Sweet success. Another Hand Ejector S&W is back in service! I appreciate the help. You guys were right. I just needed to thoroughly clean all parts and the frame to remove all rust, and the action is working smoothly. The side plate with the hammer spring was new to me... the advice to open the cylinder and move the hand forward as much as possible worked perfectly to drop the side plate back on with no problem.

Thanks again for the help. I'll try and get some pictures posted. Not the best looking 5" Hand Ejector in 38 special, but somehow what I think are the original grips survived. She's a keeper regardless.