S&W 642-1 "No Lock"
 

S&W is offering a limited run of the 642 without the internal lock. I have one I have pocket carried almost everyday for several years. I have been wanting another one for a spare and when I heard they were offering them I went by and told my dealer to see if he could get me one. I picked it up today! :yippee: :yippee:

Here's a pic I stole from another site.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...hairweight.jpg

Re: S&W 642-1 "No Lock"
 

I carry the 340pd and my wife carries the 642. Great small but powerfull weapons.

Re: S&W 642-1 "No Lock"
 

What is an internal lock?
Be well.

Re: S&W 642-1 "No Lock"
 

For about the last 6 years almost all new S&W revolvers that have left the factory have had an internal lock. This lock is located right above the cylinder latch on the left side of the revolver. A key is required to lock or unlock the revolver. A lot of people hate the internal locks and some have even refused to buy a S&W with the lock. As a result, some of the older pre-lock models have risen in price considerably. For example, just a couple months ago I was watching a NIB pre-lock 642 on Gunbroker and was thinking about bidding on it. It ended up going for about $675 + shipping plus I would have had to pay the local dealer $35 to receive it and background check. Needless to say, I didn't bid on it. :wink:

Here are some reasons most people give for not liking the lock models:

1) The locks are unsightly.

2) S&W caved in to government pressure and is trying to be too PC. The locks are sometimes called "lawyer locks" and "Clinton locks".

3) There have been several reports of the lock engaging while the weapon is being fired locking the gun up and leaving it useless. This could be deadly if you were depending on the weapon in a self defense situation.

I hope this helps. Here is a pic of a lock model I found over on GB.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...1113182093.jpg

Re: S&W 642-1 "No Lock"
 

Do the revolvers come with a key?
My SW did not come with a key.
My instructions did not mention it.
Be well.

Re: S&W 642-1 "No Lock"
 

Yes, if it has the lock they come with 2 keys and instructions in the manual on how the lock works. Does your revolver have the internal lock?

Re: S &W 642-1 "No Lock"
 

Sneak,
My S and W Model 642 (2007) does have an internal lock. (It is mentioned in the instructions--I missed that.) Also, I don't recall getting a "key." How can I get a new "key." Or do I need one?
Be well.

PS Unrelated question: How many rounds of 38 SP can I fire thorogh this revolver without needing repair? ( I know that this question sounds odd or naive, or simplistic. So I will rephrase: is it as sturdy as a steel revolver?)

Re: S&W 642-1 "No Lock"
 

Ebie,
The keys are usually in a small plastic bag under the foam packing in the box. If you don't find them, I am sure S&W will send you some. You may not "need one", but if I had a revolver with an internal lock I would want to have one.

As for your second question, I really don't know. I have never wore one out! :wink: I think the answer would vary greatly depending on the type of ammo used, etc. I wouldn't want to fire hundreds of rounds of +P ammo through one. While I have never had a problem with my 642, I just can't see how it would be as "sturdy" as a steel revolver. I think these airweights are meant to be shot a little and carried a lot!

Re: S&W 642-1 "No Lock"
 

Thanks.
I have never been able to get a straight answer regarding the "service life" of this or any other revolver (treated properly and maintained.)
Be well.