I don't know if you've ever removed the side plate off a S&W revolver but please don't pry it off with a screwdriver. The proper way is to tap the frame with a wood or plastic mallet so that inertia will dislodge the plate. Please use hollow ground proper fitting screwdriver bits to remove the sideplate screws. See YouTube if in doubt. Please disregard my post if you've done this before.