Ever seen a 29-3 or any Smith with allen screws holding the side plate on? A friend set up at a local show today and he called me about such a gun. Somebody came thru trying to sell/trade one and my friend would like more info. Sorry he didn't give me a ser# or other info like it looks like a special run or other type special gun. Sounds to me like a screw was lost and all three replaced with flat head socket cap screws maybe? He called me from the show to get the ball rolling now so he's got some yea or nay info for when the guy comes back tomorrow morning.

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SOS USA

I doubt it can from the factory that way but it would be an interesting change. No more buggered screws or screwdriver scratches on the frame or side plate

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

I remember way back someone had socket head screw sets for S&Ws for sale. Maybe Brownell’s?

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I told you not to use Lifebuoy

I would love to see that revolver. I use Smith & Wesson specific Magna-Tip screwdriver bits from Brownells. I still managed to get a small scratch on my 629-6 when the bit slipped. Socket head stainless steel screws might lessen the probability of these boo-boos.

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U.S. Coast Guard, retired CPO

Yes I have seen Allen screws used and always on a SS guns. I was at the Second Chance pin shoot years ago and talked with two brothers from PA shooting 625’s with Allen screws. I’ve seen others also but these guys were really good pin shooters so they stood out. For speed and less chance of scratching in the field it makes sense, it just ain’t S&W and it looks more aircraft than guncraft.

Rick

Brownell's uesed to sell those in sets, maybe still do. AFAIK, Smith never put them on at the factory.

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protocalldesign.com

Here's an SAO 14-3 I bought last year. Pretty sure these didn't come from the factory but they don't look awful and work well; harder to bugger them up too. Haven't changed them out yet.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

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Thanks for replies and pics. I'll let my buddy pick up the thread when he gets home from the show tonight.

Thanks, Jim

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SOS USA

I bought some blued Allen screws from Power Custom back in the mid 80's. They look just like S&W slotted screws except they have a hex recess. Really just a novelty. I used them on a couple of Model 24 and thankfully kept the original screws.

Allen screws were not factory S&W parts, but Dan Wesson used Allen screws on their revolvers.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

Well to me straight slots are the poorest type of screw head, followed by Phillips. If I have a choice when getting screws I much prefer torque heads. The allens are a improvement though.

Ruger is using torx head screws on their Wrangler 22 SA. It's an improvement over the slotted ones on their other SA's.

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Heavily armed old man.