Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

[Talyn]

The internal lock was a feature added to the company’s revolvers after S&W leadership signed an agreement with Bill Clinton’s administration in 2000. At that time, S&W was owned by a British holding company that didn’t foresee the ramifications of its decision.

Lipsey’s is responsible for eight of the 14 new guns introduced this year, all with no internal lock.

An Official Journal Of The NRA | Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

www.americanrifleman.org

An Official Journal Of The NRA | Smith & Wesson No-Lock Revolvers

Smith & Wesson has released three classic revolvers without the much-maligned internal locking mechanism, proving everything old is new again.

www.shootingillustrated.com

 

[Grayfox]

So they do away with the lock. The new guns still have MIM parts, two piece barrels and lousy quality control. I'm still not interested.

 

[deadduck357]

About time they're offering more no lock models. I haven't purchased a new S&W revolve since they added the Hilary hole. Well one exception, a no lock 442. Both the 442 and 642 have been offered with and without the lock for years.

 

[Annihilator]

So they do away with the lock. The new guns still have MIM parts, two piece barrels and lousy quality control. I'm still not interested.

MIM I could live with, but I hate the 2-piece barrels on most of there revolvers, plus I don’t care for EDM rifling, and yes, there QC sucks

 

[Talyn]

DW revolvers were/are famous for their accuracy with their two-piece barrels.

 

[Annihilator]

DW revolvers were/are famous for their accuracy with their two-piece barrels.

Agree, but S&W’s ain’t up the what DW had, I exclusively used DW .357 and .44mag when I shot silhouette, plus I used T/C contenders also

 

[ECS686]

While the Clinton meeting gets a lot of blame S&W was owned by Safe T Hammer and the locks were already planned. But I get it it wasn’t aesthetically pleasing.

I shot the new Model 19 classic no lock at revolverfest on industry day. VERY accurate. There isn’t anything wrong with 2 piece barrels and the MIM parts of today are night and day better than MIM of the 70’s. 80’s and even 90’s

Funny I drove to Revolverfest and back and get on airliners with MIM parts that work just fine.

The new S&W are fine and as far as QC issues every conpany has them. I have had far more issues with other brands but S&W at least has an awesome customer service department that takes care of anything.

 

[Mr.W.]

So they do away with the lock. The new guns still have MIM parts, two piece barrels and lousy quality control. I'm still not interested.

Yes, thank you. Saved some typing for me. . .

 

[HayesGreener]

Those locks and lock holes are a travesty. You couldn't give me one of those ugly things

 

[Talyn]

Although I detested what S&W did, they should have changed a lot earlier, I have a 329PD and a 5" 357 686 with them and I've had no problems with them.

 

[Anchorite]

MIM along with the Hillary hole and sleeved barrels keep me from picking up Smith revolvers these days.

I prefer my 80s and 90s era wheel guns.