Help - stocks stuck on my '53 22/32 Target

[islandguy]

Hi all,
I have a set of factory target stocks arriving this evening to replace the original factory square-butts on my Model 1953 22/32 Target. I've removed the stock screw no problem, but the stocks refuse to budge, even after sharp raps with a padded wooden dowel. The stocks are in VG condition and I don't want to damage them. It appears that this may be the first time the stock screw and stocks have been removed since the gun left S&W. There is a significant residue of oil varnish on the screw and in the screw counterbores. Any suggestions as to how I can get them off the gun safely?
Thx
Islandguy

 

[GF]

I back the screw out about all the way and (carefully) push on the head of the screw with the driver to pop off the far side.

If they're stuck like you say, it might not work.

Let's see what the experts have to say.

GF

 

[What the]

Unscrew the screw leaving an eighth inch or so of the screw head protruding from the grip, then turn your screwdriver end for end and lightly tap the head of the screw with the end of your screwdriver.

Or remove the screw all the way and rap the bottom of the grip frame with the side of the screwdriver handle much like you would do to remove the side plate.

 

[Biginge]

Remove the screw, reverse sides of stock (thread from outside) pad screw and pull outward GENTLY from threaded side of stock. Should come loose in most cases.

Regards

Bill

 

[smitholdtimer]

islandguy

Use your screwdriver to unscrew the screw, then use the screwdriver to push the screw sufficiently to cause the Right side panel to disengage and fall off. (Put the Proper Screwdriver into the screw slot and push the opposite side stock off, this will allow access to the left panel which can be removed easily! Hope this works for you!

 

[islandguy]

Thanks Guys! I've already tried (gently)
using the screw as a lever trick, but they still won't budge.
I think one of the other methods may do the trick.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Islandguy

 

[islandguy]

Using the screw-backing and tapping method, the off-side stock popped off easily, and the other side was easy after that. Thanks all for your help folks! Much appreciated. Here's how it looks with the target stocks installed. BTW, the stocks are courtesy of Sam (smitholdtimer), who graciously hunted down these stocks for me and got them to me safely. Thanks again Sam!
Islandguy

 

[Iggy]

Take good care of those original stocks.

 

[DCWilson]

Using the screw-backing and tapping method, the off-side stock popped off easily, and the other side was easy after that. Thanks all for your help folks! Much appreciated. Here's how it looks with the target stocks installed. BTW, the stocks are courtesy of Sam (smitholdtimer), who graciously hunted down these stocks for me and got them to me safely. Thanks again Sam!
Islandguy

That's a good looking Model of 1953 .22/32 Target. And a tip of the hat to smitholdtimer for helping you get some larger stocks for it.

 

[islandguy]

Will do Iggy. They've been carefully wrapped and stored (with the original stock screw).
Islandguy