Are Smith and Wesson sideplate screws the same?

Arkhog · October 7, 2008, 03:40 PM

I accidently knocked around my sideplate screws for my 66-1. After cleaning out the internals and putting the sideplate on I think I may have the front screw and the one behind the trigger guard reversed.

They look the same outside of the gun. Laying on the table I can't tell the difference between the two. However, the front screw seems seated too deep and the screw behind the trigger guard seems raised.

I am not sure. Opinions?

Playboypenguin · October 7, 2008, 04:22 PM

The screws can be different. Many of mine have different screws in different locations. Ones that reside under the grips are more shallow with a flatter head and the exposed ones are taller and more rounded.

**James K** · October 7, 2008, 05:48 PM

At one time, the three lower screws were identical, and a shallow notch cut in the grips to accommodate the head of the rear one. Then they began to make that screw with a flat head, so its place was now obvious, but the other screws were still identical. Then they decided to use a different size screw for the front, where it is also the retaining screw for the crane.

Even when the screws appear identical, one has a flat point at the side of the tip, and the tip itself may be a tad shorter; that is the front screw. If another screw is put in its place, the crane may bind and the cylinder will be hard to open.

Jim

Arkhog · October 7, 2008, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Even when the screws appear identical, one has a flat point at the side of the tip, and the tip itself may be a tad shorter; that is the front screw. If another screw is put in its place, the crane may bind and the cylinder will be hard to open.

Jim

I removed both screws again. For the ever-lovin' life of me they look exactly the same and neither one of them has a flat point near the tip. I reversed them. There seems to be no change in look or function. I give up.

October 7, 2008, 03:40 PM	#1
Arkhog Member Join Date: August 8, 2006 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 76	Are Smith and Wesson sideplate screws the same? I accidently knocked around my sideplate screws for my 66-1. After cleaning out the internals and putting the sideplate on I think I may have the front screw and the one behind the trigger guard reversed. They look the same outside of the gun. Laying on the table I can't tell the difference between the two. However, the front screw seems seated too deep and the screw behind the trigger guard seems raised. I am not sure. Opinions?

October 7, 2008, 05:48 PM	#3
James K Staff Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 16,398	At one time, the three lower screws were identical, and a shallow notch cut in the grips to accommodate the head of the rear one. Then they began to make that screw with a flat head, so its place was now obvious, but the other screws were still identical. Then they decided to use a different size screw for the front, where it is also the retaining screw for the crane. Even when the screws appear identical, one has a flat point at the side of the tip, and the tip itself may be a tad shorter; that is the front screw. If another screw is put in its place, the crane may bind and the cylinder will be hard to open. Jim __________________ Jim K

October 7, 2008, 04:22 PM	#2
Playboypenguin Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Great Pacific Northwest Posts: 11,515	The screws can be different. Many of mine have different screws in different locations. Ones that reside under the grips are more shallow with a flatter head and the exposed ones are taller and more rounded.