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01-18-2021, 12:35 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Atlanta area
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15-3 With High Side Plate
This is not a question for our experts here, but just an advisory for the other armatures like me. Yesterday I picked up a shooter grade M-15-3 that checked out well but The side plate was just a hair too high all around except just behind the recoil shield, I tapped it with a plastic mallet thinking that would put in place then I could tighten the screws. Well, that didn't work so I removed the side plate. It had been removed before judging from the slightly buggered flat head screw The assem. # matched but there was a very small burr on the edge of the mating surface between the trigger guard and grip frame, like it had been dropped. I buffed that off, did a thorough cleaning and lube and put it back on. Now it fits like factory. Can't wait to shoot it. Oh yea, the ugly Pacs have been removed and the gun is fitted with replacement KPC magnas
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01-18-2021, 02:38 PM
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Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Hanover, PA
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Nice repair work! I enjoy tinkering with my S&W's as much as shooting them. Good looking model 15. Enjoy it!
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01-18-2021, 04:27 PM
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Whenever I replace a Side-plate I press it on as far as it will go with my fingers (to make sure it is in place and not hanging up) then I use a light (8 oz.) soft-faced, rubber dead-blow mallet (Trusty- Cook brand) to tap it all the way into place prior to replacing the screws. I use a heavy duty 3" x 3" 100% cotton shotgun patch to protect the Side-plate from scratching even though the rubber hammer is soft (might have some dirt or microscopic debris on it).
This always works perfectly and will cause no damage what so ever as long as a protective patch or rag is used to prevent scratching. I will emphasize the word TAP and NOT Bang here!
HINT: Before replacing the Cylinder, tighten ALL the screws (including the front one that holds in the Cylinder) which will seat the Side-plate evenly! THEN, remove the front screw, insert your Cylinder and replace the screw. Now your Side-plate is installed flush and completely seated.
8 oz. Slimline Dead Blow Hammer
Last edited by chief38; 01-18-2021 at 04:30 PM.
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01-18-2021, 04:44 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Atlanta area
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All really great advice. Because the finish on this one has a lot of issues I didn't take as much care as I would on a high condition piece, but I always make sure the surface on my plastic mallet is clean. I also use it to tap on the grip frame to remove the side plate. KEN L was telling me how the PC stocks don't belong on this revolver, but, except for diamond centers I have, that was all I had that fit it. Shooter!
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01-18-2021, 06:03 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Central Montana
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Nice job making it right again
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