New 438 BG?

[Fchewy]

Looking at a new 438 for less than $400, it has the IL, is this gun JUNK because of this? has ANYONE had a failure with a newer S&W "J" with the IL?
If they all are junk because of the IL i will look at a Ruger SP101.

 

[USAF385]

My father's 642 had the lock. He shot it for quite some time with no issues at all. I did eventually remove the lock from it though, just to be safe. Lock removal is simple is you feel comfortable taking the gun apart.

No, the gun isn't JUNK.

 

[NOTREDAME]

I have a 438 that I bought about two years ago. I have never had a problem with the IL, nor any FTF with any ammo I have shot. I carry this a majority of the time with a crimson trace grip on it.