Keep in mind that store was Cabela's, an outfit renowned for it's high prices, rotten customer service, and personel who either have never recieved any training or who are just plain liers. Brian will learn and that 638 is likely the last firearm he'll ever purchase from Cabala's.

I'm one of those who can report zero issues with the lock. However with my wrist issues I'm limited to shooting heavier revolvers where the lock doesn't have much of a history of issues.

If my wrists were healthy enough I could tolerate shooting one of the featherweights I'd just remove the lock. It only takes about 5 minutes and I think legal concerns about removing the lock are unfounded and overblown in terms of Defense use.