Threads like this always seem to turn into a debate (argument) on the S&W revolver ILS.
While I prefer my personally-owned revolvers to be without internal lock systems, I ordered one of the M&P 340 Centennials because I wanted a J-frame with some of its features.
I've used that J-frame as my off-duty weapon upon occasion, and without fear that the ILS would unintentionally engage were I to need it.
Oh my, I can hear the gasps ... as well as the folks who think that makes me either too gullible & foolish or a "S&W apologist".
I think of myself as neither, but then I would, wouldn't I?
I use my M&P as my default 'range' snub, too. I've run a fair amount of rounds through it, using a varying mix of standard pressure, +P and .357 Magnum loads. On some occasions when my hand has become tired of the Magnum loads I've managed to coax a couple of other folks into shooting them through it, testing the performance of the gun and ammunition in their hands. (A couple of the other instructors cringe when I offer them the gun and free Magnum ammunition, knowing the recoil.
)
My M&P 340 has yet to exhibit any functioning issues related to the ILS.
My 3 other J-frames lack the ILS, as does the 642-1 I just ordered (to complement my existing 'original' 642-1, which is my favorite Airweight). If these 642-1's hadn't become available when S&W was cleaning out some back-stock of the older frames, I'd have probably ordered one of the new M40's ... partly because of the reintroduction of the nostalgic grip safety design, but also partly because it lacks the ILS.
Given my druthers, I'd always select a revolver without an ILS.
I ordered my M&P 45 without an ILS, too.
I just don't lose any sleep worrying about the ILS in my M&P 340 unintentionally locking when I'm using it.
I've had revolvers 'lock up' on me because of a stubbed DA sear, tolerances which were too tight, powder flakes/grit under the extractor, a high primer, a raised burr on the hand, or other problem, though ...
If asked, I'd offer that I'm happy that these older 642-1 frames were released as a limited production run of guns came out ... and that I had the presence of mind to order one, even though I already own an original one. At least S&W didn't just destroy them or keep them buried.
I'm one of those folks who would like to see the company decide to offer an alternative line of non-ILS models. Unlike the folks among the internet forums who vehemently decries the presence of the ILS, however, I suspect that S&W would continue to find customers who would want to have the option of being able to purchase their revolver with an ILS. There are folks who like it, and they may possibly outnumber those who hate it. Then there are those customers who probably don't care one way or the other.
In another 5, 10 or 15+ years this may become a moot point, too, depending on the consumer safety trends and future 'reasonable' legislation.
