S&W Model 686 Plus: Does the Key Lock Enhance Safety?

Evaluating the S&W 686 Plus Key Lock

• 🎯 The video examines the Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus, a seven-round .357 Magnum revolver, focusing on its integrated key lock feature.
• 💡 The presenter questions the effectiveness and necessity of the key lock, suggesting it was a response to legal pressures rather than user demand.
• ⚠️ The key lock is described as an "ugly blemish" that detracts from the historical and aesthetic appeal of the firearm.

Functionality and User Experience

• 🔑 The presenter expresses skepticism about the key lock's ability to enhance safety, noting that most users do not engage it.
• ⏱️ Fumbling with the small key in a stressful situation is highlighted as impractical, especially when quick access to the firearm is needed.
• 🚫 Concerns are raised about the potential for accidental deactivation or activation of the lock due to recoil, though this is considered rare.

Alternatives and Conclusion

• 🔒 Modern alternatives like electronic safes and lock boxes are presented as more practical and faster solutions for securing firearms.
• 📉 The phasing out of the key lock by Smith & Wesson is seen as an implicit admission of its limited utility and user dissatisfaction.
• ✅ The presenter concludes that the key lock does not make the firearm any safer and that older models without the lock are preferred by many.

Supporting Friends and Channels

• 🤝 The video acknowledges sponsors like Silencer Central, Davidson's Gallery of Guns, and SDI (Sonoran Desert Institute).
• 🛠️ Other supporters mentioned include Alabama Holster, Talon Grips, and Ballistol, with their products and websites briefly highlighted.
• 📺 Viewers are encouraged to check out additional Hickok45 channels and social media platforms.