Revolver side plate print

[BoogieMan]

Anyone know where I can get a print/drawing dimensioned or to scale of revolver sideplates. In particular S&W XVR and 686. I would like to machine one with engraving for my revolvers.

 

[James K]

I doubt very much that S&W will provide you the production drawings for their sideplates. But I think you may be underestimating the complexity of those sideplates; they are not as easy to make as you might believe.

If you want to engrave sideplates for your revolvers, why would you not just engrave the sideplates you already have?

Jim

 

[Snyper]

If you want to engrave sideplates for your revolvers, why would you not just engrave the sideplates you already have?

And why not take the measurements directly from the parts?

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

And why not take the measurements directly from the parts?

Because the part geometry is incredibly complex. Without a Coordinate Measuring Machine it would be just about impossible. Not to mention the fact that S&W sideplates are an interference fit in the frame. No way S&W is going to give you any information, that is proprietary information.

Why not just engrave the sideplate that you have?

 

[BoogieMan]

I may engrave the sideplate I have or even buy a sideplate to engrave. Either way I would setup a piece with the same thickness. When engraving on my mill thickness/depth of cut is very critical to the result. .001" make a big difference in the outcome. Im sure that S&W wouldnt purposely release the print. But, thought that someone may have seen it around or may have already scanned one. I dont think it can be done with a CMM. Needs laser scanner or even a flat bed scanner. Its only 2d so not terrible.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Sideplates are 3D. There are cuts inside.
The plates aren't just milled out-they are "struck" into place-causing an interference fit. You can't do that with a mill.
This is a bad idea all around. Engrave the backstrap.