Question - S&W Revolvers Without Internal Lock

[Paul]

Just looking for a few opinions as I am comparing the S&W 637 and 442 models. S&W makes a few revolvers still, like the 442 without the internal lock. Are these models any better as far as reliability/function/smoothness? Or does it simply remove the locking option.

[Keith]

Just looking for a few opinions as I am comparing the S&W 637 and 442 models. S&W makes a few revolvers still, like the 442 without the internal lock. Are these models any better as far as reliability/function/smoothness? Or does it simply remove the locking option.

I would much prefer a model without the internal lock but haven't had any problems with the revolvers I own that do have the lock. There are several online tutorials on how to disable the locks if you're so inclined.
I can't find the long running threads on the Smith and Wesson forums or Glocktalk about lock failures but here's Michael Bane talking about his experience.
http://michaelbane.blogspot.com/2007/08 ... ilure.html

I believe they only made a limited run of 442's without the lock a couple of years ago. I could be mistaken, though. Wouldn't be the first time.

[Paul]

I believe they only made a limited run of 442's without the lock a couple of years ago. I could be mistaken, though. Wouldn't be the first time.

Thanks for the link... I checked on the 442's this morning and was told that they are available for order.

[Paul]

Bump for any other thoughts/opinions. Thanks.

[DeanC]

I really like the Model 40.

[Paul]

I like that model as well, and may have to consider it.

My big question is just the reliability/smoothness between the lock and no lock.

[Keith]

I like that model as well, and may have to consider it.

My big question is just the reliability/smoothness between the lock and no lock.

Smoothness should be the same between the two.

[hrt jr]

After maybe 500 rounds thru my boy's 442 with lock, a normal trip to the range we found it would not fire and even using that stupid key it was stuck. It took a gunsmith to fix it before it would fire. Why would any sane person buy a gun that includes an option that could cause a malfunction when you can avoid it ?
We traded both our lock smiths for new no lock 442's. I will never buy another lock smith because I don't trust them.