The issue with modern S&W revolvers is really bad quality control. The last modern S&W I bought (purchased new online) was a Model 442 (no lock). The forcing cone looked like it was fresh cut with a hack saw. Totally unacceptable. Completely unfinished. Someone at the factory literally forgot to trim and polish the steel there, so it was totally rough, like fresh from the cutter. You couldn't even put a patch on it or it would instantly shred from all the sharp points sticking up, and you'd have to pull patch material out with your fingers. I called S&W and they gave me a free shipping label to send it back. They took one look at it and sent me a brand new 442, no questions asked.
That sort of thing never happened back in the day.
