Pre-Lock on a S&W 617?

[Vector]

There is a 10 shot S&W 617 - 22LR I am interested in, and it says it is a "pre-lock model".
Another one I am looking to possibly buy is one that says they "removed the internal locking device, but can replace it if the buyer so desires".

So what is this lock they refer to, it's purpose and assumed disadvantage compared with the pre-lock versions?

 

[Walkalong]

The dreaded lock. Pic from Gunblast.com



I would love to have a 4" 617.

 

[skidder]

Given you are blessed with a choice.... Get the pre-lock. There have been reports of the lock "locking up". Very few and far between, but enough to give one pause.

You will hear testimony from both sides, but one thing you will never hear is "I sure wish mine had a lock".

 

[Vector]

Well what about the one where the lock was removed?

Also what was the purpose of the darn thing to begin with?

 

[hAkron]

I have a 4" 10 shot 617-6 with the lock. The purpose for the lock is the same as a removable trigger lock like they sell, and that are included in most states with every gun purchase. The locks are unfortunately in a very conspicuous location and are ugly. There have been reports of stout magnum loads in the alloy framed guns causing the lock to move into the locked position from recoil. The likelihood of having that problem with 22 ammo in a steel framed gun is low enough that it shouldn't be a concern.

For me, the ideal platform for .22 is the revolver. I really really like my 617.

 

[rcmodel]

Also what was the purpose of the darn thing to begin with?

The propose was POLITICAL APPEASEMENT.

to comply with demands of the Slick Willie Clinton justice department in order to keep the right to bid on government contracts.
In order for S&W to stay in business.

Otherwise known as a 'Hillary Hole' in honor of the illustrious former presidents wife.

It is still a required feature in order to sell handguns in at least a couple of the most populace states in the nation.

S&W retooled the whole line of guns to put it in, and it would cost too much to take it out for sale in the still free states that don't require it.

rc

 

[Radagast]

I had the lock jam up on my 617. Took a little wiggling to get the flag to reset. I was not the shooter at the time that it jammed, so I'm not sure if the shooter failed to fully disengage it and then tried to shoot, or if it failed of its own accord.
Either way, I was not impressed. Yes, it was once in ten years of occasional use, but once is too much in any quality firearm
.
If you remove the lock there is a filler for the hole called The Plug. A search of the S&W forum will bring it up. www.smith-wessonforum.com

 

[Pointshoot]

I have a 4" 617 with the lock that I've had for a long time & have experienced no problems with it. I prefer no lock guns, especially in those that may be used for self defense. That said, I have a 21-4 (44 Special) and 22-4 (45ACP) and they have the locks. The older models of these can be tough to find, and very expensive. My need was for shooters, not collector guns. I intend to put the plug in both of them.

If given the choice between a lock and no-lock gun, I'll go with the no lock. In a .22 its less of a concern to me. I use 22s for training, plinking fun, and small game hunting.

 

[Vector]

So what would be a good used price for one in great shape with only 40 rounds down the pipe?

It is a 4' with the lock removed.

 

[jp9mm]

Pre-lock 617's were going for 300 more than with lock when i got mine.
500-600 seems to be going price w lock