Not to leave myself open to legal prosecution, Over at the S&W Forum In The 1945 to Present Area & Gunsmithing Area this has been discused many times, Some posts with pics.. Some remove the entire lock assembly & put it in the handgun case were it can be reinstalled later on or if the gun is sold..This leaves two holes in the revolver, Oiling Holes for the hammer..
I have a Airweight +P 442-2 & have never locked the revolver & never intend to, I do have one of thier goofy keys on my keyring just in case..
I own three Centennial S&W J Frames, Made In 1952, 1993 & 2005, Pre 40, 940, & 442-2..
Enjoy!!
Gary/B92