Missing side plate screw?

[McInnis]

I lost the top sideplate screw (the one near the hammer) on my new model 29. I'm trying to order a replacement from Midway but it looks like there's two types: flat-head and crowned-head screws. The two bottom screws in my model 29 are crown head, but the top hole where the screw came loose looks like a different size.

Could someone take a quick look at their model 29 and tell me what kind of screw that top one is?

Thanks!

 

[2hawk]

That ought to be a flat head, if it is under the grips.

 

[McInnis]

If it is under the grips? It's the screw that is just next to the hammer.

 

[Alk8944]

Try Popperts Gun Parts, Oldwestgunsmith.com , Jack First Gunshop, E-gunparts (Numrich). Look for the Victory model and 1917, most likely listings to find one.

The top sideplate screw was eliminated from all models in the 1950s, and they aren't easy to find. There are some of the current "Classic" models that revived that screw, but it is reportedly a different thread.

 

[Hondo44]

If it is under the grips? It's the screw that is just next to the hammer.

How new is your 29? Does it have 3 screws in the sideplate including the one hidden by the grip or does it have 4?

If it has four, the one closest to the hammer and the one you need is the "Bug" screw which has a larger head than the others and is domed and you should get it from Smith to get the new production thread which was changed in 1942.

If the choice was between a flat or domed screw, Midway is refering to the screw under the grip, not the one your need.

The top screw is the one you need, correct?

 

[AkRay]

It sounds like his gun is one of the Model 29 50th Anniversary guns, and these brought back the 5th screw on the top of the sideplate.

 

[sourdough44]

Or call S&W with your gun info & ask nicely, it worked for me a while back.

 

[McInnis]

Thank you Hondo, your photo shows the screw I'm missing. I that an old 29 or one of the classics like mine?

 

[Hondo44]

Glad to help. The gun shown is a Post War Transitional 3rd Model 44 Spl Hand Ejector Target made before 1950 that belongs to Raider.

 

[BUFF]

"If it has four, the one closest to the hammer and the one you need is the "Bug" screw which has a larger head than the others and is domed and you should get it from Smith to get the new production thread which was changed in 1942."

I believe that the BUG screw was actually a much smaller screw that was just above the top sideplate screw and helped hold the bigger screw in place. The BUG screw was just used on early aluminum frame ("AIRWEIGHT") J and K frame guns. I don't think N frames ever used a BUG screw. I think the OP's missing screw is just called the top sideplate screw.

The factory should have these. When you call, have your gun's serial number at hand. Also, have the full model number (M-29-4, M-29-5, etc.), which you will find stamped on the frame beneath where the barrel screws into the frame. You have to open the cylinder to see that.

 

[Hondo44]

"If it has four, the one closest to the hammer and the one you need is the "Bug" screw which has a larger head than the others and is domed and you should get it from Smith to get the new production thread which was changed in 1942."

I believe that the BUG screw was actually a much smaller screw that was just above the top sideplate screw and helped hold the bigger screw in place. The BUG screw was just used on early aluminum frame ("AIRWEIGHT") J and K frame guns. I don't think N frames ever used a BUG screw. I think the OP's missing screw is just called the top sideplate screw.

Hi Buff,
The Bug screw issue is always ripe for discussion. According to SCSW you are correct, the locking screw on alloy framed guns for the '5th screw' or uppermost sideplate screw is called the bug screw. However the old factory terminology for the 5th screw was Bug screw according to Neal and Jinks and Handejector, Lee.

Therefore we have agreed to call the 5th screw the bug screw, locked by a bug screw. I used 'Bug screw' so when the OP calls S&W and refers to the screw he needs as the bug screw, the factory will know he needs the 5th screw.

 

[BUFF]

Thanks, Jim, I did not know that.