sideplate screw backing out

Valdez · January 17, 2001, 01:21 PM

The sideplate screw just behind/below the trigger is backing out when I dryfire a 442. Anyone knowledgeable as to why this is happening? I'd remove the sideplate except I don't have the proper screwdrivers?

What is normally done in this case?

RobCon · January 17, 2001, 01:37 PM

I use blue Loctite on revolver sideplate screws as SOP. You must have a properly fitted screwdriver, then remove the screws, clean off any visible crud and tighten snugly. The 442 will loosen them up during firing if you do not use threadlocker. Don't go overboard with the loctite, filling the threads is all that is needed.

Valdez · January 17, 2001, 04:21 PM

Thanks for the advice. I've been very crudely re-tightening the screw with my fingernail but I think I am willing to get some proper screwdrivers and take a look at the internals while I'm at it.

Do you know who sells proper screwdrivers? I think I'll do a web search on this. Someone on this board mentioned a custom revolver with replacement hex screws. That sounds like a really neat idea.

K-9 · January 17, 2001, 11:36 PM

Try Brownell's.

January 17, 2001, 01:21 PM	#1
Valdez Junior member Join Date: October 17, 1998 Posts: 234	The sideplate screw just behind/below the trigger is backing out when I dryfire a 442. Anyone knowledgeable as to why this is happening? I'd remove the sideplate except I don't have the proper screwdrivers? What is normally done in this case?

January 17, 2001, 01:37 PM	#2
RobCon Senior Member Join Date: March 4, 2000 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 149	I use blue Loctite on revolver sideplate screws as SOP. You must have a properly fitted screwdriver, then remove the screws, clean off any visible crud and tighten snugly. The 442 will loosen them up during firing if you do not use threadlocker. Don't go overboard with the loctite, filling the threads is all that is needed.

January 17, 2001, 04:21 PM	#3
Valdez Junior member Join Date: October 17, 1998 Posts: 234	Thanks for the advice. I've been very crudely re-tightening the screw with my fingernail but I think I am willing to get some proper screwdrivers and take a look at the internals while I'm at it. Do you know who sells proper screwdrivers? I think I'll do a web search on this. Someone on this board mentioned a custom revolver with replacement hex screws. That sounds like a really neat idea.

January 17, 2001, 11:36 PM	#4
K-9 Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2000 Posts: 121	Try Brownell's.