Finally worked up the nerve.

[Fackler Rebel]

I've been having some signs of hang up whilst shooting my K-22 in single action mode. Flushed it as good as I could with the gun intact and finally decided to remove the side plate today. Bought me a set of gunsmith screwdriver bits at Gander Mountain, saw the made in China **** sticker on it when I got home. Anyway pulled the grips and then the plate, made me a little picture of the screw locations and taped them to the drawing, ( picture). Got after the inards with gun solvent and a tooth brush. Cleaned it up good, oiled everything lightly, and then put her back together. Yes, the hammer block wanted to fall out but I knew after talking to a gunsmith in Taft Tn that there is a grove on the back side of the side plate that it rides in. This was my first time so I tried putting the hammer block in the sideplate grove, putting the lip on the the top part of the sideplate under the edge of the frame and then "walk" the sideplate down from there. Got it together in about 5 minutes, took her out back and ran two cylinders thru her with no problems in single action like before. Fixed my problem and now I know a little more about my K-22.

Reb

 

[fyimo]

Congratulations for doing that as I have yet to remove a side plate on any of my S&W revolvers. One day I will have to take the leap also.

 

[Camster]

Though I am an experienced mechanic with mechanisms not unlike a revolver,I've hesitated with going inside.Removed my first sideplate just recently on a gummed K22.Kulhausens manual is a worthwhile investment-has a pic of how the hammer block should be postioned prior to reinstallment of the sideplate.

 

[hsguy]

Though I am an experienced mechanic with mechanisms not unlike a revolver,I've hesitated with going inside.Removed my first sideplate just recently on a gummed K22.Kulhausens manual is a worthwhile investment-has a pic of how the hammer block should be postioned prior to reinstallment of the sideplate.

Good job, as Camster pointed out I usually find it easier to put the hammer block in place first at the top of it's travel and then slide the side plate into position letting the slot in the side plate run up the block.

 

[Fackler Rebel]

I guess 61 years of life and a lot of it mechanical stuff, raised on a farm, paid off. After getting the side plate off, I think I could do a total disassembly, but I'll hold off for now. It it ain't broke, then don't fix it. I love my Model 57, but this K-22 is a classic.

Reb

 

[AkRay]

Be careful once you're in there. A little too much sideways pressure on the hammer or trigger stud might cause it to snap off, and those little dealies are factory repair only. It would be an expensive lesson.

 

[H Richard]

The best thing to do is see a video. I used the Jerry Miculek Trigger Job video, which goes step by step for disassembly and reassembly, as well as where to stone. I now do not hesitate to remove any S&W side plate, (but have been doing it now for quite a few years). Does give you satisfaction to open one up and clean and lube it and make one operate like they are supposed to.