Need a SW Revolver lesson- internal lock

[trob]

Im not typically a revolver guy, but i found one that i have to have. Can someone explain why some people want "pre lock" SW's. Actually if someone can explain what this lock is in general, i would appreciate a little lesson.

Thanks for any help.

TROB

[trob]

got my answer

"All Smith & Wesson revolvers have been equipped with an internal locking mechanism since the acquisition by Saf-T-Hammer. The mechanism is relatively unobtrusive, is activated with a special key, and renders the firearm inoperable. While the lock can simply be left disengaged, some gun enthusiasts refuse to buy "post-lock" guns, fearing the lock might cause the gun to malfunction when needed most, as in a crisis. If the lock breaks, the gun will not work without being repaired.[25] Smith & Wesson has repeatedly stated that the locking mechanism does not affect reliability, although several cases have been documented.[26]

Smith & Wesson announced in March, 2009, that it would begin phasing the internal lock out of its revolver lineup.[27] According to Massad Ayoob in a reply to this statement, however, he claims this is a misquote. "In September (2008) during a visit to the factory, I learned that some in Springfield don't like the lock either and would like to get rid of it as much as anyone posting here. In January (2009) at the SHOT Show, another S&W exec told me simply that it ain't gonna happen."

[rkt88edmo]

Lock is bad.
Lock is easily removed in a non destructive manner and instructions are on youtube.
If you need to lock gun, use external locking device/container.

[jmax]

There is a lot of emotion on this subject and there may have been some cases where the lock engaged when it should not have. That being said I shoot a great deal of revolver in ICORE, occasional IPSC matches and the Steel Challenge all with 625, 21 & 627 PC revolvers all w/lock. In 10's of thousands of rounds fired down range no malfunctions in any of my revos in 38, 44 or 45ACP. At the past 6 IRC (International Revolver Championships) held no identified lock malfunctions among competitors that I am aware of. Can it happen, yes, it it probable but to ignore a "Lock" revo and look for a more expensive non lock version, not at all.

There will be lengthy discussion on this topic and have been numerous posts on the S&W forum, many very emotional. My recommendation is to not worry and get a great new S&W revo and shoot it a lot.

[BigDogatPlay]

The lock is probably about a half dozen extra machining and assembly steps plus the parts. No sane manufacturer wants to add cost and time to his line. This is why S&W dropped recessed chambers on magnums and pinned barrels in the 1980s... reduce steps, tooling and cycle time.

From a purely aesthetic standpoint I wholly despise having that hole in the frame above the cylinder release to accommodate the lock. But that's just me.

[golfrj]

Guy on S&W Forum makes a small circular piece that fits in the hole where lock resides to eliminate it while looking pretty Good.. Stainless or blued, I put one on a Model 25 in blue that looked a lot Better.. Have Fun..

[trob]

thanks for the replies. Its a 686ssr that im looking at.

I really dislike the brushed stainless look of the basic model, so this finish is very appealing. I cant get the look of this gun out of my head. Very comfortable to hold, and did I mention i cant stop looking at it??

[paul0660]

It is extremely sexy.

SW locks screw up less often than Toyota accelerators.

[trob]

It is extremely sexy.

SW locks screw up less often than Toyota accelerators.

so theres like a 1 in 5 chance of it happening?

[TheSorb]

...I cant get the look of this gun out of my head. Very comfortable to hold, and did I mention i cant stop looking at it??

She's definitely a looker...nice choice!

[tboyer]

I have a friend that had the lock on his 686 lockup.
So it does happen.

[trob]

I have a friend that had the lock on his 686 lockup.
So it does happen.

after watching the youtube video on removing it, that seems like an easy option if i choose to.