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05-25-2023, 07:35 PM
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Another NIB with HOLES in straps. 629-6
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05-26-2023, 07:50 AM
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Maybe there are some moths at S&W and they have developed the skill to eat metal.
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05-26-2023, 08:19 AM
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Interesting, it looks like the model number is Lazer etched? Mine is definitely stamped(you can hardly read it )
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05-26-2023, 08:42 AM
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Possibly some kind of indexing system for clamping the frames during the machining process?
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05-26-2023, 11:17 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rodan
Possibly some kind of indexing system for clamping the frames during the machining process?
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That was my thought also.
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05-26-2023, 12:31 PM
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It happens when they spin balance them 
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05-26-2023, 03:57 PM
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For our blind shooters
Braille markings for assembly .
Last edited by Dave.357; 05-26-2023 at 07:25 PM.
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05-26-2023, 04:11 PM
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Put the grips back on and you’ll never see them . ��
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05-26-2023, 04:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave.357
For our blind shooters
Brail markings for assembly .
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That made me laugh 
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05-26-2023, 06:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave.357
For our blind shooters
Brail markings for assembly .
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Like the braille markings on drive up ATM's?
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So many S&W's, so few funds!!
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05-26-2023, 08:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrchick
It happens when they spin balance them |
Best response ever to these holes!
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05-26-2023, 10:11 PM
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I'm guessing something done at the factory. They're neatly done and grips cover it so I wouldn't give it another thought.
Perhaps pics to S&W just to learn what they're for?
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05-26-2023, 11:13 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jcs266
I'm guessing something done at the factory. They're neatly done and grips cover it so I wouldn't give it another thought.
Perhaps pics to S&W just to learn what they're for?
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Best response yet. Maybe they can clear it up once and for all.
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05-26-2023, 11:24 PM
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I'd be a little more concerned about what looks like rust on the frame and in the jig holes than the holes themselves.........
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05-27-2023, 12:59 AM
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Banned
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has anyone actually studied this much at all?
SO FAR it all seems to be a dash 6 issue.. so can someone say what CHANGED for the dash 6 models?
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05-27-2023, 01:07 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SpadXII
has anyone actually studied this much at all?
SO FAR it all seems to be a dash 6 issue.. so can someone say what CHANGED for the dash 6 models?
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Apparently you did not look at the links
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06-01-2023, 09:28 PM
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Two more NIB 686-6 came in today, BOTH had the mystery holes. I have pics but won't bother posting them as it seems to be a relatively routine thing for Smith now. I will note that the holes where in the same general area on the front and back straps as others I have seen, but no discernible pattern or spacing to indicate they would be useful as locators of any sort.
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06-01-2023, 09:32 PM
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At least they put the QR code where it doesn't show, as on the frame of the new Colt Pythons.
Last edited by sodacan; 06-01-2023 at 11:16 PM.
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06-01-2023, 09:53 PM
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Send it back; tell S&W Customer Service you want it fixed!  )
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06-07-2023, 06:15 PM
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Another entry so that I can keep track.
This time it's a 442-1.
The first non stainless frame that I have seen with the mystery holes.
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06-10-2023, 12:36 PM
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06-10-2023, 12:53 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mod57
My 629-6 has the holes also
....
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Looks like it is becoming more regular.
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06-18-2023, 08:47 AM
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Clue to mystery holes
Found a clue to the mystery holes. The guns.com factory tour shows forged stock at revolver A-cut with the mystery holes appearing at 18:28. Interesting... but still no explanation.
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06-18-2023, 08:54 AM
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Clue to mystery holes
Correction...it appears at 5:54.
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06-18-2023, 10:51 AM
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I just bought a new 629 5 inch barrel yesterday born on date 5/23/2023 took the grip’s off and it has the holes. I also bought a new 5” 686-357 model a couple months ago with a born on date 01/05/22 it also has the holes. Looks like the holes are here to stay.
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06-18-2023, 11:10 AM
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A 66-8 purchased 2 years ago has them for what it's worth...
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06-18-2023, 11:49 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Troutscout
Correction...it appears at 5:54. ....
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The holes appear during the "first cutting" in the cnc machine. Perhaps they are some sort of test cuts??
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06-18-2023, 07:43 PM
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Indexes of some sort
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06-19-2023, 02:50 PM
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They are 80% frames. You have to finish them yourself by drilling hales at the specified marks. The guns won't function otherwise.
Joking!!! (***, I can see someone taking that seriously.)
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06-19-2023, 03:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dvus
They are 80% frames. You have to finish them yourself by drilling hales at the specified marks. The guns won't function otherwise.
Joking!!! (***, I can see someone taking that seriously.)
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I finished drilling those holes to mount a "GANGSTA STYLE" red dot,,,
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06-19-2023, 07:43 PM
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My NIB 686-6 shipped 4/17/23 hit the motherlode of mystery grip frame holes. Extra, extra special!
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06-19-2023, 11:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom S.
Like the braille markings on drive up ATM's? |
Local Kroger has a lottery scratch off ticket vending machine that has Braille on it.
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06-20-2023, 09:47 AM
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Maybe we can get Lawrence Fishburne to do an Unsolved Mysteries episode.
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06-20-2023, 10:59 AM
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Maybe "lightweighting" to save on metal costs?
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06-20-2023, 11:04 AM
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Like all those automatics with Buick Cruiserline Ventiports in the slide?
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06-23-2023, 07:20 AM
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Yesterday a little 351C that came in that had the holes. More and more I am thinking they are test holes for the cutters. A reminder to some that EDM cutters will make a hole that looks like these holes.
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06-23-2023, 11:44 PM
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Here are the two most recent smith 69, one is a few months old, the other a couple years. The 2 3/4 is the newest and has the holes, the 4 1/4 is a couple years old and does not.
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06-24-2023, 12:57 AM
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First it was the Hillary hole.
Now the grip frame holes!
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06-27-2023, 07:47 AM
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tgmr05 - Thanks for the report. Hopefully others will let us know if their new S&W wheel guns have the holes as well.
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06-27-2023, 09:21 AM
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My 629-6 Deluxe 3" bbl. that I bought 24 June 2022 has the holes. I do not know the mfg. date DRD22XX.
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06-27-2023, 09:31 AM
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The ones with holes are designed with electronic devices that deactivate the gun with a push of the button on Joe Biden's desk...
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06-27-2023, 09:44 AM
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Those are balancing holes so you can spin and twirl it just like Roy Rogers. LOL!!
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06-27-2023, 05:31 PM
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An M442 Pro Series (442-1) showed up today with the holes in the front and back straps.
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06-30-2023, 09:21 PM
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I bought a NIB 317-3 yesterday. YUP- Holes both sides front and back straps.
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06-30-2023, 11:02 PM
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629-6 Classic 5” manufactured Nov 2020 no holes.
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Linear Mode
