Welcome to the U.S., A320graham!
You have just purchased one of the finest weapons ever produced. If you take care of it, it will outlive you. It's great that you have the original grip.
However, I'd stop taking the side plate off. It's not really a good idea.

Your next step should loading your own ammo. It would be great if you could find someone with experience to help you get started.
Loading you own ammo increases the fun of hand gun shooting ten-fold, especially with the .357; this round has 101 variations, and you can shoot everything from 110 to 190 grain loads, jacketed or lead bullets, and so on. It's really a lot of fun.

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NRA Lifetime Member