Why would pre-19 have buggered sideplate screws

[bushmaster1313]

If I had a pre-19 I would not be taking off the side plate.

Can anyone think of a good reason why a pre-19 would have buggered side plate screws?

Thank you

 

[Targets Guy]

someone used a regular screw driver on them

 

[reddog81]

At some point in time over the last 50 years some tried to take off the side plate and did it incorrectly. Is this a trick question?

 

[bushmaster1313]

At some point in time over the last 50 years some tried to take off the side plate and did it incorrectly. Is this a trick question?

Why was someone who did not know what they were doing take off the side plate

For that matter, why would someone who knew what they were doing take off the sideplate

Thank you

 

[steelslaver]

Same answer for all buggered screws.

Wrong screw driver and or screw driver operator.

Why were they taking off the side plate is another question entirely.

 

[D Brown]

Why was someone who did not know what they were doing take off the side plate

For that matter, why would someone who knew what they were doing take off the sideplate

Thank you

Some individuals have no business with a tool of any kind in their hands. One of the previous owners of your pre-19 was no doubt such an individual.

There are others, with average and above mechanical ability who can remove the side plate of a S&W revolver and leave no sign that they have done so. In other words, they know what they're doing. I consider myself one of these individuals. It's not rocket science if you know how and use the proper tools.

If the only sign of damage is to the side plate screws, you should be able to replace them and restore your pre-19 to fine condition. Consider yourself fortunate that the same previous owner didn't employ some type of prying device to free the side plate once he got the screws out.

 

[Zipdog]

The same guy has to open every box of ammo he sees and tear the end flap.

 

[stansdds]

If I had a pre-19 I would not be taking off the side plate.

Can anyone think of a good reason why a pre-19 would have buggered side plate screws?

Thank you

'Cause Bubba wanna see wat's in dere.

And, yes, probably the same guy that opens and tears the end flap on every box of ammo he puts his hands on.

 

[murphydog]

If this is a gun you are contemplating buying (especially online), make sure the seller allows a (no firing) inspection by your friendly local gunsmith and a return. No telling what might be lurking inside if someone not familiar with a proper screwdriver messed with the internals.

 

[squidsix]

I take the sideplates off all of them and clean the inside when I get a new S&W. You would be amazed the gunk I have found in there.
Now, I don't bugger the screws, so I can't talk to that, but I take the plate off every single S&W revolver that enters my possession. Rust in many, just plain gunk in many others. In one case most of a Q-tip was inside. No idea how it got there.

 

[Pisgah]

I would say that 90% of people who remove a sideplate don't know what they're doing, at least the first time. See it numerous times every day right here on this forum. It's a wonder every screw in the S&W universe isn't buggered...

 

[Rule3]

Why?

Because the screws are there

Maybe they had a issue?. Maybe they wanted to clean and oil?

Who the heck knows, other than they buggered it.

 

[Targets Guy]

Maybe he/she wanted to put on a new trigger and hammer. Tough to do if you don't remove the sideplate.

 

[2152hq]

All firearms come with a cryptic message implanted in them that says 'Take Me Apart',, and so it is to be.

...and it provides much work and income to some like me.

 

[sodacan]

Buggered screw heads are a red flag for me when looking at a possible purchase. I always walk away because they could be an indication of other problems in how the gun was cared for. I'm sure I've passed on some otherwise nice guns, but I'd rather not take a chance.

 

[cahotshoe]

I've never had one apart before, but I read on the internet that if you filed the sear you could have a hair trigger. Hmmm where's the sear.

Yep, a perceived knowledge can be dangerous.

 

[ParadiseRoad]

...one of the big factors when I bought my 1905 target was the fact that the side plate screws were perfect...

...doesn't mean they were never out...but it does show that if they were...someone took the care to do it right...

 

[Roper1628]

Buggered screw heads are a red flag for me when looking at a possible purchase. I always walk away because they could be an indication of other problems in how the gun was cared for. I'm sure I've passed on some otherwise nice guns, but I'd rather not take a chance.

Likewise, buggered up side plate edges are a sign that someone didn't know how to do it right.

 

[Targets Guy]

I've never had one apart before, but I read on the internet that if you filed the sear you could have a hair trigger. Hmmm where's the sear.

Yep, a perceived knowledge can be dangerous.

Double-action revolvers can use the trigger to cock the hammer as well as fire the gun. On the double-action revolver's trigger is a sear that engages a rotating fly mounted on the hammer. Pulling the trigger, the sear engages the fly, thus retracting the hammer. When the hammer reaches maximum compression of the mainspring, the fly disengages the sear, allowing the hammer to move forward and strike the primer of the cartridge. Like the single-action revolver, the trigger does double duty. A pawl mounted on the trigger engages a ratchet on the cylinder via a window in the recoil shield to rotate the cylinder into battery, and a bolt in the bottom of the frame engages a notch in the cylinder to align and lock it up.

compliments of the NRA

 

[brjr51]

Why?

Because the screws are there

Maybe they had a issue?. Maybe they wanted to clean and oil?

Who the heck knows, other than they buggered it.

Don't laugh, I actually did that when I was about three. One of my first memories. And I could go back to that house I haven't been in for over 55 years and point out the exact outlet.