As for the locks, they can easily be removed. I was gifted a brand new 586 with a 4" barrel and my first day at the range caused a lock up when shooting single action. (luckily I was at a range at a local store that provided gunsmithing) So I had to get some work done and had the lock removed on that particular handgun, while my new model 69 still has the lock, it has had about 500 rounds through it and no lockup.

I would just remove it and be done with it. I plan on it with my model 69.