[Thaddeus Jones]

Do one of you S&W fellas know if the 386PD was made without the lock? I don't have the S&W book yet. Thanks.

[.41Dave]

I have the book, and I'm afraid it won't help much. The 386Sc was introduced in 2001, which is the same year the lock made it's debut, IIRC. I have seen one photo that might have been a pre-lock 386. The photo was of the wrong side, but you can tell a post lock K/L frame gun by the different contour to the frame near the hammer. In any case, IF any pre-lock 386s exist, they are very rare, and you are almost guaranteed a hefty premium if you can even find one for sale.

[tomkatz]

I've never seen one, and I don't think they made one. If there is one like Dave said it will be extremely rare.

I'm still kicking myself for passing up a pre-lock 342 I saw locally in a gunstore, perfect shape for $350.00. After I thought about it that night I called first thing in the morning and it was gone. Had the cash in my pocket and the whole deal:( .
.....tom

[Bob79]

I'm 99% sure that the 386PD always had the internal lock. Best to buy all the pre-lock S&W's you're interested in now. Over the last year or so I've noticed the amount of pre-lock models on gunbroker.com dimish a lot. And when they do show up, they are going for more now. Like a few weeks ago, a model 38-2 Airweight Bodyguard used in excellent shape went for about $450 bucks!