I'm not sure what utterly unnecessary means, but I don't think that it applies to The Lock. Many years ago, I would have used one under certain limited circumstances if a reliable one were available. Unfortunately, there is not a reliable one available from S&W.

The addition of a limited-use device that has malfunctioned in a way that could easily get one killed, in exactly the circumstances for which one is carrying a gun, is unacceptable in a defensive weapon. I don't see anything wrong with it for a target piece, although in my present circumstances, I have absolutely no use for one.

You can avoid them pretty easily by buying a used gun, or neuter one if you have to have a particular new gun.

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Formerly Model520Fan