They seem to be limiting the no lock options to centennial frames.
Does this have something to do with being able to thumb cock the chief or the bodyguard.
This seems consistent with some of the rumors heard.
S&W has typically indicated in the Overview section of their production description when a production run of a model doesn't have the ILS, stating No Internal Lock. I don't see that listed as a feature of the new 360.
S&W makes several variations of the 642, two of which are listed as not having the ILS. The first was the earlier production run of the reportedly 4,000-odd old 642-1 frames which they reportedly decided to clear out of their parts inventory. (I was told this by a couple of different folks at different times when I called back to ask about them.) They used the original SKU/Product code number for the 642-1 when serial numbering these older frames and using them to make new guns.
The next 642 without the ILS is this latest Pro Series, with a new SKU/Product code number. That still leaves the current 'standard' production 642-2, the new 2 1/2" model, the ones with the pink grips, the Mag-Na-Ported model, the PowerPort Pro Series, the 642 CT models and the 642 LS equipped with the ILS. For now, at any rate.
Then there's the 442's which still have the ILS feature, although there were supposedly some older 442 frame stock washed out of inventory used to make new guns without the ILS (but not as many as the older 642's), and then there's the new Pro Series announced with the ILS.
FWIW, I was also told the earlier M37's without the MIM parts or the ILS were what were left over from the canceled overseas order, not the 642's. They seemed pretty clear on that, but they could always be mistaken, I suppose, as not everyone who works for any company always knows everything the company is doing product-wise.
S&W sometimes plays new models pretty close to its vest. I remember when asking about some potential model changes, new & discontinued models at the end of the year a couple of years ago, and even the various people I know back there were unable to tell me with any certainty about some rumored changes. Why? Well, they said that they weren't being told by corporate, and probably wouldn't find out until it was going to be necessary for any tooling changes and parts production to occur.
I even talked to a couple of folks who were surprised they were even making the limited runs of revolvers without the ILS, who claimed they hadn't heard of them being made. Of course, it wasn't in their area, comes to that, and S&W does make a lot of revolver models (the figure was listed at 74 models for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2009, before the new models were announced in the New Products section).
I guess we'll see what the future holds for the folks who want to buy new style S&W revolvers sans the ILS.
While I doubt the ILS will go away entirely, I've learned that when it comes to S&W (and Colt), it's prudent to never say never.
I wonder if there's going to be some substance to the rumor that the ILS may be redesigned, making it function differently and possible moving its location to a spot less obvious on the gun.
I guess we'll have to wait to see ...
In the meantime, I still have some interest in maybe picking up a M40 in nickel. That would give me 5 J-frames without an ILS and only 1 with an ILS (M&P 340).
