Information on proper takedown of a revolver

[HAMnSIGS]

Important thing to remember when disassembling a S&W revolver is the screws location in the sideplate. A typical 3 screw sideplate has the most upper rear screw which is a flat surfaced head, the lower screw behind the trigger appears to be the same screw that is in the front of the trigger but is NOT, The front screw has been fitted to allow the crane sufficient tension when it is opened. These two lower screws need to be placed separately on your bench so as to be reinstalled in the correct location. the rear screw can also be fitted to use as the front screw but to save that fitting it is best to just separate them and reinstall as they were. Do not get heavy on the torque when reassembling the sideplate as it is evident by the screws slots being overly torqued and displacing the slot cut(looks bad).

I would also recommend the Kuhnhausen book and video also if you can locate it. The cost of these will be paid back many times by the knowledge you will gain in S&W revolvers maintenance and inspection when buying used.

Most important is to use the correct fitting Hollow Ground screw bit which can be bought separate from Brownells if you know the size overwise just buy a good set of Gunsmith Screw Drivers/Bits. This will save you a good bit of embarrassment from them buggered up screw heads.

If you need more info my email is available

Be Safe!
-Mike

Note:
I should also note since there is a "new" design that if the model smith you have is post 1987? the screw will be obviously different.

[DeanC]

the lower screw behind the trigger appears to be the same screw that is in the front of the trigger but is NOT, The front screw has been fitted to allow the crane sufficient tension when it is opened. These two lower screws need to be placed separately on your bench so as to be reinstalled in the correct location.

How about that - there is one area where Taurus has a better design than S&W. On the Taurus revolvers I have taken apart, the crane screw has a C-clip on the inside of the side plate to retain the screw so you don't get them mixed up.

[HAMnSIGS]

the lower screw behind the trigger appears to be the same screw that is in the front of the trigger but is NOT, The front screw has been fitted to allow the crane sufficient tension when it is opened. These two lower screws need to be placed separately on your bench so as to be reinstalled in the correct location.

How about that - there is one area where Taurus has a better design than S&W. On the Taurus revolvers I have taken apart, the crane screw has a C-clip on the inside of the side plate to retain the screw so you don't get them mixed up.

Yes that is a great idea they had and it's due to that type of mindset that has caused Taurus to move up the ranks from a cheap S&W copy in S.A. to a major contender in the Arms business world.

Be Safe!
-Mike

I should also note since there is a "new" design that if the model smith you have is post 1987? the screw will be obviously different.

[selurcspi]

Paging Benny, paging Benny [/page]

Sorry I've been on vacation.

Strad, I can show you how to do the detail strip whenever you want, but Jerry Kuhnhausen's book is a must for future reference.

Call me!

PS, How are my P7 grips coming?

[Stradawhovious]

Paging Benny, paging Benny [/page]

Sorry I've been on vacation.

Strad, I can show you how to do the detail strip whenever you want, but Jerry Kuhnhausen's book is a must for future reference.

Call me!

PS, How are my P7 grips coming?

Thanks Benny. Your grips are in line right behind SS'. Besides, you still haven't sent the pics of what you want.