This may be the wrong place to post this question, but here goes: Is there a go-to vendor or vendors for small revolver parts like screws, etc..?

Specifically, right now I am in search of a sideplate screw for an i-frame. I could make a query for it in the WTB section. But, I'm really inquiring for future reference when I know I will need something else.

I've checked Numrich, and it seems that they are hit or miss when it comes to having what you need when you need it.

Thanks for any info you can give.

Try Jack First Gun Parts.

Vintage & Obsolete Replacement Gun Parts | Rare Finds

They are helpful on the phone.

If you have a ACE Hardware Store locally try them. They have a pull-out drawer that is actually labelled "gun screws" and I have found several I needed over the years.

We have three (3) Ace in my area and only two of them have the "gun screw" drawer so maybe it is hit-or-miss with them too. The clerks know absolutely nothing about screws, thread pitch, type and in some places don't even mention the word gun.

If it is the sideplate screw that is flat head (fits under the grip) they usually have it, and if it is one of the domed head ones they have those too. The ACE screws I have bought are decently blued with a nice rich bluing and have held up very well. What they don't have at ACE is a strain screw for the leaf mainspring. I have had to get mine at either Midway or Brownells.

Good luck with your search.

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Charlie B
SWCA#3083, SWHF#570

I just got some small parts from Midwest Gun Works and was pretty pleased with the prices. Hope this helps.

Search Results For "j frame parts": Midwest Gun Works

Thanks. I'll give them a look.

We have an ACE, but they don't have the "gun drawer". I looked for a grip screw there a few weeks ago and the manager actually came over to help me find what I needed. He didn't have anything close and suggested I look online.

Try these guys. They had the sideplate screws I needed.

USA Guns And Gear-Your Favorite Gun Parts Store

I just looked at their website. That looks like exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks!

EBay is loaded with good vendors for grips and grip screws. look for robertsontradingpost, or spectresupply or more. You just have to know exactly what grip screw you are looking for.

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Charlie B
SWCA#3083, SWHF#570

I sort-of remember buying small parts from a place called the Gun Garage. Plus of course EBay is often helpful.

If you're not super concerned with keeping it original, especially if the strain screw is under a set of target stocks anyway, a hex head set screw works great and allows for fine tension adjustment without messing with the geometry/length of the screw itself. I forget the exact type (maybe an 8-40?) but it's easy enough to find, and if you're wrong you're out about ten cents.

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Psalm 27:2

Wow! You just gave me the entrance to a gold mine. Thank you

Won't S&W sell you the screw's you need? Especially on late model guns?

Midwayusa sells lots of frame screws for S&Ws. I bought spares to keep on hand. Keep them in a wishlist I call S&W parts, when they go on sale, I get a notification and usually toss in with other orders.

Rosewood

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"I don't really care Margaret"

Be aware there are differences in the prewar and postwar screw threads.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Interesting. Roll Tide!

Yes, on Gun Garage. I halfway used to know the owner years ago when he made the gunshow circuit around Okla. MO, Ark, Tex, etc. He's on ebay and is located in Siloam Springs, AR. There may be (used to anyway) another Gun Garage outta KS that also made the gshow circuit but dunno if still around. I've not seen either in some time at the shows, but I'm no longer a regular either.
To my knowledge, he doesn't have a store front either but all online now. Since like a lot of us, we're getting old.

Large hardware and building supply places might carry them also. Home Despot and Lows doesn't but in my area Kenyon Noble does. As with all screw drawers don't assume what is on the label is in the drawer. Look at several and find 3 or 4 that look the same. Too many hands get into those drawers and some put stuff back they think is close.

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Front sight and squeeze

The front screw of the rear sight on a lot of the square ended tang is the same screw as the trigger stop screw of many K frames. A lot of the trigger stops and screws were removed, so that is another source of that part. Many of the usual suspects may have those. If not, I will send you one for the princely sum of your mailing address.

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protocalldesign.com

Many thanks to everyone for giving me some sources. I have found what I need. You guys are great!

Usually gun show parts vendors have small parts for sale. I used to stock up on small parts and always made sure I had enough on hand to repair pretty much every hand gun I owned. That Mantra has bailed me (and friends) out more times than I can think of!!

Online parts guys and eBay also are sources although they are usually much more expensive. I always opt for original S&W parts (even if used but in great shape) rather than aftermarket or repro parts. While some aftermarket parts will work ok, I like the idea of keeping my revolvers in great shape with all Company parts - unless I’ve literally got no choice.

If the gun is a 'high value' S&W revolver, you really don't want "today's" replacement side plate screws. From what I have seen, I believe the newer screws are MIM and do not take bluing like the vintage screws.
I look for 'odd lots' that occasionally come up on eBay that include older screws and other parts. I bought a 'lot' of parts for $29 thinking I'd never use the other parts...however that $29 turned into $200-$300 within 6 weeks of doing some misc repairs. If your gun's just a 'range shooter' then the new screws work just fine. Be sure to screw them in with the correct screwdriver width blade.
Nothing says "Bubba gunsmithing here" more than side plate screws that are not sharp on the center screw blade cut.