Original Precision S&W PLUG
Sat Jun 15, 2019 2:23 pm
Here's the two I plugged. For those not in the know, S&W has installed locks on nearly all revolver models since 2001. For those of us that don't like to depend on keys and consider our fingers to be our safeties, it's nice to get rid of the "Hillary Hole" i.e. the internal lock.
Original Precision makes a matte stainless plug which is easy enough in my 627. Removing the lock parts SUCKS. S&W designed this to be difficult with a small but very firm spring. If it wasn't strong, it would engage on its own --- which it still sometimes does, if you believe the Interwebz.
The 29-8, being a high polish blued gun, was more difficult as Original Precision does not make a plug in a matching finish. The owner recommended I buy the regular matte black one which is plastic coated steel. Wet sand off the plastic and you have regular carbon steel which will take a blue. After polishing down to 1200 grit, I used my $7 bluing pen and got what I paid for. After a rub with a rag, it looked more like the case hardening on the hammer and trigger. Which is not terrible. I decided to not fight this battle further and installed it.
Final verdict: the parts are expensive for what you get but do the job. It's tough to shell out nearly $40 for a couple tiny parts. If I was a machinist I could make my own for $0.10 and a little time. But I'm not, and there is really no alternative to what Original Precision makes. I'm also happy to support a fellow Marine vet and small business owner. If you aren't willing to, or cannot disassemble a S&W this item is not for you.
They also make a moon clip tool that I purchased, and it too seems pretty basic but does the job. I do wish I had given the BMT version a try first, but will run what I got.
https://www.originalprecision.com/lock- ... parts.html
Original Precision makes a matte stainless plug which is easy enough in my 627. Removing the lock parts SUCKS. S&W designed this to be difficult with a small but very firm spring. If it wasn't strong, it would engage on its own --- which it still sometimes does, if you believe the Interwebz.
The 29-8, being a high polish blued gun, was more difficult as Original Precision does not make a plug in a matching finish. The owner recommended I buy the regular matte black one which is plastic coated steel. Wet sand off the plastic and you have regular carbon steel which will take a blue. After polishing down to 1200 grit, I used my $7 bluing pen and got what I paid for. After a rub with a rag, it looked more like the case hardening on the hammer and trigger. Which is not terrible. I decided to not fight this battle further and installed it.
Final verdict: the parts are expensive for what you get but do the job. It's tough to shell out nearly $40 for a couple tiny parts. If I was a machinist I could make my own for $0.10 and a little time. But I'm not, and there is really no alternative to what Original Precision makes. I'm also happy to support a fellow Marine vet and small business owner. If you aren't willing to, or cannot disassemble a S&W this item is not for you.
They also make a moon clip tool that I purchased, and it too seems pretty basic but does the job. I do wish I had given the BMT version a try first, but will run what I got.
https://www.originalprecision.com/lock- ... parts.html
Re: Original Precision S&W PLUG
Fri Jun 21, 2019 4:48 pm
Interesting, I didn't know there was such a thing.
Those look good!
Those look good!
Re: Original Precision S&W PLUG
Mon Jul 29, 2019 7:03 am
The Hillary hole is the name for my presidents of the the United States cover band.