Well, to answer your first question, I really like mine. It shoots pretty good for a short barrel. They are not 6" target guns! But you can bang out eight .357 mags pretty fast at close range. I sent mine back for a fluted cylinder, $214 with shipping. I sometimes carry it in a Galco shoulder holster, today it was a belt holster. I don't care for the way the hammer displays, but at least it does not have the lock. As previously stated the first 302 were marked 627PC and some were later marked 627-3. The boot grips on mine were proud on the edges, but not too bad. I replaced them with Hogues to get the little finger on the grip. I don't like the lock, like a lot of folks, but I have a 5" 627-5 that is a fine shooting gun. I would not let the lock stand in your way if that is what you really want.
I am a S&W guy
