Some gun jargon is causing confusion for some folks. For quite some time I have been getting a number of hits to this site with searches for “Where is the pre-lock on a gun?” or “What is a pre-lock on a gun?” Let’s see if we can help.
When folks refer to a “pre-lock Smith & Wesson” they are referring to revolvers made BEFORE S&W started installing their built-in key LOCK system on revolvers. I don’t care for revolvers with the locks and will not own one; it is a personal choice, I just think they are bugly. Some folks just do not trust the locks, they worry that recoil may engage the lock during a critical incident; I do not have the expertise to comment on this concern.
In the above photo (taken from here) the lock is the hole in the side of the revolver just above the cylinder latch and below the hammer. You put a key in the hole and give it a twist to lock the action so the trigger will not pull (NOTE: I don’t believe the lock is intended to be used on a cocked revolver; this photo is alleged to be of a lock failure). A pre-lock S&W does not have this lock.
Now, there is always a chance that I am wrong, some guns may indeed have something called a “pre-lock,” and I just have never heard about it. After all, guns have been around a long time and there have been matchlocks, wheellocks, flintlocks, caplocks, boxlocks …
In fairness to S&W, there are other brands of revolvers and pistols manufactured with built-in key lock systems. Further, S&W recently has been offering some revolver models without the locks.
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Greetings from Texas,
ReplyDeleteThere have been so many things pushed on shooters by people who have no idea what they are talking about. I have worked background in films from time to time, usually historic. They like to use reenactors because we show up on location with our own peoird clothing, weapons and support gear. A trip through hair and makeup and we are ready to work.
Folks on western projects have to get older Winchester 94's and the like. Why, because of the cross bolt safity on newer weapons. Not only dose it mar a classic, but is unnessary.
On just about every winchester 94 or simular rifle I have ever handled there is a small post in the wrist of the weapon where the lever rest. The shooter has to squeez the lever against the wrist to depress this post. The weapon will not fire without that.
The crossbolt safity is useless, but someone who I'm willing to bet doesn't shoot and / or hates guns, thought it was a good idea.
Can you tell I have some energy on this one?