I have 2 of the late models ones with the safety. One in .357 and one in .45. The .357 needed to have the loading gate smoothed as it would nearly cut you loading rounds but the .45 needed nothing done to it. The 357 is a couple years old with probably 500 rounds through it, most .38 Specials. I do need to stick with 140 grain bullets at least for smooth feeding, my cast 158s run fine in 38 cases. The .45 has probably had 200 rounds through it and runs with everything so far. Both mine are 20" round barrels. Tight when brand new, they smoothed up quickly with use and have run fine. I bought both new, as you have noticed, no one lets go of these little rifles. I just leave the safety alone, but if it ever becomes a problem, there was a youtube video on how to remove it and fill the gap with a .25ACP case. I will probably pick up a .44 Magnum too in the future just because...