Yes, it’s much cheaper now AND the laser is still built in (use it or don’t, it’s still only about $350 now).
I’ve had an early run one for about 9 months now and I did have the take down pin issue that you’ll read about. Essentially, after about 100 rounds at the range the take down pin would work itself out on mine. S&W has fixed that issue and now uses a redesigned frame (which they changed us early adopters having the problem to).
From what I’ve heard (and experienced on my new frame replacement), the latest version has been very reliable and solid.
In terms of subjective opinion, I think it’s probably a huge overlooked value in the .380 category. There’s not much talk about it for some reason, but it fits my hands perfectly and it feels and operates like a larger gun, not a pocket sized. The trigger is decent and the recoil is very manageable. It has real and functional sights. I could shoot it for a whole range session and not care, it’s not as snappy or painful like some other .380’s. AND, it has an external safely. Use it or don’t, I don’t care, but it’s there as a choice if you like safeties on guns in your pocket.
At the new $350 price tag with the built in laser, it’s tough to beat IMO.