning, 18DAI, and All,

Unfortunately, California also requires certain locking features by put on many handguns sold in this state. Any such guns have to be on the CA Safe Gun List, or whatever it's called. As I understand it, the only way you could buy a new, non-IL S&W in this state, is to buy it from a LEO that moved here from another state and had brought the gun in legally, then both of you have to do down to do the background check (both pay, of course), then do your ten day wait, then you can legally own and pick up your new non-IL gun. Same with older guns, I believe, but I could be wrong about that. FTF purchases between private individuals are not allowed in this very leftist state. This USED to be a great place to live..... but, I fear it will never get better, and might even get a good deal worse! Take care, and God Bless!

Every Good Wish,
Doc
 
I couldn't care less about the appearance of the lock - Heck! Unless you're looking for it you won't see it. Much ado about nothing...

However, when it comes to function of my daily carry, that's another thing entirely. I really have no way of knowing how frequently the locks fail. but I know one thing. That is no longer a concern of mine...

I have replaced the lock in my 642 (daily carry) with the "Plug". I feel better, don't you (LOL)...

Dale53
 
Smith & Wesson will begin getting my revolver money again when they lose the lock and not before. I'm not concerned with what some foolish state legislatures foist on their own foolish populace who put the wretched politicians in office. What about consumers who reside in the overwhelming number of states where feeble lock-styled safety designs aren't required? Smith & Wesson needs to stick by us too but they're not doing it at this point.

I admire the used, more traditional Smith & Wesson models anyway. I'm not required to purchase new.
 
exfebee said:
John has been cranking out "Plugs" for our S&W IL transplants for several weeks now & I believe he really has them down pat. Looks like they are set up for J, K, L, & N Frame revolvers in Blue, Stainless, & Matte finishes. I've gotten several "Plugs" from John, and they all are perfect regarding thicknesses into the IL hole. They are easy to put in and are held in by the Forked Spring. Well worth the $25.00 he is charging. Here are a couple pictures of my S&W model 638 Airweight Bodyguard, as well as the actual milled "Plug". Lets see some more of those J-Frames.
Carl
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I have done a bit of machine work in the past and for $25 this is a REAL bargain.
 
There is a link to a video on the forum here someplace, but you can go "Google-up" S&W lock removal...or some such verbiage and find the video on you tube. I think that guy only removes the flag, but you will have to remove all 5-pieces to clear the hole and install the plug.

You can find other videos that take you through the general revolver tear-down out there on the web too if you have never gutted one.
 
I just bought a 24-6 with the IL, I also have bought old smiths with out the lock I like both and I will buy a new smith and change out the lock. I'd hate not to be able buy a new one just because of that problem, I think I'll suport smith & wesson as much as I can. Just my 2 cents
 
bmcgilvray said:
Smith & Wesson will begin getting my revolver money again when they lose the lock and not before. I'm not concerned with what some foolish state legislatures foist on their own foolish populace who put the wretched politicians in office. What about consumers who reside in the overwhelming number of states where feeble lock-styled safety designs aren't required? Smith & Wesson needs to stick by us too but they're not doing it at this point.

I admire the used, more traditional Smith & Wesson models anyway. I'm not required to purchase new.
Click to expand...


I recently purchased a no-lock 442 but, other than that, I don't buy IL guns any more. To many good pre-lock guns out there I want! :)
 
snubbiefan said:
There is a link to a video on the forum here someplace, but you can go "Google-up" S&W lock removal...or some such verbiage and find the video on you tube. I think that guy only removes the flag, but you will have to remove all 5-pieces to clear the hole and install the plug.

You can find other videos that take you through the general revolver tear-down out there on the web too if you have never gutted one.
Click to expand...

The link to the video is in post #13 in this thread, plus detailed pics in post #14 - it doesn't get much easier than that.


For some of us, buying a S&W without the IL is not an option - my S&W 329PD is but one example. First thing I did with mine was purchase and install the Plug from BS.

And when I sent my 329PD back to the factory for warranty repair, I also sent S&W an unmistakable message about my opinion of their "lock": the IL went back to them in a bag in pieces. When my 329PD came back, the first thing I did, again, was install the Plug.

Good luck.
 
I just received the plug for my M-625 and I have a couple of questions. Mine appears a little different than the one shown in post #14. Mine does not have a flat spot on it and it came with a small "U" shaped retaining spring.

So do I use the "U" shaped spring to hold the plug in place or do I use the fork and spring that held the original lock cylinder/cam?

Also, do I have to remove the flag? Can I file down the locking nub that engages the hammer and leave the flag?
 
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