Buggered-up M66 side plate

[Dobbs]

A previous owner damaged the top of my M66's side plate while playing at being a gunsmith. It isn't terrible, but I hate looking at it. Anyone know if this can be corrected without refinishing the piece?

 

[magnum12pm]

Its not likely you can make it look perfect again, but if someone knows how to make it look better than this one. I would be interested to know the technique myself. I had the same problem you described here is what I accomplished with mine.

 

[Dobbs]

Thanks Magnum 12PM. That looks some better than mine. What technique did you use to accomplish it? I've considered slightly peening the end of the plate but I would like to hear someone else say they have done that with success before I give it a go.

 

[signsrup]

I would start with a piece of 600 wet/dry sandpaper on a FLAT block and knock down the high spots with the sideplate assembled on the frame, then use scotchbrite to blend it back to factory finish.

I would not work with either frame or sideplate while its dissasembled, it's too easy to screw up the fit.

 

[magnum12pm]

Thanks Magnum 12PM. That looks some better than mine. What technique did you use to accomplish it? I've considered slightly peening the end of the plate but I would like to hear someone else say they have done that with success before I give it a go.

I used very fine files to just take the edges off. I then did pretty much what Signrup has described. I would suggest going very slowly trying it on the gun for fit and finish. I also did a little polishing with fine rubbing compound just to blend it in as much as possible....good luck...and don't forget to show us the finished product with pics when done.

 

[Beachcomber]

If you don't mind having your revolver tied up for a short period of time and spending a few bucks to get it properly taken care of... why not send it back to Smith & Wesson?

I had a XS Big Dots put on my model 640-1 and while it was at S&W I had them dehorn the revolver. When I got the 640 back I couldn't even feel where the side plate joined the frame.

If you look closely you can see how the light is reflecting off of the side plate due to it appearing to be a slightly different color. (Needless to say... it's not!)

 

[Bluetec-320]

Repair damaged side plate

Here is a trick I have used successfully a couple of times.
Take a very smooth square piece of steel , say 1/2 inch keystock about 2 inch long. File one side very flat and polish.
Then lay the gun on a small pillow or other soft springy object with the damaged side up. Put the square piece of steel flat on top of the damaged area , holding it with the left hand. Then take a "small" hammer and give the square steel a good tap with the hammer. This will flatten out the raised damage without any damage to the bluing You can repeat this several times if neccessary. Just remember to not hit too hard. Rmember you must do this with the side plate in the revolver. While this will not remove the entire problem, it will flatten out the raised portion nicely.
Not long ago I did this on a new Model 41. The new type laser edging of the writing tends to have a rough feelling to it, by following this procedure it becomes as smooth as a peach. I have also done this on raised edges of the side plates.
A suggestion you may want to try

 

[Dobbs]

Much thanks to all for the various methods proposed. I think I will try a combination of the suggestions offered. If things go south, I will let S&W have a go at it.