Good guns.
I bought one a few years ago, paid for some personally desired upgrades and it's my daily carry now. Quality frame and slide, everything is milled and drilled square, they're reliable, what's more to want?
The lock issue is only a consideration if you're wanting the last little bit of smooth and light from the trigger. For all practical purposes, just unlock it and hide the key from yourself.
If the price between a G.I. and mil-spec is too great for you and you want better sights, just get a medium tennon sight of your choice and a "retro" sight from Yost. They'll go in with no machining on the slide.