Gun Lock?

[fatrabbit]

I KNOW I'm gonna sound ignorant, but I haven't owned a revolver in a long time. I don't understand what a lock is on the newer models. Could/Would some please explain it to me and should I look for one without a lock? Any and all info would be greatly appreciated. By the way, this forum is one of, if not the best places to learn about guns in general. :o

[18DAI]

The locks are internal, and lock the hammer.

On S&W revolvers made after 2001, the lock consists of a visible hole drilled in the frame above the thumb latch. There is also a "flag" which says "locked", in a cut in the frame alongside the hammer. The frame has been recontoured as well, around the hammer to accomodate the lock.

On Taurus revolvers, the internal lock is in the base of the hammer. It looks like a dark circular deformation.

On some Ruger single action revolvers, there is an internal lock below the grips in the grip frame. You remove the grips to activate it. So far there are no internal locks on the Ruger GP100, or SP101.

The internal lock is a safe storage device, NOT A SAFETY.

To date the only state to require an internal lock on a revolver, or handgun in general, by law, is Maryland. The internal locks are NOT MANDATED BY LAW in any other state, to date, despite what lock apologists will tell you, or wish was true.

Yes, in my opinion get a nice pre lock revolver. The lock is an abomination. IL's add additional parts to the lockwork of a revolver, eliminating the primary reasons to buy a revolver, simplicity and reliability. If you would like a second opinion, they are ugly. Hope this helps. Regards 18DAI.

[fatrabbit]

Thanks for the info 18DAI. From what I've read, seems most people don't want/like the locks. Just didn't know if it really mattered. :confused:

[18DAI]

Just my opinion, and worth exactly what it cost.

If you are looking for a range only revolver, and could find nothing but internal lock equipped revolvers, it might not present an issue. I never recommend IL revolvers as carry guns. Why tempt Mr. Murphy?

Myself, if I could not find a pre lock revolver..........I'd look harder. :)

I'm sure others will be along to tell you that they have wind up revolvers, that have fired many thousands of rounds without a problem. Good for them.

Choose what works best for you. Check out the sticky on IL failures at the S&W forum as well. Good luck with your decision! Regards 18DAI.

[Daryl]

I'm sure others will be along to tell you that they have wind up revolvers, that have fired many thousands of rounds without a problem. Good for them.


I have two IL J-frames that have had several hundred rounds through them without any hiccups. I don't think either has a "window" that says when it's locked, though.

But, I agree. The Clinton hole is ugly, unnecessary, and only adds another thing that can go wrong on a revolver. I don't use them, and don't know of anyone who does. Truthfully, they're a really sick joke, since the keys are generally interchangable. My firearms, when not in use, are kept in a safe.

Daryl

[Kreyzhorse]

I'm not a fan of the lock, but I do own a S&W 637 with the lock on it. Have never had any issues with mine and the gun has put a lot of rounds down range.

Some people hate the locks, others can deal with them, but I don't know of any one who is glad they are on there.

If you are comfortable buying a gun with a lock, I doubt it will give you any issues and if not, there are plenty of non-lock revolvers to be had.

[Gun 4 Fun]

I have two IL J-frames that have had several hundred rounds through them without any hiccups. I don't think either has a "window" that says when it's locked, though.
He didn't say window, he said flag. They do have that stupid flag right next to the hammer, above the stupid lock.;)

I guess I said stupid enough for everyone:D.

[azredhawk44]

S&W, in my opinion, needed a cash infusion recently and so they "found" a bunch of pre-lock frames sitting in a warehouse somewhere, waiting to become sale-able revolvers.

They released a bunch of 642's and 442's... I think about 4000 of the 642's and several thousand of the 442's.

The 442's are rumored to still be available in the distribution channels.

I got one of the 642's and I'm very happy I did.

If S&W had a bunch of non-lock J frames laying around, I'm sure they have an equal or greater number of non-lock L or N frames too.

Or... they could turn on the machines for some non-serialized "extra stock" that lack the holes and then "find" that stock any time they wanted, and assemble into sale-able revolvers.

One thing's for sure, there's a lot of revolver folks that won't be buying S&W wheelguns until they don't have locks on 'em.