17-4 trigger job question

[dog229]

dog229 here,
my last reply got no answers so again i will ask you nice people again knowing that my side plate has not been removed for over 30 years can the plate be removed without messing the screws up or the fit to frame. i know the saying if its not broke but my concern is the wearing of the sear at all ant risk of damage being that no lubrication has been done since 1981. i know my local gunsmith says he would take it apart and lube for $70 and smooth up the trigger or is it just not needed and he just wants the labor cost.
Please this is a really good question needing a straight answer.
thanks again
dog229 gone

 

[rockable]

It is easy to remove the side plate. Look on YouTube for a video. DO NOT TRY TO PRY IT OFF. You simply remove the handles and the screws, then you rap on the handle frame with the plastic handle of a large screwdriver until it pops off.

 

[jack the toad]

With the proper tools, procedure and a little knowledge, it should not hurt a thing to pop the side plate for a look see.

 

[larry8]

Once you remove the plate, disassemble the parts, it becomes second nature to thoroughly clean and lube any Smith. Just go do it!

 

[MaximumLawman]

I'd leave it alone unless it's not working unless you really know what you're doing. I have guns that shoot fine and they haven't been taken apart past that needed for normal cleaning since about the time Archduke Ferdinand was killed.

 

[glenncal1]

Is the trigger action on the gun gritty or "rough" if not I wouldn't have the thrigger job done. Get a quality screwdriver and be careful and it is no big deal the pull the sideplate. Once inside easy to clean and lube.

 

[Breechloader]

I removed for the first time the sideplate from my 1990 686 last week.
I was in fear the screws would be really hard to remove but to my surprise they broke loose easier than the ones on a new 637 I have.

So all I can say is try it. If it has the hidden sideplate screw that a grip covers start with that one.

 

[H Richard]

I'll give you a couple recommendations.
1st buy a "good" screwdriver set specifically made for gunsmithing. A small set is not that expensive.
2nd Get a copy of Jerry Miculek's video on Trigger Job. He thoroughly goes through removing the side plate and disassembling the revolver. Most all S&W's are very similar inside. Watch it a couple times before touching the revolver.
3rd Have a good work place with good lighting, and my personal requirement, a carpet sample with plain smooth plush finish. Most flooring stores will sell these off for .50 cents or give them away when they go out of date. Use this on your workbench to protect the revolver when you lay it down. I've been using the same one for about 8 years now and figure it will last another 15 or so. Don't worry if it gets dirty , it will.
4th Lay the gun on the carpet, Remove the grips, and hold it securely down with your off (left) hand while you press the "correctly fitting" screwdriver fully down into the slot and keep pressing down while backing it out. Keep the gun level and squared up with the screwdriver.
5th Lay each screw out "in order" as you remove them on the edge of the carpet , (so they won't roll away) and so you can reinstall them in the correct locations as they are different.
6th Hold the revolver in your off (left) hand with your thumb Lightly laying on the side plate, and smartly strike the inside edge of the grip frame with a wooden (small) hammer handle. Probably more than a few times, and watch as the side plate will rise up and you can just lift it off. The hammer block will probably have dislodged and will be loose in there as you remove the side plate, but reinstall as Miculek will tell you.
Once you have done this a couple times you will have no problems.