AMEN!!! It's not just locks either. I hear so many people complain about how much better S&W's were when they were hand-fitted way back when and how they're so much more expensive for an inferior product now. What everyone forgets is a little thing called inflation. If you adjust for inflation, you'll find that S&W's (and most other quality guns) are actually quite a bit cheaper than they were back in the 70's and earlier. Also, if you want a hand-fitted S&W, you can still get one: it's called a Performance Center gun. You'll just have to pay for what that hand-fitting costs (just like you did back in the 70's).
S&W's "phasing out" of internal locks?
- Thread starter Playboypenguin
- Start date
AMEN!!! It's not just locks either. I hear so many people complain about how much better S&W's were when they were hand-fitted way back when and how they're so much more expensive for an inferior product now. What everyone forgets is a little thing called inflation. If you adjust for inflation, you'll find that S&W's (and most other quality guns) are actually quite a bit cheaper than they were back in the 70's and earlier. Also, if you want a hand-fitted S&W, you can still get one: it's called a Performance Center gun. You'll just have to pay for what that hand-fitting costs (just like you did back in the 70's).
skydiver3346
New member
Attn: MEC
Very interested in your pics of the model 64 (two piece barrel). I just picked up another S&W model 64 this week. Stinless, 3" barrel. Was wondering if you know which year or serial numbers that these type barrels were used on the model 64? Sure hope I didn't buy one that has this set up. Is there any way you can just look at it and tell? Thanks for your help or anyone else that may know the answer.
Also, is the model 64, the only two piece barrel that had this problem? Mine is a model 64-5 and my barrel looks different from the pic that MEC shows.
Very interested in your pics of the model 64 (two piece barrel). I just picked up another S&W model 64 this week. Stinless, 3" barrel. Was wondering if you know which year or serial numbers that these type barrels were used on the model 64? Sure hope I didn't buy one that has this set up. Is there any way you can just look at it and tell? Thanks for your help or anyone else that may know the answer.
Also, is the model 64, the only two piece barrel that had this problem? Mine is a model 64-5 and my barrel looks different from the pic that MEC shows.
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Siince my objection to these mindless contrivances invariably draws fire from S&W fans- my rationale behind that objection is stated here in detail for anyone who cares to read it.
azsixshooter
New member
Great read Sarge, thanks. I agree with you 100%, I would never accept a gun with an infernal lock. I don't want to go off on a rant and get banned, but I am with you and wish more people would wake up.
Well, gee, it's been about a month since we've had a "everything started going to Hell in 1982 when Smith stopped selling revolvers that were pinned and recessed and it's all been straight downhill ever since" rants. I haven't checked outside. Is there a full moon out tonight?
I've expressed my views on the subject a few times and I'm not going to waste my breath again. But I will say this: every time I read one of these threads I look at my 686-6, manufactured in 2006, with its unpinned barrel, its unrecessed cylinder, its MIM parts and, (gasp) its internal lock and I ask myself, "so how come this is the most accurate revolver I own with the nicest trigger?" No offense meant to my five pre-lock Smiths, just telling it like it is.
I've expressed my views on the subject a few times and I'm not going to waste my breath again. But I will say this: every time I read one of these threads I look at my 686-6, manufactured in 2006, with its unpinned barrel, its unrecessed cylinder, its MIM parts and, (gasp) its internal lock and I ask myself, "so how come this is the most accurate revolver I own with the nicest trigger?" No offense meant to my five pre-lock Smiths, just telling it like it is.
stevieboy,
One reason why many S&W purists don't notice what you noticed is that many are basically collectors only and only take well-staged photo's of vintage, 100% condition Smith and Wesson revolvers never daring to actually use them.
I used to own a 29-2 and it was quite beautiful and very well made. It would also rotate the cylinder backwards when fired with anything but light .44 magnum loads.
But hey...it sure looks nicer in a photo then a 629-5 that has the endurance package and can actually handle the type of ammunition that is rollmarked on its barrel.
One reason why many S&W purists don't notice what you noticed is that many are basically collectors only and only take well-staged photo's of vintage, 100% condition Smith and Wesson revolvers never daring to actually use them.
I used to own a 29-2 and it was quite beautiful and very well made. It would also rotate the cylinder backwards when fired with anything but light .44 magnum loads.
But hey...it sure looks nicer in a photo then a 629-5 that has the endurance package and can actually handle the type of ammunition that is rollmarked on its barrel.
Well, I have nothing against the collectors (or anyone else, for that matter) but, the people who think that newer Smith's are junk because they ain't being built like the old ones might pause for a moment and realize that the value of their pinned and recessed, hand fitted, forged parts, no-lock Smiths actually is enhanced by the design changes that they profess to despise. If every gun out there were a no-dash version of the original then the originals would lose their uniqueness.
Playboypenguin
Moderator
Yeah, you have to watch what you wish for...just like the Colt Delta Elite guys. They all wanted the Delta Elite re-released but then moaned and groaned when it was and the value of their old ones hit the floor because the new ones were better made.
It wouldn't hurt my feelings at all. Not only would the prices of the guns I want to buy drop, and not only would I not have to compete with collectors for any S&W not dragged behind a truck, but I could also buy a new one if I wanted. I buy my guns to shoot, not to fondle.
Chris