Rusty 66. How bad is it?

[stantheman86]

Yes, I agree, unless you have a rare gun like an old, NIB 29 or Registered Magnum, no harm will be done from removing the sideplate. The only time you will see screw or peening damage is if someone was careless or didn't have the right tools. Heck, my new 617 came from the factory with some galling on the screw slots from assembly.

I have dozens of S&W's and only two can I say the plates have never been off, because they've been in the family since 1989 and know 100% they have never been dissasembled.

The others, I would be very hard pressed to find one of my S&W's that doesn't have at least a little evidence of dissasembly. I also collect ex-PD guns, so that might explain it.

I feel any S&W that is going to see any use, should have the plate taken off for periodic inspection and cleaning.

 

[dant]

simply find someone who has a "heated" ultrasonic cleaner, and when using any of the oil lubes like LPS or whatever, when heated and vibrated overnight, it ALL comes out,you just take off the grips............
sorry I no longer have one, got rid of it when we 'retired'' but they did work...used them at work at GE for cleaning wire dies, same thing.........
I know of folks who have NEVER taken their firearms apart, and they are flawless and clean........................I agree with the above, whatever is in there just needs to be "flushed" out and then re-oiled properly.........it does take time

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Just like the guys say, get a screwdriver set that fits and open that baby up. The more you open, clean, adjust and admire the insides of Smiths the more you will like them!
I guarantee! Not from Louisiana but have spent enough time there to learn to say that.

 

[ispcapt]

You guys realize this thread is 3 years old? Think he might have gotten it cleaned up by now?

 

[arjay]

He hasn't been back.i bet he pried it off...