Side plate interchangeability

[Chopperdoc]

I have two S&W HB 10-8s inbound. They were a good deal at $219 each! I knew the finishes would be well worn, I have a Cerakote project planned for them to the finish was not important

From what I can see, they are import marked with some type of engraving pencil. Looks like a vibrating etcher. The good news is that it looks like they are marked on the side plate.

I have some questions.

Is it legal to remove these markings? I may sell one at some point in the future.

Does anyone know how to remove these markings? Not sure if they can be polished out.

Will a side plate from any K frame fit a model 10? Are there certain things to watch out for? I know the earlier ones had an extra screw.

Thanks

Vic

 

[OKFC05]

Will a side plate from any K frame fit a model 10?

Not really. The nature of the manufacture makes the sideplates individually contoured to the frame. How close will it be....?
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-smithing/428078-side-plate-replacement.html

 

[Big Cholla]

It has been my experience that replacement sideplates always require fitting. The fitting required is not easy to accomplish. A whole range of files in various shapes with sandpaper wrapped around them is what I use along with Dykem to tell me where to sand. ........

 

[H Richard]

I attempted a side plate replacement one time. Never again. The finished product will look worse than the engraving pencil markings. Depending on the depth of the markings, you may be able to stone them down smooth, but doubt if you can file deep enough to eliminate them. I can not tell you on the legalities of removing import markings.

 

[tlmetesh]

I would love to see pics of the import engraving when you get them. I was looking at those as well, but am hesitant about essentially buying blind.

 

[DWalt]

"Is it legal to remove these markings? I may sell one at some point in the future. "

I've never read nor heard anything about the illegality of removing any markings other than the gun's frame serial number. As others have said, the interchangeability of revolver sideplates is a sometime thing. My experience in that regard is limited, but unsuccessful.

 

[gwpercle]

Depending on what the markings are, they just might add some value / interest to the guns. post a photo when you get them.

 

[Chopperdoc]

Thanks for all the replies. Since the marking are simply cosmetic I don't think I'll attempt to replace the sideplates.

These revolvers will be Cerakoted Burnt Bronze with the cylinders done in Graphite Black. I have been told Cerakote can be applies to fill in small scratches. Perhaps after these are media blasted and any raised parts polished flat it won't show thru the Cerakote. For what I paid for them it's worth a shot.

I will post pics when they arrive (before) and after they are done.

 

[markmodel10]

If you are going to Cerakote them anyway, could you fill the stampings with something like a soft solder?