The slide release on my 3914 is at a little slant and the pin that comes out the end barely touches the part behind it. My 4013TSW slide release is more horizontal and the pin hits more in the middle of the part behind it. Haven't had any issues with the 3914 but could this be a problem in the future? Thanks

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I don't know if it's a problem, but the position of the slide stop in my 3914 looks quite the same.

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Sure does, must be ok.

It's probably just fine. However, just to check it out, go ahead and field strip the pistol. Now, with the frame in your left hand, use the fingernail of your right middle finger and thumb to see (light pressure only) if the part of the sideplate that the plunger pushes against will move up and down (i.e., jiggle). In a perfect world, the sideplate should be very stable. However, for a variety of reasons, the sideplate becomes a bit loose. This will allow the plunger to push that part of the sideplate up. So, if it moves a bit, that may indicate that the prongs of the sideplate are every so slightly bent so that you end up with a less-than-snug fit between the prongs and the sear pin under the grip.

HTH

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1st Signal Brigade, RVN '70

The slide stop/release lever rises a bit when an empty magazine is inserted in the gun, and when you release an empty magazine the lever drops down slightly. You didn't mention whether the magazine was in the gun when you took the pic, but that may account for the slightly downward position of the lever. If the slide locks back with an empty magazine in the pistol, and the spring-loaded plunger at the end of the lever manages to clear the spring device on the side plate, you're fine.

Mine looks just like yours and it is trouble free.

Denver Dick has stated it pretty nicely.

At least a couple of mine look just like that, but since the side plate's are snug and don't move, I don't worry about it.

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Ret LE Firearms inst & armorer

The side plate in my 3914 is a bit loose and I can move it up and down.
Is it a problem, should I replace it?
Thanks

It shouldn't really move. If I were you, I'd call S&W and ask them to send a replacement. It's a cheap part and the attachment to the hammer pin is a weak point.

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"I also cook."

Hmmm, is the sideplate the part that the pin at the rear of the slide release goes up against?

Yes. If you pull the grips, you'll see that it's a formed, stamped sheet metal part that's attached (staked/welded?) to the hammer pivot pin. The stamped portion has a 90 deg. tab that clips to the end of the trigger pivot pin. Replacement is simple if you have drift/slave pin punches and you don't rush things.

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"I also cook."

Thanks Chad