I would like some instructions on changing these in my all stainless .38 made in 1986. Also, what is good for freeing up the side plate screws?

I learned everything I need to know from the old Kuhnhausen shop manual. It's definitely worth the money. The newer guns with the MIM parts and frame mounted firing pins are different though and won't be covered in this book, though you can generally figure them out with a lot of cursing and hand wringing.

Dave Sinko

Dave,
Thanks! Today I ordered the Kuhnhausen Shop Manual from Brownell's.

David

You-tube has a couple of tutorials on the subject. Not the end all/be all but worth a look.
Gunsmithing - How to Install a Spring Kit in a S&W Revolver - YouTube
Notice Mr. Potterfield didn't mention which spring kit he installed and used a rebound slide tool to change out that spring.

American Gunsmithing Institute has some fantastic DVD videos on the complete disassembly and assembly of numerous firearms including the Smith & Wesson revolvers. If you have a newer lock model or pre lock but seperate firing pin be sure to order the Disassembly/Reassembly video and NOT the Armorers Course video. The Armorers Course video DOES NOT cover the newer lock and MIM models. The Disassembly/Reassembly video has a section on the newer models. The best info you can get. Brownells does not offer the Disassembly/Reassembly video. I ordered direct from AGI in Calif. $20 something bucks. Mike

Once you watch the video a couple times be sure to acquire some "Gun-smith" quality screwdrivers before you make any attempt to remove any side plate screws. Make sure you use only the correctly sized hollow-ground screwdriver on those screws. Then when all screws are removed, holding the gun in your left hand with your thumb resting "lightly" on the side plate, smack the inside edge of the grip frame with the wooden hammer handle of a small hammer, (or the soft plastic head of a proper gunsmithing hammer). A couple smacks will cause the side plate to pop up and can be lifted off. You keep the thumb on the side plate to keep it from falling off and getting bent on the bench or floor. An old carpet sample on your bench top keeps things from getting scratched up and bent.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Well said H Richard. It makes me cringe when I look at these beautiful old revolvers and all the screws are hacked. BUY a gunsmith screw driver set. You can get a basic set for cheap money and eliminate the damage.