I purchased a 29-2 that for some reason has an issue where the side plate is not seating fully....near the grip frame where it meets the top of the frame.

You can see it's raised slightly in that area.

Yes, I have tried gently tapping it with a plastic mallet and tightening the screws.

I believe this to be a QC issue from the factory as it was made in the mid to late 1970's when QC was a bit lacking.

Suggestions??

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

No photo.

Without looking at it it could well be something under the sideplate isn't properly seated and keeping the sideplate from fitting flush. Don't tap it any more before having the plate removed and inspecting the lockwork.

I removed the side plate a few minutes ago and I see some rough raised edges on the under side of the side plate doesn’t look like it was trimmed off properly. I’m going to use a fine file to remove the burrs/extra material and try it again again.

Sure seems like a factory quality issue that got missed. I will report back.

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

Make sure all the internals are properly seated, especially the hammer block safety.

Did you purchase it new with this issue in the 70's?
If you purchased it used Did it have the issue when you bought it or did it develop after you removed the sideplate?

Without pics it's all just guessing,

If this is a new issue, then there is something wrong under the side plate. Could be something not properly aligned or some debris. If this revolver has always had this issue with the side plate fit, then it could be a case of sloppy fitting at S&W or it is not the original side plate, but was replaced at some point.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

I am much more accustomed with working on Pre-WWII guns, but had purchased a S&W Target that had a sideplate that would not sit all the way down into the frame. It turned out to be a hammer stud that had loosened and slightly unscrewed from the frame. Fashioned a spanner tool and tightened it - problem solved. Back then, all studs were threaded and so a chance any of them could have been the problem.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Has it been refinished?

All is well
I filed off the high spots that got missed by the factory and the side plate is flush
No it has not been refinished just poorly fitted at the factory

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Tom Graham SWCA #2303

The side plate was pried off and bent it. Unlesss you know what you are doing to fix it ? You will screw it up more. Good luck

When removing or reinstalling a side plate…instead of a plastic mallet you should use a lead babbitt bar. They’re softer than the steel in the gun and are far less likely to cause unintentional damage.