I Used the IL on my S&W 637 (Horror!)

S

Shadi Khalil

New member
Good Evening all,

Today I did something I've never done, I used the internal lock on my 637.

I'm visiting my parents for the weekend, along with my sister and her two young daughters. I've been having some serious back issues the last couple weeks and it really started getting bad today. Finally after hours of suffering, I decided to lay down and take a nap. I wanted to take my CCW off but with my car at the shop, I didn't really have a safe place to secure it. So, I layer down with the unloaded gun in my day bag at my feet and the ammo in my pocket. Just as an added safety measure, I activated the IL on the revolver.

Later that day my brother and I went to the range and one of the guns we fired was the 637. There were no issues after using the IL and we fired 50 gold dot short barrel, 50 underwood 125gr +P and another 50 FMJ's. I'm not saying I like the lock or that I need the lock; just thought I'd share my experience with it.

As there anyone out there who uses the IL on their S&W revolver regularly .
 
The title of your post reads "I Used the IL on my S&W 642 (Horror!)", but you are talking about locking up a Model 637. Maybe I missed something. Did you lock up a 642 or not?
 
"(I)s there anyone out there who uses the IL on their S&W revolver regularly . (?) "

Not I.

Made up of 5 parts, bad design, have been completely removed from all my newer S&Ws. Took 15 to 20 minutes per.

Called S&W beforehand, they said it was their number 1 complaint, said I could do what I want, but if I sent one in for service they would re-install it.

Revolvers are mechanical devices, why include a locking system that can (during use) prevent a handgun from working?

Will continue to purchase S&Ws because I consider them the finest revos on the market, mine are retro-engineered for 100% functionality and peace of mind.
 
The internal lock is right up there with New Coke as the dumbest corporate decision of all time. They fixed something that wasn't broke and now they're dead to me until they get rid of them.
 
I haven't used it regularly, but I was thinking about keep the key in my car or on my key chain.

There are some places you cannot go with a concealed weapon and putting the ammo in your pocket isn't always a good idea either. For example, government buildings.

I know it sounds unlikely, but it does happen. For example, my relative was giving me a ride and had to make a quick trip to the post office. I couldn't go in, because I had my weapon and had no secure place to lock it. Seemed like the lock wouldn't have been a bad idea in that case.
 
I don't use the lock, I removed it on mine. I carry my revolver per the LEOSA. The LEOSA list certain places that LE officers, retired or off duty cannot carry.

Lets use schools for example, Per the LEOSA, (the way I read it) I can't carry on school grounds. What the Safe School Zone says, is "unless the pistol/revolver is unloaded in a locked case".

My 642 came with a lockable case and lock. I keep the case in my truch. When I go to my Granddaughters Vollyball or Basketball games I simply unload my revolver, lock it in the box and leave it hidden in my locked truck. I use a cable lock which is secured to a solid object in the truck.

Soon as I leave the school grounds it takes just a second to get my revolver out of the box, loaded and back in my pocket.

No Interneal Lock for me. I see no use for it what so ever. Even if its locked, the gun still has to be locked in a container.
 
I agree with what's being said about the lock, except I have not removed mine. With no car or lockable container for me to use at the time, using the IL just made me feel better about having the gun in my bag with nieces abound. Even though the ammo was in my pocket, I was worried a round or two could have fallen out.
 
I'm not shocked you used the IL (well, a little shocked) but I am amazed that you actually had the key with you.

My 637 has the lock too, but I've never engaged it. Same way with the locks on my Springfield and Walther.
 
I am planning on removing the lock on my new Model 21-4 Classic, the only flaw on an otherwise perfect fightin' gun. I'm not married and don't have any children, and have a sturdy safe to lock my guns in when I'm not home. I don't have the skills to remove the lock myself, anyone have a ball park idea what it would cost?
 
Kreyzhorse said:
I'm not shocked you used the IL (well, a little shocked) but I am amazed that you actually had the key with you.

My 637 has the lock too, but I've never engaged it. Same way with the locks on my Springfield and Walther.
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That's a good observation Kreyz. It's actually on my keychain but for decretive purposes, I never thought it would actually come in handy.
 
That's a good observation Kreyz. It's actually on my keychain but for decretive purposes, I never thought it would actually come in handy.
Click to expand...

Interesting, I assume the key for mine is still in the case, but I'm not sure. Further more, I don't remember what it looks like.

Now, just don't get in the habit of using the lock or someone will think the damn think was a good idea after all.... If you really need to lock it up, I'll send you a gun lock, brand new never used. Just send me a pm with your address. :)
 
And now your title has been unbutchered.

I've never seen much of an issue with the locks, myself. If I had one from a manufacturer who included it I would probably use it at least occasionally.
 
I've only got one S&W with a lock, a 25-13. I got it used, and don't even have a key for it, so I can't use it. I should send S&W an email and ask them to send me one. Probably be the only request they ever got asking them to do THAT with the key.

I did have a Taurus 85 with the lock and I used that a few times when I first started to carry.
 
Krezy,

Thank you for the offer but I have a whole shoe box full of them :)

Mike,

Thank you for the correction.

9mm,

Do you have a 642 or 637? I know my title said 642 but I own a 637. I might be wrong but I don't think they remade the 637 without the lock. Besides the ugliness, the lock does not really bother me. However, my next revolver(s) will all be pre or no lock models, unless it's a Ruger.
 
Hello testuser,,,

I apologize for the thread hi-jack.

For example, my relative was giving me a ride and had to make a quick trip to the post office. I couldn't go in, because I had my weapon and had no secure place to lock it. Seemed like the lock wouldn't have been a bad idea in that case.
Click to expand...

I don't think the lock would have helped you out of a jam with LE,,,
It's my understanding after a few conversations with my local post office guy,,,
You can't even have a gun in the parking lot of a federal building without being in violation of federal law.

Even though he told me he would never turn anyone in or call the law,,,
I park my car across the street and leave my gun locked up when I check my mail.

It's a major P-I-T-A but then again,,,
So is a federal firearms rap.

Aarond

.
 
As I understand it, the company that makes the internal lock is the company that bought S&W back from its ignominous British ownership period.

I don't like the locks, but I can understand why corporate ownership continues to install them - they make them.

But if the alternative were to be continued ownership by owners who don't like guns, I think we are probably better off with the locks.

(Though I prefer my pre-lock S&W revolvers, and my no-lock 442.)

I don't always carry revolvers, but when I do, they are usually (pre-lock or no-lock) Smith and Wesson.

Regards,

M
 
I have no S&W's with locks, nor do I ever envision having any. I buy the older models without. Nevertheless, I have a Taurus 85 S.S., spurless, that has one. I do not find it as offensive (to the eyes) as the S&W's because they "hide" it in the back of the hammer where it is not as noticeable. I have never used it and do not know for sure where the key is.

My objection to the S&W internal lock is that it is as obvious as a large blow fly on a wedding cake. They should/could have used more subtlety in the design and placement as did Taurus.
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