Model 49 New To Me - Questions

[bmesw49]

I am a brand new member. I previewed this site and believe it is one of, if not the best S&W site. I owned a model 12 for about 34 years before I sold it. I recently received a model 49 as a gift from a close friend. It was in a safe for about 20 years. It had been cleaned and oiled before it was put away removed.

As soon as I received it I removed the cylinder and gave it a thorough cleaning and lightly oiled the moving parts. However, I was unable to remove the grips to check and clean under them. I followed the procedure that I had done many times on my model 12.

I loosened the grip screw almost all the way and tapped on it with the butt of the screwdriver but the right side grip did not move at all. The grips are the original ones and are in great shape. I do not want to take a chance of damaging them by hitting the screw hard with a hammer.

I then sprayed all around the edges of the grips with Ballistol, hoping that would help. After about an hour or so I tried again to remove the grips, but no luck.

Does anyone have any suggestion on how to remove the stuck grips without damaging them?

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! The stock panel is held in place by the metal disc at the top, and the pin on the bottom. It is usually the latter that holds up removal, or at least that is where it will loosen. What often works for me is to tap toward the inside bottom with the tip of an interchangeable bit screwdriver, minus the bit. It will probably come off the pin gradually. Be sure to wipe the oil off them after both panels are off.

 

[bmesw49]

murphydog,
Alan, Thanks for the advice - it worked. I removed the grips and the side plate. I cleaned up as much as I could without totally stripping the gun. It really was not too dirty or gummy inside. I very lightly lubed the moving parts.

I am now looking forward to shooting my new to me 49.

Barry