side plate screws interchangability

[cramsey]

Are the side plates screws (yoke screws with crown heads and plate screws w/ flat heads) the same in a Pre-Model 17 and a last year made Model 17? I need to replace my Pre-Model 17 side plate screws.

Also, it seems vendors I have tried are all out of side plate screws. Any ideas on a source for the screws?

Craig

[Mike McLellan]

1. Yessssssssssssssss.
2. If you don't mind paying way too much, check ebay.

[DWalt]

There was a slight change made in the thread size, but way back in the WWII era. I'd think someone would come along and fill the void of making these screws. Brownell's and Midway used to carry them, but they may be out of stock now.

[Mike McLellan]

Originally Posted by DWalt

There was a slight change made in the thread size, but way back in the WWII era. I'd think someone would come along and fill the void of making these screws. Brownell's and Midway used to carry them, but they may be out of stock now.

In 1942, the side plate screws were changed from .122" x 44NF to .125" x 44NF (or 5x44NF). That's only a .003" difference in the diameter. New screws may feel too tight when they're first installed. If the old screws need to be replaced, I chase the holes with a 5x44NF tap. That opens them up just a hair, and they're as good as new.

[scooter123]

The Yoke screw HAS changed from the Pre 17 to the latest model 17. Part of that change was from an individually hand fitted screw to the modern spring loaded plunger type Yoke Screw. As part of this change the thread size was increased to a 4mm Metric thread with a 0.7mm thread pitch (also know as M4 X 0.7). So you have to use a bit of caution in regards to ordering screws and take the time to locate the blank for the older Yoke screw.

As for sources for older screws, on the Net the only place I would look is Numrich's because they make it a practice to purchase older vintage "parts guns" specifically so they can resell these parts.

Another source may be Brownell's but the screw kit I will show the link for has screws that are 1 inch long so they will require cutting and fitting. Good news is there are 12 screws to the kit and they appear to be blued steel so they should match once you've done the required fitting.

Size 5 - 44 x 1" : FILLISTER HEAD SCREW KIT | Brownells

[gmborkovic]

OK, thanks for the supply, Now, how do you cut to fit.

[DWalt]

I normally use a Dremel tool with an abrasive cutoff disc for trimming screw length.

[Rpg]

Originally Posted by gmborkovic

OK, thanks for the supply, Now, how do you cut to fit.

You find a gunsmith who knows how.

You don't have a DIYS problem: no drop on parts here.