Small hole in 642-2 frame

[Stevens]

This is a small hole in the frame about 1/2"to the right of the lock, just above the grip. I am guessing it is to push out some pin once the RH side plate is removed?
Picture below
Thanks for replies!
Steve W

 

[DT75]

I belive that would be the pin hole that acts as the pivot for the locking flag.

 

[Wishbone]

Neither my 442-1 or 642-1 have that pin.

 

[Breakaway500]

I see two holes..neither are on any of my centennials.

 

[Stevens]

I tried operating the lock to see if that was some sort of lock on/off indicator but nothing changes. There is no corresponding hole on the other side of the frame maybe on the internals, when I have a chance I'll remove the RH side plate and have a look inside.
Thanks
Steve W

 

[Wishbone]

As you can see the holes are not on mine. Must be something to do with the lock.

 

[kthom]

Every S&W revolver I've seen with the infernal lock have those same two holes. Revolvers without the lock have neither. I know I'm stating the obvious here, and I'll admit I'm not certain what the purpose is for the smaller hole toward the rear of the frame behind the larger hole that has the lock mechanism exposed for the key to operate it.

I have an old beat up M 642-2 with the lock and it looks just like the OP's photo. I think DT75 may have the answer. Since I have not inspected nor disassembled the IL on my copy, I can't say for sure, but it sounds like a good possibility. All I've done with my copy is shoot the snot out of it without any negative consequences. I have never operated the lock. I've just left it alone and kept an eye on the mechanism to see if there have been any changes during the shooting. At some point, I will be removing the side plate for cleaning and inspection, and I'll be looking to see what that tiny hole might be for.

 

[Stevens]

What is the locking flag? if an indicator that the lock is on/off what ever is behind the hole doesn't seem to move when the lock is activated.
Thanks for replies
Steve W

 

[TheGrimReaper]

actually that is the recharging port for the USB adapter. Plug it up to recharge the .38 Special +P rounds. IF not full charged when the gun is fired it can result in a SQUIB load.

 

[F75gunslinger]

It's just a hole for an internal part to pivot on. It will not move in or out, only rotate.

 

[jimbo728]

actually that is the recharging port for the USB adapter. Plug it up to recharge the .38 Special +P rounds. IF not full charged when the gun is fired it can result in a SQUIB load.

See this hole? Rats used to come out of this hole.
(Moe) "Look! There`s one coming out now!"

 

[S&WOkie]

It is most definitely the hole for the pivot pin of the locking mechanism flag.

I removed mine and now it's just an empty hole. There are plugs for the large hole when you remove the lock but I haven't found anything for the smaller hole.

 

[shakyshoot]

Every S&W revolver I've seen with the infernal lock have those same two holes. Revolvers without the lock have neither.

I have 4 with the lock and the only one with that second hole is my 638-3. Next of kin to the OP's gun, and my only newer J-frame.

 

[SquarePizza]

That exterior pivot pin hole is only on IL J-frames, the larger and thicker frame models do not have a hole that goes all the way through the frame.

 

[Stevens]

Thanks for all the replies. I removed the grips and see it is for the Locked indicator(flag) as many suggested.
Interesting there is a flag inside the 642 even though there is no way it can stick out to be seen, no hammer slot!
Steve W