Odd holes in K Frame (617) Front & Back Strap

[Retired W4]

...It doesn't appear that any of that stuff explains the holes.

Except maybe my theory about SB to RB. Hey Ken, see if Art knows any thing about this.

 

[MikeR90S]

It looks to me like there might be small tungsten weights inserted in the holes, for tuning the balance of the gun, or damping. I can't imagine that weights that small would do anything meaningful.

 

[jban357]

It was just the first day on the job, for the guy that installs the grip pin.. LOL
I never seen that before.

 

[jeffrefrig]

As promised, more pics and a few more details on the mystery holes.

The close up picture helps to see that there is a small rolled "step" or ridge in the hole.
View attachment 577641
The bottom of the hole is about 0.046" diameter and the top portion about 0.062" diameter. The depth is about 0.05". I am NOT a machinist and don't have an accurate pin set to measure diameters that small, so a drill bit and a paper clip are about as accurate as I could get.

And please excuse the condition of the 6". She is on the bench right now getting a bit of tuning up and I did not feel like putting her together just for the pictures.

Another Naked Gun movie! (Sorry; couldn't resist.)

 

[pasound]

My 617-6 is sitting on my bench awaiting cleaning. Grips off, and no holes in the RB frame.

 

[Eddietruett]

It looks to me like there might be small tungsten weights inserted in the holes, for tuning the balance of the gun, or damping. I can't imagine that weights that small would do anything meaningful.[/QUOTE

That makes the most sense. Tungsten is heavy compared to other metals. We used a lot with golf clubs for balance.

 

[jeffrefrig]

The holes are evenly spaced, but do you think they may pull a frame off the line once in a while and take metal samples to check the integrity of the metal or something? Yeah, seems like overkill for the QC Dept. Just a shot, or guess, in the dark.

 

[wproct]

April fools day!

I'm thinking that revolver frame was made on April 1st and someone had a twisted sense of humor!

 

[tmd17]

Running this back to the top to in hope some new eyes on it can shed some light.

 

[stu1ritter]

Anyone notice that the holes have different patterns, right to left views. Right side is two and one, two and one..left side is two two and three.

Stu

 

[black1970]

Was done by a previous owner to make people ask questions on Gun forums.

 

[tmd17]

Was done by a previous owner to make people ask questions on Gun forums.

I bought it NEW.

 

[slight_turn_line_69]

I bought a 617 a while back and posted the same question here. The best response I received was that they were used to index a CNC machining operation. No one knew for sure. Good Luck!

 

[Pisgah]

Whaddya think, Bob?"
"About what? Them holes?
"Yeah. It'll drive 'em crazy, trying to figure out what they're for!"
"What ARE they for?"
"See what I mean?!"

 

[BigMoneyGrip]

I'm guessing termites.

 

[sophie]

Holy, Moly, Andy