I have a new set of grips for my S&W 64. Only problem is that the grips overlap the bottom (left) side plate screw (which has a round head) causing a significant gap between the grips and frame.

My question--the top (left) side plate screw has a flat head, can the same flat head side plate screw also be used in bottom left position so my grips fit flush? Is it the same S&W part number?

Thx.

Somebody swapped them. The flat head screw goes on the bottom under the grip.

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S&W Accumulator

I don't think so (but could certainly be wrong)....just checked my 66-1 and the top left sideplate screw is also flat (it's underneath the grips). The bottom left screw (just behind the trigger) is also round on my 66-1. The grips I'm installing are quite large and do reach out to the round bottom left sideplate screw just behind the trigger.

Does anyone know if the round/flat head sideplate screws are interchangeable?

When taking apart your revolver --- always put the screws back in the same hole they came out of -- they are all different (in 3 screw guns)

I am pretty sure they are (the 2 small ones) 5-44. Maybe go down to the local nut-n-bolt house and find one that will work for you. If you order them as gun-screws....the prices is about 15-20 times more than a regular screw. You may have to "dress" the screw-head a bit to make it work, but it's covered by the grip anyway.

A simpler, easier, and cheaper fix it to put a small recess in the grip to clear the screw head.
You can use a larger drill bit BY HAND to make a recess.

You simply have the sideplate screws in the wrong holes...on your 66 too. The flat head screw always goes in the lower left hole under the grip, on all models. That's why it's flat.

If I had a set of grips that I was not completely in love with....I would still put a bigger (head) screw in that hole and recess the grip. I have one apart right now that some idiot must have used loctite on to install the side plate screws and that flat one.....ain't coming out short of a drill job. He also managed to bugger-up what remaining screw-slot there was in that flat screw when he torqued it in with an impact-wrench....or so it would seem. I am dealing with the remains left over from a home-brew DIY gun-smith.