Model 39-2 "Sideplate" questions

[Trooper Joe]

I just picked up a very nice, made in 1979, 39-2. I just noticed that the hammer pivot pin (just discovered that this is attached to the side plate) had come loose from the side plate and was working it's way out through the right side of the frame. I ordered a replacement side plate (part 360790B) from GunParts Corp which should be here soon.

For the time being, I cleaned the right side frame hole, and the pin, and pushed it back in place with some blue locktite.

I was thinking of taking it apart and silver soldering the pin back into the side plate. Guess I will wait and see how long my temporary fix works.

Any thoughts on this issue? There seems to be nothing on the net about it so I guess that is a good sign that it must not happen too often.

My theory is that I think this gun sat for 40 + years before I bought it. Maybe the pin rusted in place on the hammer and when I used the hammer, it twisted the pin loose from it's mounting hole in the side plate.

Any help on this would be appreciated.

By the way, on a high note, the gun came with only two factory magazines (and then my search began ). A week ago, I found 3, like new, factory magazines in a gun shop in Michigan. Got them for $60 each and I am one happy puppy. The gun prints a quarter size hole at 15 yards from the bench and has a great double and single action trigger.

Trooper Joe

 

[gmborkovic]

Joe, you got me, thats a new one. Silver should work perfect.
Keep us posted. Mike

 

[armorer951]

Just a note concerning Numrich parts numbers.....they bear no resemblance to the actual S&W factory part numbers.

The OEM number for your model 39 sideplate is 06117, and is listed as "obsolete" on the factory parts sheet.

The most recent parts list I can find is available here....in PDF form.

PDF's of the Parts Lists

S&W no longer produces schematics and parts lists to make available to the general public. As an armorer, I haven't been able to get my hands on one for several years.

 

[Trooper Joe]

Just a note concerning Numrich parts numbers.....they bear no resemblance to the actual S&W factory part numbers.

The OEM number for your model 39 sideplate is 06117, and is listed as "obsolete" on the factory parts sheet.

The most recent parts list I can find is available here....in PDF form.

PDF's of the Parts Lists

S&W no longer produces schematics and parts lists to make available to the general public. As an armorer, I haven't been able to get my hands on one for several years.

Thanks for the heads up.

Any thoughts on repairing my side plate and hammer pivot pin assembly?

Trooper Joe

 

[armorer951]

If the pin was peened in place there might be enough material to "re-peen" the end of the pin to the plate. A good quality 3M brand adhesive (epoxy) might also be an option.

Using this or JB Weld (original formula) would make the repair simpler, and preclude you having to heat the parts up to high temperature, which could have an affect on the integrity of the hammer pin. I would not recommend applying Loctite threadlocker, or any other adhesive, directly to the hammer pin in order to keep it in place inside the frame.

The best course of action would probably be to install (use) the new one, and place the old parts in a well marked bag in your "parts bin".

 

[Trooper Joe]

If the pin was peened in place there might be enough material to "re-peen" the end of the pin to the plate. A good quality 3M brand adhesive (epoxy) might also be an option.

Using this or JB Weld (original formula) would make the repair simpler, and preclude you having to heat the parts up to high temperature, which could have an affect on the integrity of the hammer pin.

That is exactly what I was thinking. I don't think the pin is going to move after my blue loctite application on the right side. Also, I was able to figure out how this "Sideplate" assembly was designed while working on my 39-2 last night. I think I will clean the left side of the pin (the end that goes through the side plate) plus the hole in the side plate, and use some high quality epoxy as you suggested.

Even if I get the correct part from Numrich, I am not looking forward to dismantling the hammer main spring and housing like I did last night (it was the only way I was able to get the hammer pin back in position by removing the spring pressure on the hammer). What a PITA getting the main spring housing back in place.

By the way, the hammer pivot pin part the goes in the side plate is slightly smaller diameter than the rest of the pin. Some place on the net I saw a photo of that pin without the side plate which lets me believe that the pin and plate have separated for others at one time or another.

Thanks again,

Trooper Joe

 

[Dicktrader]

Smith & Wesson 39, 39-2, 52, 439, 539 – Sideplate Used – Gun Parts 4 Sale

 

[Trooper Joe]

Smith & Wesson 39, 39-2, 52, 439, 539 – Sideplate Used – Gun Parts 4 Sale

Thanks,

I ordered the part (I will now have two spares). Never heard of this vendor. Is he a "good guy"?

I hate changing credit cards because of a scam vendor. This is a pretty low cost part so the transaction should be OK. However, he now has my cc number. Oh well.

Trooper Joe