I removed side plate from my S&W 1917 and had no trouble reinstalling it. However, the side plate on my S&W victory looks different inside and after removal I'm having trouble reinstalling it and I don't want to force things. What am I missing on how to reinstall a S&W Victory side plate? THANKS.

i worked on a s&w this week that had the hand spring in the sideplate, it was a detent with spring and it went into a cut out in the back of the hand, i had to slide the side plate into place from rear towards the front to make the detent go into the hand and then it went down easy.

Any more suggestions? I'm trying this without success. Should the cylinder assembly be removed or in place? THANKS

no the cylinder does not need to be removed to replace side plate. if you were close to me i would put it on for you.

Thanks for help. I'll keep trying. Maybe I'll stumble into the right twist to getting it in place. I have a local smith who I know can do it. It just bugs the H out of me to know I can't put something designed to go easily be reassembled back together.

I'm guessing this Victory is one that has the hammer block safety installed. It usually falls out when you remove the side plate. It must be sitting correctly to get the side plate to go back on. There is a groove in the side plate that the hammer block must ride in. Install the hammer block so the bottom "loop" rides over the stud on the trigger rebound slide and slide the hammer block towards the rear. Then set the side plate so the "groove" slides over the hammer block and slip it into place. Press it into place, sometimes a tap with a rubber hammer handle may be necessary, but do not force.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244