almost bought a smith & W 642
- Thread starter 2002gti
- Start date
generallobster
Inactive
339 was a good price though.
I have not opened up my 642 to see how the lock works, but I can't imagine it being too hard to disable the lock, even if it meant just putting locktite in the screw to prevent it from rotating. I would agree that SW has the least elegant locking system of all the brands out there.
I have not opened up my 642 to see how the lock works, but I can't imagine it being too hard to disable the lock, even if it meant just putting locktite in the screw to prevent it from rotating. I would agree that SW has the least elegant locking system of all the brands out there.
buffalo_bore
New member
Yeah, I bought an SP101 for the same reason, and am glad I did. What's with those internal locks? 
I considered S&W and Taurus when shopping for my revolver, but the built-in, potentially faulty lock crap turned me away. UNLOAD YOUR FIREARM, and buy a cable lock if you're worried.
I considered S&W and Taurus when shopping for my revolver, but the built-in, potentially faulty lock crap turned me away. UNLOAD YOUR FIREARM, and buy a cable lock if you're worried.The lock didn't stop me from buying my 625JM...
But, when I was first checking out the gun at the shop, I had no idea that SW added this stupid feature to their wheelguns.
I asked the guy behind the counter if they had another one in the back because this one had a blemish on the side. The "L" with the arrow looked like rust, so I thought it was a blemish on the gun.
I had no idea that it was a locking feature on the gun.
:barf:
But, the 625JM was so nice, I just had to ignore the lock. Although, it still does bother me. I guess it really is a blemish.
But, when I was first checking out the gun at the shop, I had no idea that SW added this stupid feature to their wheelguns.
I asked the guy behind the counter if they had another one in the back because this one had a blemish on the side. The "L" with the arrow looked like rust, so I thought it was a blemish on the gun.
I had no idea that it was a locking feature on the gun.
:barf: But, the 625JM was so nice, I just had to ignore the lock. Although, it still does bother me. I guess it really is a blemish.
straightShot
New member
You don't ever have to use the lock. Simply throw the key away. That's what I did for my daughter's .20 Remington 1100. I'd rather throw the key away than take the chance on going to the range with her and not being able to use her shotgun. For a self defense wheelgun, the thought of not being able to use when necessary due to a locking mechanism is scary. Just lose the key.
Mongo the Mutterer
Inactive
Glad you didn't buy one ... I bought two Saturday. More for me
don't shoot it's me
New member
Interesting....lock or no lock the the Sp101 could never replace my 642 or serve the same function since they are not in the same league...the 642 is a true ankle/pocket gun while the sp really needs a good holster since it is about 10 ounces heavier...and I just can't see myself lugging around a 5 shot 38/357 when in the same weight class I can have a slim 9mm with more rounds... 
Unfortunately internal locks are going to be the norm rather than the exception very soon now. Your options are
a) Buy used or new models without the locks.
b) Buy them with the locks and remove/disable them.
c) Buy them with the locks and throw away the keys.
d) Buy them with the locks and stash the keys with other misc paraphenalia.
I went with option d for my one revolver (Taurus 617S) with a lock. I've actually used it once, even. I will be buying a 642 at some point in the next few months and I'm sure it will come with the lock. I'll choose option d again.
a) Buy used or new models without the locks.
b) Buy them with the locks and remove/disable them.
c) Buy them with the locks and throw away the keys.
d) Buy them with the locks and stash the keys with other misc paraphenalia.
I went with option d for my one revolver (Taurus 617S) with a lock. I've actually used it once, even. I will be buying a 642 at some point in the next few months and I'm sure it will come with the lock. I'll choose option d again.
Mike in VA
New member
I picked one up at a gunshow over the weekend for $299, & I'm a happy guy. With the demand for the scandium guns running high (along with the price), the plain old alloy airweights are plentiful and a bargain. I could care less about the lock, it'll never be used. I ordered a set of rosewood 'Secret Agent' grips for it, now I need to find a good pocket holster. It's a sweet little gun.
I previously had 2" M60, but it was about 10 oz. heavier and had an external hammer - not a great choice for a pocket gun, and not much fun to shoot with anything more than light (110 gr) magnums. It remains to be seen how stiff the recoil will be with this guy with +p 38's, but I figure I'll practice mostly with std pressure stuff and leave the 135 gr. +P Gold Dots for 'social work'.
I previously had 2" M60, but it was about 10 oz. heavier and had an external hammer - not a great choice for a pocket gun, and not much fun to shoot with anything more than light (110 gr) magnums. It remains to be seen how stiff the recoil will be with this guy with +p 38's, but I figure I'll practice mostly with std pressure stuff and leave the 135 gr. +P Gold Dots for 'social work'.