Here is my 442 from a couple years ago. Has the gap, and also has wear marks on the crane portion of the frame from section of the ejector rod just in front of the cylinder face. I do not think I even paid $300 for this one brand new at a gunshow. It is only for carrying when I walk the dogs so it does not bother me that much. It is sad that these are examples of present day S&W product. It is also why I buy older S&W revolvers almost exclusively. If this 442 had the lock I would not have bought it.