I recently purchased a One and a Half tip-up in .32 RF with a broken hinge screw. My gunsmith has successfully removed the screw and searched online for a replacement without any luck. I'm looking for suggestions. Does anyone known the thread? Has anyone made one? I guess that it might be possible to rethread to a modern or more current screw, but that would be a last resort. The revolver is VG to Fine otherwise, although I am a novice to antique S&Ws. Help with your thoughts.

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Made it, Ma! Top of the world!

My understanding is that the early S&W screws were proprietary so that current screws will not match. David Chiccoine's book has some very good information on repairing these old guns.

There is also a gentleman on fleabay that sells various S&W grip screws and hinge screws, you may want to try there. Numrich is also a possibility.

Let us know how you make out as this is a common problem with these guns.

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James Redfield
LM #497

It is often recommended to look for a beater model with a decent screw. Some junkers may sell for very little but can render good spare parts.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Parts Model 1 1/2 guns are almost impossible to find today. A few years ago, you would run across one from time to time, but I have been watching a long time for an under $150 beater and they just do not go up for sale anymore. I started my collecting with 32 Tip-ups back when you could pick up a beater for $50 and a nice shooter for $100. Often the hinge screw was so loose that the barrel wobbled. The solution was to find a slightly larger screw, drill and tap the hinge, reshape the screw head and install. Simple, effective, and solved the problem. The big issue is finding a screw that is not all-thread. You need that solid shaft through the hinge to the short threaded end.

David Chicoinine's book has exact measurements for a New Model 1 1/2, as you noted. Chances are, however, that if you had a screw made to the exact dimensions of the original one, it would result in a loose barrel. Finding the right screw may prove to be an impossible task and having one manufactured may be the solution A slightly larger shaft diameter may be in order to make the hinge tight. Good luck with your project, since saving a broken antique S&W is always a worthy endeavor.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Try Jack First, they have a good supply of antique parts.

Nick

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NRA Instructor\GCA Gunsmith

sam1947 on this forum may be able to make that screw. Send him a PM.

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Mike Maher #283

I highly recommend contacting Sam1947 on the forum. He made a sideplate screw for a Model 1 1/2 that I had and it fit perfectly!

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High Caliber History

Thank you for the replies. No screws are available from Numrich or First. We decided to go with a modern screw, 4-48 I think, which is close in size to the original with a 44lpi. He feels that no drilling will be necessary to rethread the right hole. I don't intend to shoot the revolver (even if ammo were available) but have gun with a barrel that doesn't wave left to right. If necessary, I guess that we could sleeve the barrel hinge hole. I will try and post photos of the result.

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Made it, Ma! Top of the world!