Other than being able to "lock up" the firing mechanism, is there any other reason/advantage to have the locking mechanism on a S&W 442? Does it effect the strength of the gun frame in any way? Any other pros or cons to having the lock? Are the pre-lock revolvers any better?

I really don't want a lock on a gun I am going to carry. Everything that is added to a gun is one more thing mechanical that can go wrong. Keep it simple.

John S +1

My 442 does NOT have a lock. Would I pay more for a 442 un-lock model??? Yea about $40.

You can dis-connect the lock mechanism on a new model, just a pain.

The S&W 442 is available without the internal lock. There have been complaints posted on internet forums about S&W revolvers locking inadvertently ... whether true or not, I don't know. Personally I would just buy the model without the lock, since I see NO valid reason for it.