5-Screw Models

[fc60]

Greetings,

I am restoring Grandpa's old K-38 and M1955 both of which have the "fifth" screw retaining the side plate just under the rear sight.

Are the K and N frame screws the same?

Better yet, do the screws from the current Smith and Wesson "Classics" fit?

Perhaps some part numbers?

With kind regards,

Dave

 

[jbtrucker]

For correct screw set The gun Garage Siloam Springs ,AR

 

[pasound]

I have two five-screw pre-K's, a M&P10, and a 22 Target. The big 5th screw for each is identical. Don't know if the N frame is the same, but I would bet they are. I have a lot of Smiths, J, K, and N, and the sideplates for all seem to be close to the same thickness. It makes sense there a few common parts.

 

[Hondo44]

The length may vary between K and N.

And it depends on the vintage of the gun:


• Change order April 19, 1943 to shorten the K frame bug* screws (upper side plate screw; the 5th screw) to .181". It appears the K bug screw was on a different evolutionary trajectory than the other frame sizes and may explain the different K bug screw diameter from other frame bug screws during a specific timeframe as well.

* NOTE: the factory terminology called the 5th screw the bug screw.

 

[MygunisaS&Wrevolver]

You may want to note that the screw slots are narrower on the older four and five screw revolvers. Using the newer standard size S&W screwdriver bits is a good way to booger the screw heads or worse yet slip off the screw and scratch the side plate. Don't ask me how I know this......

 

[pasound]

I bought a full Wheeler set before I tried to turn any screw on either of the 70+ year old ones I have. Glad I did.