Posted on 08/27/2007 7:07:45 PM PDT by Copernicus
Heard about the internal S&W revolver lock failing for years, but ever since my friend Charlie Petty's scathing article in AMERICAN HANDGUNNER, which essentially said the safety failures were an urban myth (and which I can't for the life of me find on the Internet), I dismissed the idea from my mind...........
I couldn't unlock it; I couldn't uncock it; I couldn't get it to fire. It took me 20 minutes of working v....e....e....r....r....y gingerly with a screwdriver to get the lock to release enough to allow me to bring the 329 to full cock and subsequently unlock the cylinder and empty the gun............
I'd say this was NOT GOOD for a gun billed as a dangerous game back-up gun!
To quote from an old bluesman I once knew, "I ain't tellin' you what I heard; I ain't tellin' you what I read; I'm tellin' you what is."
(Excerpt) Read more at michaelbane.blogspot.com ...
Another example of a "common sense" Bolshevik edict wreaking havoc.
Best regards to all,
What, exactly, is this “internal lock” that you speak of?
Micheal is more than "generally considered reputable" He is of of the original founders of both IPSC and IDPA shooting, is the host of Down Range on the Outdoor channel and is widely known and respected throughout the shooting community.
Not arguing with you Copernicus but just trying to add some weight as this is important info for S&W owners. Not fun to have your carry piece fail when you need it most!
And of course the issue you point out of "unintended consequences",
Apparently new S&W revolvers come with their own factory built key lock so the owner does not have to rely on aftermarket safety devices for storage.
Ever since they appeared there has been chatter about how they cause more problems than they solve.
Apparently Michael Bane got to witness one of those problems up close and in person.
Best regards,
New owners.
Free Republic is a much wider community than the 2nd Amendment Community so it is best not to take anything for granted especially when it is required to post on "bloggers and personal" rather than "news and activism".
For many people Jeff Cooper and Massad Ayoob would be equally unknown.
Best regards,
For many people Jeff Cooper and Massad Ayoob would be equally unknown.
I know and respect the work of both of them.
So, it’s the key thing. Right?
I bought a Mod642.
I made sure that it was “unlocked”.
Then, I threw the keys away.
1500 rounds later, it’s still my favorite carry choice.
The old owners caved to the clintoon administration. The new owners are American.
Yep, the key thing.
Please take it to a good smith and have him remove the lock. Do it like your life depends on it, because it does.
Do you own one? Have you had any problems?
Just askin’......
BTLD,
I own a 629 al steel with no interlock but I take Banes word and the word of Massad Ayoob like they came down the mountain with Moses.
They both have had these problems and know others that have as well.
Still looking for that perfect ranch gun. Was thinking a 629 or maybe a Bulldog. May stick with the Redhawk.
Why hasn’t S&W come out with a recall notice?
Wouldn’t they be pushed to do so?
I’ll see my guy tomorrow and I’ll certainly report back.
I have both a 629 44 (6 inch) and a Redhawk 45 (5.5 inch). If I have a choice I grab the Redhawk.
I can't answer that question but if I had one I would get it fixed and send the bill to S&W.
But I'll take your recommendation seriously. I know a feller who has one I might talk him into selling me.
Buffalo Bore ammo has some GREAT loads for the Redhawk 45. They will drop anything! http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#45colt
I had a smith remove the locking tab, so that I don't have to worry about it at all, warranty be damned.
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