Has anybody else noticed that Smith & Wesson has started using lockout holes and MIM parts in their revolvers now? Thoughts?
Been that way for quite some time Rob. Don't own one with the "Hillary Holes"... I noticed S&W has cut corners too. All my Smifs are old school.
Hate to hear it. My only two Smith & Wessons do not have them. They are older, as well. I sure hate to see them standardize these things. Oh well. Admittingly, I am not a real big S&W revolver fan, but after buying my Shield, I began looking at them a little more. When I saw their current line, I noticed the hole in every frame.
I was into S&W at the early stages of my collection...owning 5 at one point...down to 4 now. Well built back in the day...the addition of any more seems unlikely...as I got what I want covered. Though I do have an eye out for a 4" blued Model 19 Combat Magnum... The 6" version was my very first "new" gun back in the 70's...and I regret selling it.
I’ve got a Model 29 that’s a couple years old. It’s got the hole, the barrel isn’t pinned, and the chambers aren’t recessed. That said, it’s a beautiful gun and a great shooter. I understand that it’s stronger than previous versions. And brand new for a lower price than a used model.
Couple older S&W specimens. The Model 66 is a “no dash” version. Pinned barrel, recessed cylinder. First production run. The Model 442 is an early/mid-90s vintage. Both nice pieces of work