I like the S&W revolver -- a lot. I own 3 of the ones with the lock, no problems with the lock, ignore it. The problem seems to be the lack of quality in other areas. First choice is an older gun with a pinned bbl. That being said, I have a 625JM that is the funnest of them all. A little tuning and it's a blast. So far several thousand rounds and the lock hasn't done anything at all. No problems with a 642 and a 686 with the locks. None of the new ones are as classy as my 15, 17, 19, 28, & 586. Love them all.