I got one July 2016. It was great at first, but is back at Smith & Wesson now for the second time after the extractor fell out for the second time. Hope they get it right this time.
In classes that I've attended there are no loaded firearms allowed in the classroom. This applies to instructors and students. Loaded firearms during training are restricted to the range.
My Victory models are the same way. The V serial number is also on the bottom of the barrel. Those grips are not stock. Both of mine have smooth wood grips.