Why, besides looks, do a lot of 629 fans despise the locked versions?

[Wampus Cat]

I'm new to S&W revolvers. I've searched this forum and seen a lot of posters disparage the locked versions (Hillary holes), but I haven't found out why the locks are so despised other than that. Are they really that big a problem? Do they cause the gun to have less accuracy or are they hobbled in some way from firing if I lose the lock key? I'm looking at used .44 4-inch 629s and would like to know the negatives. If it's primarily the cosmetics, I can live with that because I'm a shooter, not a collector. The 629-6s with locks are going for about $200-400 less than -4 and -5 versions. Thanks for any clarification on this.

 

[65-2x2]

I only have one with the lock and it just doesn't bother me. Most of my revolvers are "vintage." I think the key for the newer one may be around somewhere but I am not certain, I have never used it. Apparently it is just a deal killer for some folks. I think that referring to the lock in political terms is a bit disingenuous; put the blame where it lies; it was the Smith and Wesson's lawyers and investors who made that call, not a politician.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! You are indeed correct, there are many Forum members that do not care for the internal lock and would not buy a S&W revolver that had one. I believe some feel that S&W bowed down to political pressure towards increased gun safety, and "ruined" perfectly good revolvers by adding the IL. They may also feel that the ILs were introduced during a time that S&W manufacturing processes and quality control were on the decline. But as you may have noticed, S&W is now introducing several models without the locking feature and many folks are flocking to buy them. I guess that I'm on the fence about ILs...most of my modest collection are vintage revolvers that pre-date the Hillary Hole. However, I do have several later models (627-5, 642-2, 686-6 Plus) with the IL and it doesn't really bother me- although I have never used a lock. The IL itself doesn't seem to affect or interfere with any of the internal workings or accuracy of the revolvers, and I have never heard of a lock malfunctioning or causing issues with the revolver's operation. If you can live with the IL, I see no reason why you should shy away from purchasing a newer Model 629. They are excellent and dependable revolvers, and if the IL bothers you down the road, you can always install a hole plug. Good hunting!

 

[Tom S.]

There are already many many threads and posts on this topic. I suggest you use the search function.