OK, Am I The Only One That's OCD?

[TomJohn]

In the "Smith & Wesson Forum" logo at the top of this page is a gray bracket with four screws. The upper left screw is larger than the other three. This drives me nuts! Has this been discussed before, or am I the only one who's a bit odd?

 

[okiegtrider]

Yes.

 

[bamabiker]

I believe the 4 and 5 screw guns had an upper side plate screw that is just a little larger than the others.

 

[snubbyfan]

It's like the 5th screw on the side plate of a 5 screw. It's a little larger. I think it's good attention to detail.

 

[g8rb8]

What a screwy thread.

 

[rct269]

You are not the least bit odd----just perhaps slightly over observant. The cure is to work on finding better uses for your time. You could, for instance, ponder the several possible reasons for the use of the larger screw----all the while remembering the simplest explanation is often the best explanation. That said, how about this one? The workman had only three matching screws for this four screw job. He lit out for the hardware store as soon as he noticed this, but they were closed when he got there. One moral of this story is he should have called instead of spending his time and gasoline driving to the hardware store. Had he done this, he would have had enough time to chuck up a larger screw he had, and cut it down a bit.

As it is now, he's going to learn he's been found out----and very likely die of a guilty conscience-----and it's ALL YOUR FAULT!!!

RCT

 

[murphydog]

It's not OCD...it's CDO, in alphabetical order, the way it should be .

 

[Wingmaster]

I have mine set on "Light blue large font" Its easier for me to read and has what looks to me like a K-32 at the top.
And it has 5 screws.

Wingmaster

 

[DWalt]

The large screw represents the pre-1955 S&W upper sideplate screw, AKA the Bug screw.

 

[Krogen]

Now that you mention it, the 5th screw >is< too big! Maybe >that's< why they got rid of it. And then there's that pesky 4th screw that you can't see from a safe vantage point. BUT you know it's there, At least it was the last time you looked. I guess that's why we have 3-screw revolvers. But dangit, where IS that third screw again? I have to take the stocks off? What's with that, anyway? And they're the same size, but . . ., but . . ., one is flat?

So you say S&W's current "Classic" line has that 5th screw? And it's still too big? Why did they do THAT?

Not again . . . .

 

[Cal44]

And here I was worried about world peace, the middle East and the national economy.

And then something important like this comes up and puts it all in perspective.

 

[JP@AK]

Allright, I'll stick with Magna stocks. Whew, now I can see all three. And they're the same size, but . . ., but . . ., one is flat?

Huh? You can see all three sideplate screws with Magna stocks on the gun? You must have a right panel that is transparent, since the top of the Magna stocks cover that screw . . .

 

[vigil617]

It's bugging me that I don't know why it's called a Bug Screw.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

It's bugging me that I don't know why it's called a Bug Screw.

FWIW, I am under tye impression that "bug screw" is usually reserved for a 6th screw, rather small, that locks the 5th screw from loosening. It is generally found on aluminum guns of the period, but perhaps on steel as well.

 

[H Richard]

Model520fan, you are correct. A "bug" screw is a locking device to keep the larger screw from backing out in some lightweight alloy frames. Hasn't been used in quite a few years. You sometimes see them in High Grade shotguns also.

 

[BE Mike]

In the "Smith & Wesson Forum" logo at the top of this page is a gray bracket with four screws. The upper left screw is larger than the other three. This drives me nuts! Has this been discussed before, or am I the only one who's a bit odd?

Yes you are a bit odd and have way too much time on your hands, although if the screw slots not being turned all in the same direction would bother you, you would be normal. They all need to be horizontal. Turn 'em, turn 'em, TURN 'EM!!!!

 

[Krogen]

Huh? You can see all three sideplate screws with Magna stocks on the gun? You must have a right panel that is transparent, since the top of the Magna stocks cover that screw . . .

Hah! Right you are. I got a little carried away, eh?

 

[bettis1]

As long as the Forum logo doesn't swap over to the left side and show that other "hole" I'm OK with it.

Bob

 

[tlay]

You guys need something better to do with your time, go clean your guns!

 

[DWalt]

FWIW, I am under tye impression that "bug screw" is usually reserved for a 6th screw, rather small, that locks the 5th screw from loosening. It is generally found on aluminum guns of the period, but perhaps on steel as well.

Not so. This has been discussed here many, many times. Both the upper sideplate screw and the locking screw on alloy framed S&Ws were called Bug screws by S&W. You can have a bug screw securing a bug screw.