S&W 686 internal lock

[Smith and Wesson]

I'm looking to get a new S&W 686, but I have been reading threads from various websites that were posted about 2010-2011 and people keep talking about some new internal lock S&W put on the new 686's. So could you inform as to what this is and if it's a negative? Since the threads I read were a few years old, I was also wondering if S&W got rid of it since then?

 

[7n6]

The internal lock for S&W revolvers isn't really new they started using them like 10-12 years ago I think. All it does is give you the option of locking the hammer down so it cant be opperated. Some people are scared that it could magically turn itself and lock itself when they don't want it locked. But I've never heard of this and I have a couple S&W's with the lock and have never had a problem.

And alot of people would like to see them gone but they are still there.

 

[tomrkba]

Oh, no! Not another LOCK thread!

THE LOCK is a STORAGE device that prevents the hammer from moving when engaged. Some people have stated they can cause it to engage with a combination of alloy frame gun with heavy bullets over hot loads.

If you are concerned about it, buy a prelock gun. Otherwise, just buy it. You can always pull it out and plug the hole. One of the guys on the S&W Forum makes a plug. The plug looks best on stainless steel guns.

 

[Theohazard]

Oh, no! Not another LOCK thread!

Yeah, this has been one of the most-discussed subjects in the revolver forum. The consensus is that nobody really likes it but there's probably almost zero risk of it engaging on its own.

 

[Nick_C_S]

I have a 686+ (7-shot) with a 3" bbl. I bought it new a little over a year ago and it has the lock.

About a month or two after I got it, I decided that it would be a good idea to at least make sure it wasn't in a "half-cocked" position or whatever. So I dug in my safe and managed to find the keys. I locked it. I unlocked it. Returned the keys to the safe.

I ignore it now. And no, S&W still produces their revolvers with the lock.

I am very happy with my 686 (this one being my third). I even carry it when the weather is cool enough to sport an extra garment layer for concealment.

Don't let the lock stop you from getting a 686, if that's what you're asking.