I have a question, after having examined lots of S&W K, J, and I frame revolvers (I betcha L and N have it too, I just have not held many of them). There is a long curved joint on the right side, where the side plate meets the frame. On some revolvers the joint is near perfect - so tight that it is difficult to see.

On others the joint is obvious and ugly, as if on either side, a little bit of metal is bent upwards. Typically imperfections of the joint are subtle but noticeable. This does not affect function, but is a purely cosmetic issue.

Some questions:
1. Is there a proper terminology for what I have described?
2. What causes it?
3. Does this count as sloppy manufacturing, honest wear & tear, or abuse?
4. How do we account for this in grading a gun?
5. How does this affect value?

I saw a nickel 2" M36 in a pawn shop that looked PHAT, except that the side plate joint was hideous. I'm not sure I could live with it at any price. Thoughts?

Most of the time the raised lip on the S&W sideplate is a direct result of improper technique when removing and replacing this tightly fitted part. People without proper knowledge pry the sideplate lose. NO! you rap the bare grip frame with a plastic or wooden screwdriver handle until the plate literally pops out due to vibrations. Once the damage to the edges is done, it nearly impossible to hide.

As for value adjustments, minor damage to a small area doesn't kill value for most, but a really ugly joint definitely will have true collectors turning up their noses and shoot grade buyers looking for a lower price.

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Virtue,Liberty & Independence

I call it a side plate wart and it is almost always caused by improper assembly or disassembly, mostly by amateurs.
Just like any other cosmetic flaw (1911 idiot mark), it can reduce value.
It makes for a good negotation tool if you want the gun and can live with it.

You beat me to it, steamloco.
I type real slooow.

Improper dis-assembly or assembly can certainly cause metal displacement. No argument with that.

But I have seen many S&W's that I bought new from the distributor when I had my FFL that had similar looks. That is how they left the factory. These were mostly in the late P&R models and early 80's. But to say that the fit is perfect on everything that leaves the factory hasn't been my experience. I know that time period was when the workmanship was sometimes less than it had been historically.

In addition to what has been said, aggressive polishing in preparation to refinishing distorts a lot of sideplate/frame seams. In fact, that ugly seam is often the first clue that a gun has been refinished. It takes an awfully careful artisan to polish a side plate without affecting the edges or "dishing" the screw holes.

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Why, I aughta.....