S&W Internal Lock - Removal

[JC31]

This is probably past the do-it-yourself stage but I have a 642 that has the internal lock and I was reading about people having the lock removed. Has anyone attempted to do this themselves or had a gunsmith do it for them?

[TomE]

I downloaded the video , but lost it trying to save it. The process doesn't look too hard , if your handy with litle parts .

[Imshootin]

Here's a video that shows how to remove the flag portion of the lock which is the part that has caused the issues that many have experienced. The key portion of the lock can remain in the firearm or can be replaced with a product called "The Plug" available on the S&W forum. You can search their forum for "the plug" if interested.
The background music sounds like music from a 70's porn video, so I'm told. :winker:

RVPYgohVCNM

[Super Trucker]

Follow the directions in the video and you will be done in less then a half hour. It is very easy to do, no need to pay somebody.
I bought "the plug" for mine and removed 100% of the IL.

I have plans already today but if you are concerned, pm me and I can come to your place and help you if you would like.

[Jaws]

Removed the internal lock on my 442 earlier today. It was a breeze with the video and the right tools. Had it apart and back together in no time.

Now I just need to decide if I'm going to grind the nub off of the locking plate so it's a blank or try to find replacement part and grind the nub off. I definitely want to put a blank in it's place. Any suggestions?

[Super Trucker]

Removed the internal lock on my 442 earlier today. It was a breeze with the video and the right tools. Had it apart and back together in no time.

Now I just need to decide if I'm going to grind the nub off of the locking plate so it's a blank or try to find replacement part and grind the nub off. I definitely want to put a blank in it's place. Any suggestions?


Why do you want to put it back in minus the nub?

I have seen the part number listed on the S&W forum, so it is possible to get another one. I am honestly wondering why though.

[Jaws]

Why do you want to put it back in minus the nub?

I have seen the part number listed on the S&W forum, so it is possible to get another one. I am honestly wondering why though.

There's a small hole in frame without it where the part pivots. It's not functionally an issue but I would like the hole filled. I will probably just grind off the nub. Then if I want to revert it back I'll have to buy the part.

I really see no reason to ever revert it back so I've answered my own question. An external trigger lock makes 100% more sense than an internal lock and I don't use either.

The small hole can be seen in the picture below. It's above the grip and behind the cylinder release.

http://www.snubnose.info/images/Model_642_10_450.jpg

[Super Trucker]

I know about the hole you are describing. I left mine open.
I pulled all the lock parts out over a year ago and pocket carry daily. I just opened it up about a month ago to change a (lighter) spring and had no issues with dirt/lint inside there.

I will get a 642 no lock in the near future though, just because.

[Jaws]

I will get a 642 no lock in the near future though, just because.

I hear ya. I was thinking the same thing and keeping the 442 so I have the set.

[CyborgWarrior]

Reading this thread motivated me to do my 625.
Pretty easy and cleans up the look.
I wish it was bead blasted instead of polished.

http://zgg5pa.blu.livefilestore.com/y1pkWIWnYeCECfNFeyQeC4J9itO6AC6V8O7YUdD94Fj0vOObBR _9r6eSDKofsYLJKzQ_jqLNuZASkm2FcSsuHoIH11puXO4SziX/DSC02804.JPG

[Brian]

You're deactivating a safety feature.

This is a lawsuit waiting for a lawyer.

Whatever you do don't loan it to anyone for any reason.

IMHO

[CyborgWarrior]

You're deactivating a safety feature.

This is a lawsuit waiting for a lawyer.

Whatever you do don't loan it to anyone for any reason.

IMHO

:rofl:

[Brian]

:rofl:

If I'm wrong Cyborg tell me how. I'd like to learn something.

If all you're going to do is laugh at least we know why so many have bailed from this forum.

[CyborgWarrior]

If I'm wrong Cyborg tell me how. I'd like to learn something.

If all you're going to do is laugh at least we know why so many have bailed from this forum.
I'm sorry, I didnt realize you were serious. I thought you were making a joke, but I'll bite

Please tell me how I could become liable by removing a lock I have no key for?

[Brian]

I'm sorry, I didnt realize you were serious. I thought you were making a joke, but I'll bite

Please tell me how I could become liable by removing a lock I have no key for?

You could get a key from S&W and solve the problem.

The lock is designed to block the trigger to keep it from firing hence a safety device. If you intentionally remove it you're deactivating a safety device. Let's say you leave it laying around the house and the neighbors kid finds it and shoots himself in the big toe, the prosecutor is going to want to know why it was left unattended and why a safety device wasn't activated. You tell the judge you deactivated the safety feature so it couldn't be turned on. What do you think will happen?

I live alone so I wouldn't have to worry about someone getting a hold of it, but I wouldn't sell it or loan it out with the lock deactivated.

Yeah it's kind of a ridiculous argument but in todays world think lawsuit with everything you do with a gun.

To me this is kind of like pinning the grip safety of a 1911. Yeah I know it's totally a different safety but it's still a safety feature.

[CyborgWarrior]

You could get a key from S&W and solve the problem.

The lock is designed to block the trigger to keep it from firing hence a safety device. If you intentionally remove it you're deactivating a safety device. Let's say you leave it laying around the house and the neighbors kid finds it and shoots himself in the big toe, the prosecutor is going to want to know why it was left unattended and why a safety device wasn't activated. You tell the judge you deactivated the safety feature so it couldn't be turned on. What do you think will happen?

I live alone so I wouldn't have to worry about someone getting a hold of it, but I wouldn't sell it or loan it out with the lock deactivated.

Yeah it's kind of a ridiculous argument but in todays world think lawsuit with everything you do with a gun.

To me this is kind of like pinning the grip safety of a 1911. Yeah I know it's totally a different safety but it's still a safety feature.

