To lug or not to lug?

[zzzippper]

When I bought my first Smith it was a full-length lugged 586. I couldn't imagine anything less than full length. As I've aged I find that my last three Smiths have partial lugs, really just cylinder rod covers and can't really see myself buying another FL.

Which do you prefer?

 

[LET-CA]

Full underlug is my preferred. Less muzzle jump.

 

[Pisgah]

If I'm shooting it more than carrying it, full-lugged; carrying more than shooting, ejector rod shroud only. Bottom line, it's extra weight, good when you want it, bad when you don't.

 

[Rpg]

I dislike the full lug: looks clunky to me.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[clang444]

Depends on barrel length:
4" or less - Full Lug is OK, but I am also OK with half lug or none.

6" or longer - no thanks, too front heavy

 

[qrachel]

I dislike the full lug: looks clunky to me.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Are you saying they are lugly?

If it's luggable then no, but if it's lugly you want then beauty and frequent use make it a yes.

Luggingly yours,

R

 

[*chris*]

I dislike the full lug: looks clunky to me.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

I think it is funny how S&W product development has been an exercise design for manufacture-ability. The pinnacle of design was a registered magnum with the high polish finish, top strap checkering. slim and tapered barrel and the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder.

First came the model 28 - "Hey Sam, don't polish this one, let's just put this one in hot salt bluing and try to sell it. May not need the checkering either!"

Second came the deletion of the recessed cylinder and the pinned barrels, "Hey, can't we just make this barrel a crush fit? Who cares if you can see the edges of the rimmed cases?"

Third came the "bull" barrels and the "full lug" barrels. "hey grab that barrel before it is finished, it looks kind of cool, someone may buy it" The modern L frame 686 was born.

Fourth came the "unfluted" or how I like to call them "unfinished" cylinders. People actually will pay more for these since they are scarce!

Maybe fifth was "don't bother smoothing those seams, we will blend them in the blast cabinet!"

Here is the absolute rock-bottom of S&W design:

 

[DR505]

I like and own both.

 

[Warren Sear]

I think it is funny how S&W product development has been an exercise design for manufacture-ability. The pinnacle of design was a registered magnum with the high polish finish, top strap checkering. slim and tapered barrel and the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder.

First came the model 28 - "Hey Sam, don't polish this one, let's just put this one in hot salt bluing and try to sell it. May not need the checkering either!"

Second came the deletion of the recessed cylinder and the pinned barrels, "Hey, can't we just make this barrel a crush fit? Who cares if you can see the edges of the rimmed cases?"

Third came the "bull" barrels and the "full lug" barrels. "hey grab that barrel before it is finished, it looks kind of cool, someone may buy it" The modern L frame 686 was born.

Fourth came the "unfluted" or how I like to call them "unfinished" cylinders. People actually will pay more for these since they are scarce!

Maybe fifth was "don't bother smoothing those seams, we will blend them in the blast cabinet!"

Here is the absolute rock-bottom of S&W design:

Hhahhahhahaaa!!!! That thing could almost pass for a Ruger! It is Rugly.

 

[nawilson]

Strictly from an esthetic standpoint, I kind of like the full lug on a 3" or less barrel. On a 4" barrel, I really like the tapered barrels on Mountain Guns. Beyond 4", I like the half lug look.

 

[nawilson]

It is Rugly.

LMAO... grachel, I think you started this...

 

[Mike McLellan]

Lugs are for thugs
with twisted mugs
and body bugs, as unleashed pugs
pee on their rugs
while the owner shrugs,
whacked out on drugs.



See. No lugs, and I turned out okay.

 

[shouldazagged]

Lugs are for thugs
with twisted mugs
and body bugs, as unleashed pugs
pee on their rugs
while the owner shrugs,
whacked out on drugs.

Go to your room, young man. And wipe that grin off your face!

 

[Jerry N.]

I like the partial lug. That is one of the main reasons I chose to buy the 625PC instead of the JM. I really like that look.

 

[bearman49709]

Lugs are for thugs
with twisted mugs
and body bugs, as unleashed pugs
pee on their rugs
while the owner shrugs,
whacked out on drugs.



See. No lugs, and I turned out okay.

WOW looks like they ran out of steel and couldn't finnish your barrel's, I'd call them and see if they send you real ones.

 

[flagman1776]

Lugs do not speak to me. All the guns which call out to me have Heavy Barrel.

 

[Arik]

I like em all but if I had to choose in order of most liked to least.

Bull barrel 1/2 lug
Bull barrel no lug
Standard barrel 1/2 lug
Snubby no lug
Snubby 1/2 lug
Full length lug
Model 10. My least favorite. Pencil barrel, no lug, large half moon front sight


Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2

 

[kamloops67]

i have an L frame or two on my wish list so yes i would buy a full lug gun.
but one thing that confuses me is the 5" 629 why is it only offered full lugged like the classic line? i have a 4 1/4" and a 6" both partial lug and would like a 5" but it wont have the same profile as my others ,small issue i guess, but i thought the set of 3 would look cool boxed together .

 

[murphydog]

Lugs are for thugs
with twisted mugs
and body bugs, as unleashed pugs
pee on their rugs
while the owner shrugs,
whacked out on drugs.

See. No lugs, and I turned out okay.

Awww, looks like someone needs a big lug .

 

[old bear]

Comparing the difference between a revolver with a half barrel shroud and a full length shroud, to me, is comparing apples and oranges. They are really different animals.

For carry and balance I prefer the half shroud M-19/66's. For shooting .357 Magnum ammo I like the extra weight of the L frame full shroud revolvers.

If push comes to shove I'd be just as happy with either in my hand.