I took the side plate off my Model 17 yesterday to clean and lube the action.

Unfortunately, I managed to bugger the round head screw by the trigger guard.

Sometimes I can be a real klutz!!

Phone S&W and ask nice, they'll probably send you one. Don't ask how I know.

__________________
"I also cook."

Were you using a hollow ground screwdriver of the correct size?

If S&W refuses, try Brownells and Midway. You'll have to pay more than should, but hey...

It's possible you can save the screw depending how bad the buggering is.

Good luck.

I did the same thing about a week ago with my Model 19. When I finally got the screw out I used a small file to smooth out the burr I created at the top/slot. It works but stands out against the blued finish. I emailed S&W customer service asking for a replacement. I've not heard from them since (7 days ago) so I'll probably call them tomorrow to see if they sent one.

I've fixed a lot of 'em (buggered by others).
Simple job.
First, peen down the raised buggers.
Then, dress the slot with a needle file.
Sand and/or polish to desired finish.
Cold blue.
Re-install with proper driver.
As for drivers, I like Brownells S&W-specific armorer set with 4 tips.
Keep several of these around and in my range bag.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Does anyone sell Torx screws for S&W revolvers?

At my local range I remember watching an old man clean his old wheel gun. His hand slipped and he scratched the side plate pretty good. I still laugh at that to this day.

Why would you laugh at someone who just accidentally damaged his gun?

Because he could laugh at me when I messed up! Hehehe...

"First, peen down the raised buggers.
Then, dress the slot with a needle file.
Sand and/or polish to desired finish.
Cold blue.
Re-install with proper driver.
As for drivers, I like Brownells S&W-specific armorer set with 4 tips.
Keep several of these around and in my range bag.

This is very good advice. It has worked for me when fixing screws, etc. on various rifles. Crocus paper has given very good results for polishing before cold-bluing. I would only add that to peen the damaged screw, first take a piece of soft wood and drill a hole sufficiently large enough for the screw to be inserted. You can also put it in a vise, if one is available. Use a thin piece of copper/brass on the face of the jaws to protect the screw threads. You can also use a pair of pliers wrapping the screw threads to protect them from damage. HTH. Sincerely. brucev.

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I called S&W yesterday and they said they didn't see record of any action taken on my email requesting a replacement screw. No worries though because the rep said he's put in a no charge order for a screw to be sent to me in 2-4 weeks when they're no longer backordered. I'm pleased with that and my "buggered" screw will work until replacement arrives.

See post below. I am old and just scratched my gun...

It's not wise to laugh at old people, especially ones with a gun.

After removing and reinstalling the yoke screw several times on the 438 / 442, it can wear on the black coating.
A call to S&W and a free screw, no questions asked, straight from Springfield, in a few weeks. Great CS experience.