Integral Locking System

Question
I have read a few articles critical of the S & W integral locking system that apparently locks while the weapon is being used. What is your opinion on this?

On a different topic. What is the measurement being used for a 357 magnum load. I understand that 38 cal is 38 100th of an inch. What is 357 and 380 referring to.

Thanks

Answer
Jim,

I haven't heard anything either way on the new integral locking system on S&W guns. Many gunmakers have gone that route, Taurus being the first to incorporate a lock mechanism directly on their firearms. Aside from kinda messing up the aesthetics (and being 9/10ths unnecessary) I don't know if there's anything wrong with the mechanism itself. Being engineered by S&W I'd have to imagine it's a quality mechanism.

As for the calibers you asked about, the .38 Special bullet is actually .357 inches across. Why it was dubbed ".38 Special" when it's not .38-caliber has always been a mystery to me.

As for the .380 ACP cartridge, that's another one whose name makes little sense. The .380 ACP is called the "9mm Kurtz" in Europe (Kurtz being German for "short") as it is 9mm wide by 17mm long, versus the 9mm Luger, which is 9mm wide by 19mm long, or the Russian 9mm Makarov, which is 9mm wide by 18mm long. Technically, a 9mm bullet is right about .36 caliber, not .380 caliber, so again, why the 9mm Short was designated .380 ACP is a mystery.

Hopefully I've answered your questions. If you've any others, pleae feel free to ask.

Kyle