Best place to find sideplate screw replacements

squid8286

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I just bought a 1966 Model 28. Good-looking old gun, but like an idiot, I buggered the crane/yolk screw taking off the sideplate to lube the gun. I just can't stand seeing that every time I see the gun. I know these things are available on ebay and GB, but I want to get one that isn't all mangled (like mine.)S&W Various Models crowned head sideplate screw #1031-5049R - Jack First Inc. Gunsmithing Excellence Since 1954.

Have people dealt with these people before? I am guessing that these are newly manufactured parts. I guess my question is are these good quality? Appreciate it.
 
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Looking at newer S&W yolk screws, it looks like they all have the little spring loaded plunger in the bottom, which looks like a better system, really, but for an old N-frame, I would just purchase a regular sideplate screw (like the ones from Jack First) and fit them with a jeweler's file, correct?
 
Lots of members buy from Jack First. I have had great luck with parts off eBay. Numrich would probably have them as well, but many other parts are always out of stock. S&W might send you one free, but you would need to call not email.

Get a few so your prepared.
 
I bought several different sized ones last year from Midway to keep for spares. They were the best price around, but limited on options.

Rosewood
 
Thanks for the reply, but I really don't know how to do that.
Go ahead and get a replacement ... but save the old screw .

Repairing a buggered slot is not hard to do .
You can learn the tricks , fix it later .
Older Original screws just seem to fit better ...
It may not add to the value ... but if you fix it and heat blue it ...
It will add to your Pride of ownership .

It can't be too hard because I can do it with no machines and little skill . Tap metal back in place and use the correct file to clean up the slot . Heat up the screw for heat-blue and you are done . A set of Swiss Needle files is all I use with some polishing abrasive paper / steel wool .

You may need to shorten the New Screw ... sometimes they come a little long and need fitting , so look for a too long screw ... also look for too short new screw !
Gary
 
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Consider ACE Hardware in some areas

I cannot speak for any area other than right here in the Richmond VA area but both located around me have a separate pull out drawer and it is actually labelled "gun screws". ACE Hardware stores, at least these two, are franchises so the owners are completely different, so is the staff, some know what they have, other don't.

The biggest problem is that YOU have to know what you want exactly in terms of thread (dia and pitch), length, type head flat slotted, dome, round head etc.

I do NOT advise taking the gun into the store, so you have a tiny screw in your hands but most all the screws in the drawer will look "pretty close" so again know what you want and chances are ACE has it, already blued and ready to go. One of the stores even has a labelled piece of metal with threaded holes so you can "try" your screw for fit and ID, but be aware, little screws inserted by your fingers in a loose piece of metal (or plastic) may "feel fine" but in reality may not be correct when you go to tighten in the gun.

Anyway...just a shot and again, some ACE Hardwares are very much anti-gun I've heard and won't even stock these drawers as a couple of my friends in other states have told me.
 
Go ahead and get a replacement ... but save the old screw .

Repairing a buggered slot is not hard to do .
You can learn the tricks , fix it later .
Older Original screws just seem to fit better ...
It may not add to the value ... but if you fix it and heat blue it ...
It will add to your Pride of ownership .

It can't be too hard because I can do it with no machines and little skill . Tap metal back in place and use the correct file to clean up the slot . Heat up the screw for heat-blue and you are done . A set of Swiss Needle files is all I use with some polishing abrasive paper / steel wool .

You may need to shorten the New Screw ... sometimes they come a little long and need fitting , so look for a too long screw ... also look for too short new screw !
Gary
Thanks! I might give it a shot. I never throw old parts out, but it sure does bug the hell out of me when I mess something up!
 

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