I have no problem with the newer guns, haven't seen any problems with locks, related to me or anyone I klnow around me... I've purchased 2 SW500, M60-pro, M638, M640, TRR325. Other than the locks, I see no diff in quality or functionality from my older 629, 10, 19, 1917...
I plan on buying more in the near future. Looking at a JM625, and did find some poor workmanship with the JM grips, the worst fitting grips on the frame I have ever seen.. not sure who makes them though. But then maybe it's the frame that Smith supplied..