686-0 Sidecover can't get back on

[Gunner4640]

Well after owning this gun for a long time I decided to remove the side cover and check things out inside. I posted a while ago asking how to get the cover off and the nice people on here told me to bang on the other side with a plastic hammer and the cover will fall off. Well I did that today and checked all the goodies inside cleaned some small spots of dust out, all looked new. Well I went to put the side cover back on and wow it just didn't fall in place like it came off. I made sure the seams were all lined up etc, I tapped on it with a plastic hammer with no luck. I removed it again and notice there are some things on the cover that should slide into slots one at the top and another on the far right by the cylinder removal screw. all of that lined up great but the rest will not go back in. Any help with this would be great ? btw the gun has only had 8 rounds fired through it in it's entire life and 2 of those S&W fired

 

[KLYDE]

Your hammer block is probably falling out of position. Hold the revolver upside down with the butt angled at about 2 o'clock. Install the hammer block onto the hammer block pin that is located on the rebound slide. Make sure it is moved to its highest position. Having the gun upside down with the butt at two o'clock will keep it in place. The hammer block rides in the slot on the sideplate and must be in the proper position for the plate to go on. Having it raised to its highest point will place it in correct position.

Install the side plate inserting the top corner near the rear sight first. If the hammer block stayed into position then the side plate should then fall into position. It will only take finger pressure to seat the plate. DON'T beat it with a hammer.

Keep us filled in.
Semper Fi
Klyde

 

[Gunner4640]

thanks I will give it a try and let you know
Semper FI
Dave

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Klyde is exactly right in his advice to you. I would recommend leaving the hammer block out and inserting the sideplate without it to get a feel for this. Done corrrectly, you should only need finger pressure. By the way, please don't cycle the action with the sideplate off as this can really lead to problems.

Good luck,

Dave

 

[Gunner4640]

That was just too easy. Thank you
Dave

 

[Gunner4640]

Thanks Dave for the advice. However it went back together perfect only a light tap. I did not pull the rigger with the plate off. thanks again
Dave

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Thanks Dave for the advice. However it went back together perfect only a light tap. I did not pull the rigger with the plate off. thanks again
Dave

Glad everything worked out for you. In the future you may want to hold or wrap a shop rag over the sideplate before removing it. The rag should prevent the sideplate from dropping onto a hard surface and possible marring or other damage.

Good luck,

Dave

 

[Kevin G]

I lightly oil the outside edges of the sideplate prior to reinstalling.
Good Luck, Kevin

 

[one eye joe]

I JUST LOVE THE QUALITY OF ADVICE AND SUGGESTIONS GIVEN TO QUESTIONS LIKE THIS ON OUR FORUM......