People have to realize that this has nothing to do with who "likes" or "doesn't like" the lock. They, (S&W), did it strictly to help avoid lawsuits and legal repercussions. The lock is a product of the world we now live in.... Not because Smith & Wesson, "no longer cares about their customers". That's pure nonsense. They care about their company, along with keeping it financially viable.
People don't like child proof caps either. I don't have kids, and never "liked" or needed them. But it's only until recently, that older people with arthritic hands were complaining to the point they couldn't get the damn caps off their medication, were they then given a choice.
S&W can't do that with their revolvers. Because unlike medication, they have no ability to control who's hands their guns get into once they are sold and resold. Guns can last several lifetimes. Most medications are gone in 30 days. Hence the legal ramifications, and why we have the lock with no choice in the matter. Without that lock lawyers were under the LEGAL opinion that S&W could be sued into oblivion under the right conditions. Would that have been better?
Don't forget, that lock costs S&W money to produce and install. Believe me, they would much rather pocket that cost in profit... As would their stockholders. Also, gun companies don't have the deep pockets the tobacco or liquor industry does. Many of these companies like Colt and Remington, who have been around for well over a century, are currently on the verge of going broke. And many are in bankruptcy as we speak. Several are gone all together. While others are changing ownership faster than a bad used car. All while trying desperately to stay afloat.
The fact of the matter is, it's hard to make money today in the gun business. The liberal Democrats want every gun companies head on a stick. And they want them held liable for everything, except if the owner falls down the stairs because they were drunk. And you have a legal system that is packed solid with desperate, money hungry, over zealous lawyers. Who would love nothing better than the slightest chance to sue them out of business. And a citizenry full of greedy people who are all chomping at the bit for a chance at a big settlement.
Add it all up, and you're lucky you can still buy guns today..... Let alone one without a lock. If you want to place blame here, don't be blaming Smith & Wesson. Rather, blame the condition of this nation. From well over 60 years of communist indoctrination in our public school system. That has done nothing, except produced a generation of self entitled, jealous, snot nosed brats.
