66-1 side plate??

[jaestridge]

I am looking for a stainless sideplate for my 357 66-1.Will any stainless K frame side plate fit? I've heard it might be difficult to find an exact matching one beyond what's fitted in the revolver now. Appreciate any feedback. Thanks..

-Jeff

 

[dfariswheel]

Side plates were individually hand fitted at the factory, then bolted to the frame during polishing to insure a perfectly level plate with the frame and a tight fit.

Another plate "might" be installed, but getting a factory quality fit is unlikely.

 

[jmiles1960]

I agree with dfariswheel. What happened to your original side plate? Find a replacement will be a tough one. If you can fix / restore the original plate, might be a better option. Good luck!

 

[chief38]

I agree with the above responses. Unless the original can not be restored, I'd not try and replace it. If you simply have no choice, I believe you might have to settle for an OK fit at best and not think it will fit like the original. I've seen replacement Side-plates fit and again, at best they are ok - not great.

Please post some pics of the "bad" side-plate. There might be some good suggestions on how to restore it.

 

[jaestridge]

I agree with dfariswheel. What happened to your original side plate? Find a replacement will be a tough one. If you can fix / restore the original plate, might be a better option. Good luck!

Previous owner(s) did some modifications for some reason(s)…

upload image

 

[C3Ranger]

Does that appear to anyone else that someone tried to grind off or obliterate an insignia? Former law enforcement or other agency emblem?

 

[CRT2]

One for sale on eBay. Smith Wesson 66-1 Stainless Steel Side Plate with screws C378 | eBay

 

[dant]

side plate repair.....

put a "slave screw" in the bottom ,center screw or a "flat headed one so as to NOT flatten off the rounded top and use some emery paper wrapped over the end of a narrow?? about i in. wide piece of thin hardwood and start to work the surface, you can polish that down well enough to blend it in,,,seen, worse ,,,,,have done worse, start center out and blend it into the adjoining frame area change to smaller (lighter grits of paper ) as you go...please stay away from ANY power tools ( dremels, etc.) yes it will take time and neatness counts...its all stainless, relatively soft and the same color all the way through.....
finish the job off with a 3M Scotchbrite pad...........

 

[stansdds]

Yikes!!!! I also see pitting marking the outline of what was likely rubber stocks. Now I understand why you want to replace it. Odds are, a replacement side plate will require fitting, maybe a little, maybe a lot. You might get lucky and get one that fits well enough without fitting. You might also contact S&W, they might fit a new one to your revolver.

 

[datatech2550]

I would consider just having it blasted. That wouldn't remove the pitting but would clean up most of it.

I believe the factory offers that service to restore the original finish on stainless firearms.

Sent from my motorola razr (2020) using Tapatalk

 

[Nightowl]

As above, you've got nothing to lose to go ahead and try polishing it yourself.

 

[Peak53]

I'd pick up that one on eBay for $24. You might get lucky. Or you might find someone to fit it. If that doesn't work, go the polishing route.