Howard,
If you have a pre-lock, model marked 21, you have a very rare bird indeed! The last model 22 that was pre-lock was the one commemorative made for the Georgia State Patrol- but there were some earlier model marked versions, but they are hard to come by also. They did make some model 25-12's in the Heritage series that were pre-lock, which supposedly mimicked the Model of 1917 rather than the model of 1950 Army (or rather, the Model 22).
This is a loaded (no pun intended), extremely polarizing question.
I would recommend going with the one that makes you feel good. I have no opinion other than you shall get opinions. (I am trying to be as unbiased as possible on this)
Do a search on the word "lock" and you shall find a plethora of information upon your quest. Plus, you'll have reading material for the next few days- even since most of the older post have "rolled off" of the forum of late.
