Not at all. I'm not aware of any case in which that was raised as an issue, but it will happen sooner or later. A savvy prosecutor will realize what that little plug means, and he will rake the defendant over the coals for it.

Doesn't matter whether the removal of the lock had any bearing in the cause of the shooting, it will be presented to an ignorant jury as proof that the defendant is careless with his guns.

Never mind what other evidence is presented - GUILTY!