Colt 1917 side plate screws

[Coyote3855]

I recently bought a Colt 1917. Reblued, so a shooter. Locks up tight, decent shape except the side plate screws are buggered. There is also a screw on the left side of the frame, just above the grips near the back strap that's damaged. Is this also a sideplate screw? Schematic is unclear.

I've tried all the usual places for replacement screws for 1917 and New Service with no luck. Popperts, Coltparts.com, Numrich/Gunparts, etc. Any ideas for a source would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

Yes it is a sideplate screw.

The Colt only has two.
One above the trigger and one above the grip.

The one big screw on the right side is a cap screw that actually holds the spring loaded cylinder crane retainer in place.

Sounds like you already tried the usual suspects as far as replacement screws.
So I don't know what to tell you.


I can tell you though, that unless the screw slots are missing big chunks of metal, they can be repaired to near like new.

* You need a steel bench block with a hole that will allow the threaded part to drop in, and support the head.
* Then use a polished smooth face punch & small hammer to tappy-tap-tap the buggers back where they came from.
* Clean up the slot with a needle file.
* Then spin them in a drill and hold a piece of 320 grit black sandpaper against the screw head to polish it.
* Finally, touch-up blue the head with Brownell's Oxpho-Blue cold bluing.

rc

 

[Standing Wolf]

Hey, rcmodel, I didn't know screws can be unbuggered!

If they're too badly messed up to be spiffed back up, Coyote3855, take your question to http://www.coltforum.com/forums/ and ask the experts. Parts for old Colt revolvers are and aren't hard to find and do and don't cost the infamous "arm and a leg."

 

[Coyote3855]

Thanks, rcmodel. Helps to know the right names. I figured the screw on the right side above the trigger was a retaining screw of some sort holding that pin. If I can't find replacments, I'll try the tappy tap method.

 

[MMCSRET]

Talk to "coltparts.com" and "Jack First". Replacements maybe available, new and used.