The Plug

[driz]

IThe last step was cutting a groove in it with a small triangular file on the drill.

20150306_193046_LLS by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

Nice job. One thing I would suggest if you do it again. Use a dremel tool with one of those tiny 1" super thin cut off wheels to cut your slot. I use those when I have to fix bunged up slot heads on stuck screws from time to time and they work great . They also cut a very fine accurate slot which is very hard to do with a hand file. One word of warning though. Those mini cut off wheels will fragment and fly apart extremely easily so you really really need those safety glasses for this one. They also have a similar metal version that is similar in shape but I haven't used yet. It probably is more reliable to control and handle without it's flying apart or bending.
I will be buying a new Smith 638 in short order and will undoubtedly be making one of those for myself. I can't believe S&W would put this stupid hole there and not provide some sort of means to fill that ugly thing without having to resort to home building a plug. I guess that's what happens when engineers bow to lawyers.

 

[rock doc]

I bought & installed 4 plugs from John, even help him with the first one he ever made for the Governor. Sure hope he is still with us.

Someone mention grease filling?

 

[riverrat38]

"Someone mention grease filling?"

Yea, I can just imagine an action full of wheel bearing grease.
Probably add about 8 seconds to the lock time!
Maybe a short spray of Ballistol wouldn't do any harm though.

Best,
Rick

 

[one eye joe]

PRAYERS ARE UP FOR BULLSEYE SMITH. HE'S A GREAT GUY………..

 

[Rick_A]

Nice job. One thing I would suggest if you do it again. Use a dremel tool with one of those tiny 1" super thin cut off wheels to cut your slot. I use those when I have to fix bunged up slot heads on stuck screws from time to time and they work great . They also cut a very fine accurate slot which is very hard to do with a hand file. One word of warning though. Those mini cut off wheels will fragment and fly apart extremely easily so you really really need those safety glasses for this one. They also have a similar metal version that is similar in shape but I haven't used yet. It probably is more reliable to control and handle without it's flying apart or bending.
I will be buying a new Smith 638 in short order and will undoubtedly be making one of those for myself. I can't believe S&W would put this stupid hole there and not provide some sort of means to fill that ugly thing without having to resort to home building a plug. I guess that's what happens when engineers bow to lawyers.

I avoid dremel use as much as possible as a general practice. I can cut faster with a hacksaw and work more precisely with a file.

 

[Macinaw]

Rick A your plug looks great!

I guess I'm to cheap to buy a plug. Here is a photo of my "poor man" plug. I only put this on my EDC guns that I consider "tools". I have not put this on my competition guns or range fun guns.

 

[S&W Rover]

It is worth noting that you can remove (grind off) the stud on the "flag" and the lock will be totally disabled. You don't need the plug, and the small hole that is the pivot for the flag will be filled -- as will the slot where the flag pops up next to the hammer (except on hammerless models, where the flag is entirely within the frame).

Even if you use a plug -- one of Mr. Witt's is excellent, or if you make one -- it is a good idea to leave the flag in there (with the stud that fits into the hammer removed) in order to fill the flag's pivot pin hole on the left side of the revolver and the slot for the flag!

Hope Mr. Witt is okay. I bought one of his plugs a couple of years ago and it still serves well in the Mdl 642.

 

[eveled]

I found a black bumper sticker, and a regular paper hole punch. Punched out a piece of the bumper sticker and stuck it over the little pivot hole on my 442, and 340. They have been on for a long time and you can hardly see them. Sounds hideous, but actually worked quite well. Ed.

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

I have been looking for some small American flag decals to put over the lock hole on mine.

 

[NealC]

Plug Specifications

Does anyone know the spec's for the plug? It would be nice to get a 3D rendering to get some quotes for a machine shop to make these. If someone could get the dimensions, I might be able to talk someone making a drawing. It has been a while since I took my 629 apart so I don't know if a clip is also required?

Thanks
Neal

 

[riverrat38]

Does anyone know the spec's for the plug? It would be nice to get a 3D rendering to get some quotes for a machine shop to make these. If someone could get the dimensions, I might be able to talk someone making a drawing. It has been a while since I took my 629 apart so I don't know if a clip is also required?

Thanks
Neal

Here is a thread about someone going into production to make plugs:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/428358-who-wants-plug-lock-hole.html

Cover that hole!

Best,
Rick

 

[NealC]

Great, I am glad someone is going to start making these. Now I don't need to bother. Thanks for the link.

Neal