Must decide - 629 full lug or half-lug?

[Simian]

Magnum PI

I see your point. The one thing that I can't stand about issues like this though is that anyone who picks up a new S&W from now on WILL have the lock. It is a shame that we would breed this type of though process into our future and not even give them the choice. I guess it upsets me that when things like this go south, by choice or not, the company will probably never again do without it. Anyway, no problem in disagreement, seems that we have the same goal in mind, just different thought processes.

 

[Magnum PI]

Simplicity of design...

Webhobbit,

You do have a good point with the “simplicity of design†argument. I have used this statement for years when recommending a firearm to people who are first-timers and want something for home defense. They need to worry more about proper marksmanship, proficiency and defensive tactics as a beginner in my opinion. Now they are “less-simple†it seems.

I, like you, are a big S&W fan as well. GREAT guns! The look of the lock doesn’t bother me much because it’s so “inconspicuous†BUT it is inconspicuous for a reason. S&W thinks that by making it inconspicuous, most gun buyers won’t have a problem with it being there far VARIOUS reasons. The lock isn’t the problem, what the lock MEANS in a down spiraling trend is the problem.

Also most importantly, I am not suggesting that we should boycott S&W altogether, because that is what the Anti’s want….to send them out-of-business. What I WOULD like to do is have MAJOR INFLUENCE (and not secondary influence) over a manufacturer’s product decisions.

That said if I want a NEW 329PD Scandium because I like PAIN, I will buy one!! Haha. HOWEVER, if I want a model that exists now that was made PRIOR to the lock, I will definitely buy a USED firearm without the lock.

MPI

 

[Magnum PI]

Simian,

I DEFINITELY DO share your disappointment for people who wish to buy a NEW gun. They have no other choice now. For me, it’s relatively easy NOW to buy a pre-lock used revolver IN ‘like-new†condition……BUT I feel sorry for people 20 years from now who will not have this luxury. And the saddest part is that this is exactly what the anti’s want….to “phase†this in over time.

I know it’s highly unlikely, but I really DO hope that S&W changes. In the meantime, I will be buying all the “Pre-Lock†revolvers that I have always wanted…while I still can. JEEZ, talk about stimulating the market!

MPI

 

[Gila Jorge]

WebHobbit: Galco makes the Phoenis for the 625-
5 inch which my 629-inch fits perfectly. I carry it as a true Mtn gun. Also have the 4 inch Mtn Gun but only shoot Spcls in it. Also carry it more often. Can't beat Galco Phoenix holsters.

 

[RCL]

Given the choice between the two, I would opt for the 6" M629. I prefer it's classic look. However, unless the gun was to be used as primarily a hunting weapon, I myself would get a 4" M629-5. I think the shorter tube would make for a better "all around" gun. Just my opinion, FWIW.

 

[Rich357]

At least three of my S&W revolvers have the lock. It doesn't rattle. It
hasn't been a problem, although I don't put a lot of rounds through any of
these new S&Ws.

I think the S&W revolver looks better without the lock but it doesn't keep
me awake at night knowing it is there. I would certainly prefer S&W didn't
have the lock.

The idea of "boycotting" the new S&W lock type revolvers leaves me with
mixed feelings. I understand there aren't many ways of making a noticeable
difference except by not buying a product you don't agree with. However, if
this not buying new S&W revolvers caused S&W to go under or drove them to LE
only sales... would what we have lost have been worth the fight?

In the last few years, IMHO, S&W's revolvers have been better than the
several I purchased in the late '70s and early '80s when S&W was owned by
Bangor Punta. S&W has had a major creative boom going on the last few years
at their Performance Center. They have come out with a number if
innovative, high quality handguns.

The "smart lock" idea I'm strongly opposed to. It leaves way too many doors
open.

Glock has a optional "lock". I'm not happy about that because some state
will likely insist that only the lock version is "ok" for sale. I'm
getting the Glocks I want now, while I have a choice.

Rich