S&W model 15 - side plate screws

[Waveski]

I purchased a well worn , mechanically fine model 15-3. It was a purposeful acquisition - I wanted a revolver to serve as a learning platform - disassembly , cleaning , reassembly and so on. So far , so good. Upon disassembly I noticed that the flat head side plate screw was located on the area not covered by the original grips , and one of the oval head screws was beneath the grip. (It left an imprint on the underside of the wood grip.) So I knew that the screws were not in the proper locations. My question : of the two oval head side plate screws , which goes to which location? The base of each looks quite similar , but the head of one is thicker than the other. One retains the crane , the other goes to the location above the aft end of the trigger guard.

Clarification to this trivial question would be appreciated. I am trying to get it right.
'Ski

 

[Jim K]

OK, the screw with the flat head goes to the rear, under the grip, as you found out.

Now look at the small end of the other two. One should show a flat spot. Screw that one into the front hole and move the crane in and out a few times. If there is no binding and the yoke has no back and forth motion, you have the right screw; put the other one in the remaining hole. If the first screw you try binds the yoke, try the other one. AFAIK, the two screws should be identical; I wonder if one of them is from another gun. Anyway, try them as I said, but don't force anything.

Jim

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Yup

Trial and error to see which one fits best without binding the yoke.

 

[Waveski]

Thank you. And also thanks for the previously given advice on the proper technique for side plate removal. I have learned a great deal here , and am pleased that I am now able to take a Smith completely apart - AND put it back together.

 

[UncleEd]

Now that you're on the road to some gunsmithing, you need the
essential starter kit which includes a 5-pound hammer, some large
bladed screw drivers and files with teeth that'll cut your fingers with
one swipe. and

 

[Waveski]

You forgot the essential tool - the dremel !

 

[Jim K]

I am still a bit puzzled. The front and lower sideplate screws of that era should be identical*, and those pictured do not appear to be. One has a larger head and both diameters and threads appear to be different. What am I missing?

*Except for the little flat spot for the yoke.

Jim

 

[Waveski]

Well Jim , they seem interchangeable in terms of retaining the cylinder assembly , despite the slight differences. Maybe one is a replacement from another revolver , as you previously suggested.

I think I'll check Midway for new screws.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

I think I'll check Midway for new screws.

Why?

If it ain't broke, why fix it?

Although I am quite surprised to see that Midway does carry S&W screws. Not sure if they are genuine S&W or after market.

 

[Waveski]

"If it ain't broke, why fix it?"

Good advice. Thanks.

 

[Old Fuff]

When I get a S&W I check to be sure the one holding the yoke is the right one, and then lightly polish the blue off of the bottom. In the unlikely event the screws get mixed up uhoh I pick out the one that's polished and put it back into the side plate's front hole. The one with the flat head goes in the back, and at this point only one hole and screw are left.

Unless of course it's one of the older ones with 4 side plate screws. But then the 4th screw (called a "bug screw) has a larger head and obviously goes back in the hole up by the hammer.

 

[Waveski]

That is a very good idea. Last night I swapped screws and found that one of them had a slight advantage in smoothness of crane function. : I will mark it as per your suggestion.

I should have thought of that myself!

 

[Old Fuff]

I could have explained that is was the product of my brilliant knowledge, but the truth is a well known pistol-smith showed it to me.

 

[Waveski]

Then you are credited as the deliverer of good advice. Thanks again.

 

[Waveski]

"When I get a S&W I check to be sure the one holding the yoke is the right one, and then lightly polish the blue off of the bottom."

Done. Now , how will I remember that the screw with the unblued base is the yoke screw? Here's how:

Some years back I logged a bunch of hours as a telemetry pilot , tracking Whooping Cranes on their migration from Wisconsin to Florida and back. Whoopers are big white birds,

White = crane.

Thanks again.

 

[billybob44]

tracking Whooping Cranes

You know, tracking Birds or not, I would NEVER came up with that thought.....HA HA...Bill.