Ball Detent Lockup

[Moonclips]

I have a question regarding the ball detent lockup feature of most S&W Performance Center revolvers. This feature is highlighted in the S&W 627 or PC blued model 29. The theory is that this provides a stronger lockup such that the revolver can fire a lot more heavy loads without becoming loose.

However, I've noticed in some pictures of the X-frame 460V that there does not seem to be any ball detent lockup in it. And this feature is not mentioned in the X-frame 500's and the 460XVR's also. Have they determined that the X-frames (which fire really robust and powerful loads) do not need this, or is it just wasn't mentioned but it is actually present? Anybody know first-hand?

 

[Action_Can_Do]

According to Dick Metcalf, the Smith 500 magnum does have a ball detent lockup. I would imagine that the 460 has one as well.

 

[EddieCoyle]

My 4" S&W 500 does indeed have the ball detent. (I know the gun needs a cleaning but I'm just about to go to the range and put a few rounds through it - I'll clean it afterwards).

 

[Vern Humphrey]

There is a great irony here.

The original Triple-lock had the detent plunger in the frame, with the spring pressing it backward, towards the cylinder. When the gun recoiled, the plunger was the proverbial object-at-rest-that-tends-to-stay-at-rest. In other words, it unlocked on firing and relocked when the spring overcame the inertia of the plunger.

That's why when Smith & Wesson did away with the Triple-lock feature, there was no apparent effect in the way the revolvers shot.

But the detent ball is just the opposite -- it's in the crane, with the spring pressing it forward. Recoil locks up the detent ball more firmly.

The cheaper method turns out to be the real winner.