Revolver Locks

[Jacob Staff]

Do any of you use the built-in locks that come on S&W and Taurus revolvers?

I had to leave my 642 in the trunk of my car today while I went into a "safe zone" today. I unloaded and locked the action.

I know there is alot of animosity for S&W putting them on because of political pressure but has anyone had them cause a malfunction problem?

 

[Standing Wolf]

Not in my gun safe, and especially not in any holster of mine!

 

[Moonclip]

I will not own a S&W with a lock and I only have one Taurus with it. For some reason, the lock on a Taurus does not bother me as much, probably the placement of it and the fact that it is a Taurus to begin with. Only S&W I might consider with a lock is a 500 or a 460.

 

[tension]

I've fired my 642-2 many times. No lock problems yet but my thumb is sore.

 

[xring44]

I have 5 S&Ws with the locks, one favorite has in excess of 6000 rounds through it without a problem. I think they are unsightly but none have caused me any problems.

 

[Kurt_M]

Don't and won't own one (except for a .460 or a .500). So I guess that means no.

 

[joab]

I have a Taurus 445 with the lock.
I didn't notice it when I bought it.
It never dawned on me until i got home a found the little key in the box.

At first i was irritated over the principle of it.Then I noted that I didn't notice it when I was pre buy fondling it and haven't noticed it since
Hadn't even given it a second thought until this thread.
I'll quit noticing it again tomorrow

 

[cslinger]

I find the fact that they are forced on us very objectionable.

I do however think they would make a nice selling point as an OPTION. I have actually used my lock on my model 60 once or twice and found it rather handy for the situation.

I just dislike them being forced on me. I have had no problems with them though and have used them once or twice.

With me it is more principle then mechanical issue.

Chris

 

[Stainz]

I have a few of the new S&W's with the little lockwork vent above the cylinder release and quite useful, at least for us Auburn U. grads, 'L' to remind us which side should be to your left when you grab it. I just hope I remember to keep that rock in my shoe so I can remember which side is right... or is it left?

Seriously, I have a drawer full of expensive revolver locks. I have a closet shelf full of lined plastic boxes, too. Only my most expensive revolver, a Heritage 24, came in a proper cardboard box. We have been paying for the extra goodies for a while.

Stainz

PS I lock up my ammo... it's easier. Of course, my firearms are also locked away - but I never use the 'internal' locks.

 

[6inch]

I've added six hand guns with the lock to my little collection. I've never used it or given it second thought.

I think most people are naturally resistant to change but the fact is the lock is here to stay, other manufacturers will soon follow so you might as well get used to it.

I don't like it (the lock) but it's sure not going to stop me from buying the firearm I want.

All the above is just an opinion of course.

 

[Erich]

There's a thread about lock malfunctions in the lounge section of the S&W Forum.

The internal lock on my S&W 60-15 self-activated when I oafishly knocked the unloaded gun off a counter onto the hardwood floor. The "gun locked" flag got jarred to where it was sitting crossways in its slot. I had to go to the safe, dig out the box, dig out the keys, fully activate the lock, and then fully de-activate it to get the flag properly situated.

Since that sort of impact could easily happen in a self-defense situation, I no longer trusted the (otherwise lovely) gun, and I traded it off. I would note that I shot heavy .357s (Buffalo Bore 158-grainers) through the J-frame without lock self-activation.

I've also owned a Taurus 415Ti 2.5" titanium .41 magnum. Despite the fact that the powerful gun weighed less than 21 oz, I never had a problem with lock self-activation on that gun.

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

When I am cleaning my M66 I always note with surprise that there is a small black dot on the left side with an L above it.

 

[TexasRifleman]

When I am cleaning my M66 I always note with surprise that there is a small black dot on the left side with an L above it.

I thought that "L" was for "Load Here" since it's right above the cylinder release. Always wondered what the black dot was......

 

[Old Dog]

Please ... please ... not again!

And this was just the first page of a quick search on the topic, all recent mega-threads on the issue of The Lock ...
"Let's get to the bottom of the revolver lock issue once and for all"
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=144422&highlight=S%26W+revolver+locks
"OK - are these internal locks affecting trigger pull, or are we griping on principle?"
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=149921&highlight=S%26W+revolver+locks
"Anyone with the new 642 have issues with the internal lock?"
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=161930&highlight=S%26W+revolver+locks
"What do you want Smith and Wesson to do with the locks?"
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=144247&highlight=S%26W+revolver+locks
"You don't like the S & W locks - here's what you can do"
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=142692&highlight=S%26W+revolver+locks
"Are the locks a big deal?"
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=135055&highlight=S%26W+revolver+locks
"Anyone have any problems with S&W's internal locks?"
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=115447&highlight=S%26W+revolver+locks

Personally, I used the lock on one of my S&W revolvers only once ... when I sold it, to make sure I was throwing in the right keys. Asthetically, the little hole and directional arrow (that looks like a scratch) bug the hell out of me ... On principle, I am totally opposed to the concept; however, in today's litigious society, I am thoroughly understanding. Smith and Wesson still makes the best production revolvers available (unless you enjoy paying the premium for the little horsey and limited variety there); I will probably buy more Smiths with The Lock, but am always on the lookout for pre-lock Smiths and much prefer my Smith revolvers without The Lock ...

The internal lock on my S&W 60-15 self-activated when I oafishly knocked the unloaded gun off a counter onto the hardwood floor. The "gun locked" flag got jarred to where it was sitting crossways in its slot. I had to go to the safe, dig out the box, dig out the keys, fully activate the lock, and then fully de-activate it to get the flag properly situated.

My experiments have not been able to replicate this type of event. And the stories of lock failures continue to be mostly anecdotal. Given the sheer numbers of S&W revolvers out there with the lock, and paucity of documented evidence of a significant rate of lock-failure (until I see better documentation of lock failure among the S&W revolvers), I still trust the one I occasionally carry that has a lock ...

 

[joab]

The lock on my Taurus is a simple hex screw in the rear of the hammer where it meets the frame.
Back it out and it locks the hammer, screw it in and it is unnoticeable and forgotten