I use the holes because I think it makes a better connection especially if the
outer cover is properly "screwed" into the connector.

I found an old 100-W soldering iron, not gun, at a yard sale for 50 cents. I
machined (filed) the tip so that it was no longer pointed but cylindrical so
that the tip would just enter one of the four holes.

I hold the hot tip in the holes until the solder flows and "tins" the braid and
the connector.

If needed I can use some non corrosive flux to make me think I did a better
job.

73 de Jack, K9CUN