Reason for grip frame hole?

BibleronKJV · #1 11-02-2015, 04:26 PM

On both of my 1952 vintage K-38's there is a large (1/4") hole next to the grip pins on the lower grip frame. Anyone know the purpose/reason for this hole? Thanks, Ron

BibleronKJV · #2 11-02-2015, 04:34 PM

Just checked the "Search" function and found that it was thought to be a "jig location hole" in a 2010 thread. Any new ideas? Thanks, Ron

handejector · #3 11-02-2015, 04:38 PM

What else could it be for?
Ventilation?

gwpercle · #4 11-02-2015, 04:40 PM

weight reduction ?

Arik · #5 11-02-2015, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by handejector

What else could it be for?
Ventilation?

Quote:

Originally Posted by gwpercle

weight reduction ?

Less air resistance = faster draw

gmborkovic · #6 11-02-2015, 05:17 PM

I think the guy had a valid question, then found the answer. Found the following posts really not appropriate. Kind of like humor. OH I get it now.

jsfricks · #7 11-02-2015, 05:35 PM

Storage for belly button lint?

jsfricks · #8 11-02-2015, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmborkovic

I think the guy had a valid question, then found the answer. Found the following posts really not appropriate. Kind of like humor. OH I get it now.

Yep, he found his answer and folks are just having some fun. You ought to try it sometime. Loosen up!

gmborkovic · #9 11-02-2015, 06:16 PM

I do have fun. And get called on it. It was my opinion. I admire the OP that he asked a question and found the answer.

DWalt · #10 11-02-2015, 06:18 PM

I was always told that was a hole for a machining fixture or jig locating pin. No other logical purpose makes any sense.

BibleronKJV · #11 11-02-2015, 06:45 PM

Thanks for all the responses...both the informative ones and the "creative" ones. According to some of the "Search" threads it was done during the early 1950's and ceased around 1957 or so. Amazing what you can find by using the "Search" function. Ron

Engine49guy · #12 11-02-2015, 07:04 PM

JIG HOLES ?.......WE DONT NEED NO STINKIN JIG HOLES !

gmborkovic · #13 11-02-2015, 07:23 PM

Humor, now thats funny. Thanks Brad.

old bear · #14 11-02-2015, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by handejector

What else could it be for?
Ventilation?

Lee, see what ya started.
Just remember that everyone likes a little ***, but not everyone likes a smart ***

Now that's humor.

RKmesa · #15 11-02-2015, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BibleronKJV

On both of my 1952 vintage K-38's there is a large (1/4") hole next to the grip pins on the lower grip frame. Anyone know the purpose/reason for this hole?

I've read all the reasons and speculation on the "why" and after years of pondering on this conundrum, I am convinced that the engineers in the 1950's had sense of humor (similar to several of the above posters) and they put the hole there for no other reason than it would stump future generations of collectors, who would scratch their heads and ask "what in the heck was this hole used for?" ... Either that or, I'll go with the above mentioned "ventilation" - you know... so the grip frame would not sweat with those tighty magnas screw on to it...

Jack Flash · #16 11-02-2015, 09:05 PM

There are some on this Forum who consider themselves real "wits". Unfortunately, they are only half right.

Club Gun Fan · #17 11-02-2015, 09:14 PM

You know is gonna get mad at me for my answer, but here goes.
That's where Smith & Wesson ran the string thru the frame when they spray painted them.

handejector · #18 11-02-2015, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Engine49guy

JIG HOLES ?.......WE DONT NEED NO STINKIN JIG HOLES !

Maybe not, but that crew might need the ventilation.

paplinker · #19 11-02-2015, 10:09 PM

I bet some pencil pusher came up with it.

If we put a hole in each frame the the steel saved will make us pennies.

I do pose this question though. If some frames have the hole and some do not wouldn't they weigh differently? I thought all three models were made to have the exact same weight.

REM 3200 · #20 11-02-2015, 11:32 PM

It is where the Johnson Rod was removed so that a Knibeling Pin could be placed there at a later date, if it proved necessary. The Knibeling Pins could only be acquired from Colt. Smith & Wesson decided not to acquire them, thus there is a hole in the frame for new owners to ask about.

Hondo44 · #21 11-03-2015, 06:27 AM

Hole in the grip frame used to secure it during manufacturing disappeared 1959/60 (S196000 for N-frames).

g8rb8 · #22 11-03-2015, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REM 3200

It is where the Johnson Rod was removed so that a Knibeling Pin could be placed there at a later date, if it proved necessary. The Knibeling Pins could only be acquired from Colt. Smith & Wesson decided not to acquire them, thus there is a hole in the frame for new owners to ask about.

With the advent of the rotoplueker the Knibeling pin was no longer necessary. Ergo no need for a hole for the Johnson Rod.

And, do we truly know what the hole was for or is it merely educated conjecture or conventional wisdom that it was used in the manufacturing process to secure the revolver? Is this established fact?

handejector · #23 11-03-2015, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g8rb8

And, do we truly know what the hole was for or is it merely educated conjecture or conventional wisdom that it was used in the manufacturing process to secure the revolver? Is this established fact?

Note in the pic that whole area is machined away on Pre-War frames. Pre-War on left, Mid 50s on right.

Machinery and methods evolve. Manufacturers don't buy drill bits and pay guys to drill holes without a reason.
Hellstrom was in charge with just about complete authority when the hole appeared. He was an engineer by trade, and very SHARP.

Since the hole disappeared, it is logical to assume they developed another method for jigging, but did not return to milling away that area. Again, that is obviously logical- why change a milling setup when you don't need to? You would just quit drilling the hole you no longer need.

Bottom line-
I asked Roy Jinks, the Factory Historian, this question years ago. His answer was jig hole.
Also remember that Roy was Production Manager for part of his career.

g8rb8 · #24 11-03-2015, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by handejector

Note in the pic that whole area is machined away on Pre-War frames. Pre-War on left, Mid 50s on right.

Machinery and methods evolve. Manufacturers don't buy drill bits and pay guys to drill holes without a reason.
Hellstrom was in charge with just about complete authority when the hole appeared. He was an engineer by trade, and very SHARP.

Since the hole disappeared, it is logical to assume they developed another method for jigging, but did not return to milling away that area. Again, that is obviously logical- why change a milling setup when you don't need to? You would just quit drilling the hole you no longer need.

Bottom line-
I asked Roy Jinks, the Factory Historian, this question years ago. His answer was jig hole.
Also remember that Roy was Production Manager for part of his career.

Thanks,
That explanation lays it to rest for me.

rgm36 · #25 11-03-2015, 09:57 PM

When you put the grips back on, is the hole still really there?

You know - the tree falling in the woods with nobody there thing! Does it still make noise?

chief38 · #26 11-04-2015, 04:30 AM

Experimental "AIRWEIGHT" model?? LOL!!

vonn · #27 11-04-2015, 08:59 AM

A little humor and a smile always makes my day go better!