I am so happy to know that you can remove those Locks! Those are the one and only things I don't like with new S&W Revolvers. I am not familiar at all with the internal workings of S&W Revolvers, I would like know if they have after market parts that do not incorporate the locks? Like those for Colt 1911s. You can remove the Series 80 Firing Pin Lock system and install a Stainless Steel Shim in the frame and use Series 70 Parts. With regard to the hole in the frame perhaps a gunsmith could put a piece of steel in the hole by the same method/process they use to install barrel sleeves on rifle barrels. That would cover the hole and it would not easily come off.

Thank you

Nico