Side Plate Replacement?
- Thread starter tlmetesh
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Fishinfool
Member
Back in the day, when we were issued revolvers, the department range had a collection of K frames in various states of disrepair. I was a range officer, but no armorer. I did, however, once help a real armorer disassemble a number of these revolvers for parts replacement and inspection. I tried changing sideplates on maybe half a dozen guns, as I was curious, having read they were hand fit. Results were a couple fit well, a couple fit, but poorly, and a couple not at all.
So, I would think most could be made to fit, but it is not guaranteed. It might be different on modern CNC made revolvers where tolerances are closer, and there is less hand fitting.
Larry
So, I would think most could be made to fit, but it is not guaranteed. It might be different on modern CNC made revolvers where tolerances are closer, and there is less hand fitting.
Larry
usnrigger
Member
I would agree, with statement above. the sideplate was fitted to the frame and polished in place at the factory.
You should have no problem finding a side plate for that era gun. the hard part as stated above is how lucky you get. It could take several side plates before you get one that's close or you could get one first try.
In a gunsmithing stance its still tough as well. If I get one that's oversized i can slowly fit it to a tight smoke fit. If it is undersize by very little i can peen the metal to work small gaps together. then you still also have the height to deal with. it could set low, high or close to the frame.
Id try to find a gunsmith that has a little drawer full of side plates and he should be able to get one close enough to make final fitting pretty easy.
are you missing a sideplate? or did it get damaged?
You should have no problem finding a side plate for that era gun. the hard part as stated above is how lucky you get. It could take several side plates before you get one that's close or you could get one first try.
In a gunsmithing stance its still tough as well. If I get one that's oversized i can slowly fit it to a tight smoke fit. If it is undersize by very little i can peen the metal to work small gaps together. then you still also have the height to deal with. it could set low, high or close to the frame.
Id try to find a gunsmith that has a little drawer full of side plates and he should be able to get one close enough to make final fitting pretty easy.
are you missing a sideplate? or did it get damaged?
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I think if the gun functions well, either leaving it alone, a refinish or finding a nicer model 10 may be in order. You are correct that the work you propose may be close to the gun's value.
usnrigger
Member
Yep, I think your better off just living with it.
at a bench rate of 55.00 hour and the cost of the sideplate your already getting into 1/4 the value of gun.
If it was part of a full refinish it might be worth it if you found a close fitting side plate. I can normally fit ones that have slight gaps in about 30-40min. Shoot enjoy or use it for a project
- I would like to see what you mean by junked up? You might be able to work with what you have, but I haven't seen it.
Just did this one today, still have a little bit more to go on above the trigger and around the recoil shield. Ill have a hour in this one all said and done, but you can see the fit in places are almost seamless.
at a bench rate of 55.00 hour and the cost of the sideplate your already getting into 1/4 the value of gun.
If it was part of a full refinish it might be worth it if you found a close fitting side plate. I can normally fit ones that have slight gaps in about 30-40min. Shoot enjoy or use it for a project
- I would like to see what you mean by junked up? You might be able to work with what you have, but I haven't seen it.
Just did this one today, still have a little bit more to go on above the trigger and around the recoil shield. Ill have a hour in this one all said and done, but you can see the fit in places are almost seamless.
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