Why would people spend good money on a Smith revolver with the lock when they can get one from Ruger, Colt, Dan Wesson or Charter arms without one?
For me, they are the only answer if you want a revolver.
Ruger-clunky and unrefined
Colt-not a player since 1980
Dan Wesson-? Maybe if I shot IHMSA
Charter-1970s throwdown guns
I am glad you said that and not me (but I will deny all support of you if caught by enemy agents). My asbestos underwear is not nearly thick enough to throw such words around.
The Ruger and Colt fanboys will be along shortly to burn you at the stake as a heretic.
Hey I’ll even say Taurus makes a pretty decent imitation!!!
I’m being a little tongue in cheek but there’s not much innovation in the revolver world. In general, Smith’s are much more svelte and I can overlook the lock if needed. Triggers and bores are typically good as well.
Ruger could/should take a lot of metal off their revolvers. Pretty much everything they make is a bull barrel and the top straps have the contour of a brick.
Charter’s are ok but pretty rough compared to a smith.
I don’t really see the lock as an issue. I would wager you are more likely to break small parts than have the lock “lock” itself.
Ruger will never slim their revolvers down. Too much of their reputation is built on shooters being able to hot rod cartridges in them.
Apparently you have never heard of the New Vaquero, which has a smaller frame and cylinder than the 'original model' Vaquero or the current Blackhawks.
'original model' Vaquero at the top of this photo, New Vaquero at the bottom. Notice how much larger the cylinder is in the 'original model' Vaquero vs the New Vaquero.
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Am I a Ruger Fanboy? You bet.
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Am I a Colt Fanboy? You tell me.
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Am I a S&W Fanboy?
Let me just say I have a lot more Smiths than Colts or Rugers. Too many to show here.