Actually it locks up the hammer.

The improvement in the trigger pull is quite remarkable. I have 29-2 with one of those classicly smooth as silk, like "breaking glass" trigger pulls, this gun now has an action on par with that. The hammer dragging on that lock/wedgy thing is a real detriment. I should have done this years ago.

In the event of a suite as you described, my learned counsel would argue that the gun was modified by the previous owner, and is now like the other S&W revolvers I own. A much better argument than why the safety that was there was not being used.

I don't know anyone that uses that to secure their weapon. The safety has reportedly failed leaving the shooter with a locked up gun. I vote it right up on top of S&W's worst designs, lucky me, the fix is in.

[Super Trucker]

You're deactivating a safety feature.

This is a lawsuit waiting for a lawyer.

Whatever you do don't loan it to anyone for any reason.

IMHO

Let me ask: If you remove the lock from the door of your car and get into an accident where somebody dies, are you going to sue the auto maker? Is the prosecutor going to charge you with deactivating a safe storage device, causing the death of another person?

The lock is not a safety feature, it is a safe storage feature.

[Brian]

Actually it locks up the hammer.

The improvement in the trigger pull is quite remarkable. I have 29-2 with one of those classicly smooth as silk, like "breaking glass" trigger pulls, this gun now has an action on par with that. The hammer dragging on that lock/wedgy thing is a real detriment. I should have done this years ago.

In the event of a suite as you described, my learned counsel would argue that the gun was modified by the previous owner, and is now like the other S&W revolvers I own. A much better argument than why the safety that was there was not being used.

I don't know anyone that uses that to secure their weapon. The safety has reportedly failed leaving the shooter with a locked up gun. I vote it right up on top of S&W's worst designs, lucky me, the fix is in.

As long as you can articulate why it was done and you're correct it makes it like any other gun without the lock. It all depends on the prosecutor I guess. I just wouldn't want to test it in court, better to avoid the argument.

Your last line is why I would rather not own one for carry or home defense.

I have a 586 with a very crisp trigger and just a little lite for my liking as a carry gun. It's fun for putting holes in targets though.

[Brian]

Let me ask: If you remove the lock from the door of your car and get into an accident where somebody dies, are you going to sue the auto maker? Is the prosecutor going to charge you with deactivating a safe storage device, causing the death of another person?

The lock is not a safety feature, it is a safe storage feature.

I understand the intension of the device. I wouldn't remove the ignition lock from my car and install a pushbutton on the dash either.

[Super Trucker]

I understand the intension of the device. I wouldn't remove the ignition lock from my car and install a pushbutton on the dash either.

Removing the ignition lock and installing a push button would be similar to making the trigger less safe.
As I said before the S&W lock would be the same as the door lock on your car.

Once the door of your car is unlocked, it doesn't mean you are going to cause an accident, just like removing the lock doesn't mean the gun will ever be fired.

[donald150]

http://www.hatersgoingtohate.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/haters-gonna-hate-hipsters-in-fur.jpg





I will be doing my 642.

[TomE]

I will also as soon as I borrow the library's WI FI , to download the video in a timely manner.

[Brian]

Removing the ignition lock and installing a push button would be similar to making the trigger less safe.
As I said before the S&W lock would be the same as the door lock on your car.

Once the door of your car is unlocked, it doesn't mean you are going to cause an accident, just like removing the lock doesn't mean the gun will ever be fired.

Uh huh...

[mm49684]

[QUOTE=Brian]You're deactivating a safety feature.

This is a lawsuit waiting for a lawyer.

Whatever you do don't loan it to anyone for any reason.

IMHO[/QUOTE


Quick question for any licensed gunsmiths????

Will you work on one of these guns, and give it back to the owner without replacing the factory safety locks???

I agree that I do not like the locks, but it probably is a liability issue for someone who works on it.

[RDak]

I don't know if the "Plug" has been mentioned yet.....but.....I installed a few and they are great.

Or you could simply file down the nub on the flag which is very easy.

Anyways, here's a link to the "Plug".

http://smith-wessonforum.com/accessories-misc-sale-trade/143299-fs-plug-revised-add.html

[donald150]

I removed it from my 642 tonight. It took me longer to find the right screwdriver than it took to remove the lock. :-D

[rayban]

Has anyone done this removal lately? I'm ready but I kinda feel like I need a coach....I have "the plug" to install as well.
Anyone near the SE corner??

[ww2fanatic]

The lock on my 442 has been removed. A friend and I did it within a week of me getting it.

[Easyrider49]

[QUOTE=Brian]You're deactivating a safety feature.

This is a lawsuit waiting for a lawyer.

Whatever you do don't loan it to anyone for any reason.

IMHO[/QUOTE


Quick question for any licensed gunsmiths????

Will you work on one of these guns, and give it back to the owner without replacing the factory safety locks???

I agree that I do not like the locks, but it probably is a liability issue for someone who works on it.


The way things are nowadays you are probably correct .
I would ask one of the legal beagles on here .

[MAXIMUS1968]

Great info, thanks!

[rayban]

Got r done....

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb277/RGleather/IMAG0061.jpg

[Tyler]

I helped remove the lock on a close friend's 642 after he had it lock up during firing. It made him a little apprehensive to carry it, so we removed it that day when we got home from shooting! Took no time at all!

[TomE]

Was that my old one?

[fegPA63]

man I hate those stupid locks

[Mike in Michigan]

There is no reason for a gunsmith to refuse to work on or attempt to restore to original a SW with the storage lock removed. I have worked on several when the storage lock "fell out" and was not reinstalled at owner request. Sending it back for factory repairs will get it restored because they are the ones with deep pockets.

[CyborgWarrior]

Now if we can only find a fix as simple for the stupid frame mounted firing pin.