Smith & Wesson Sideplate Question

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vitesse9

New member
I don't know if my 686 has always been like this or if this is something developing over time, but I've recently noticed that the sideplate doesn't fit exactly flush (we're talking about a fraction of a millimeter off, but still noticeable). Anyway, ever more concerning is that on the top edge of the sideplate, the edge right behind the cylinder, is a rough and jagged spot. I actually noticed it because it was catching little pieces of leather from a new holster. When I went to wipe off the leather shards, I felt rough edge and investigated further.

Anyone know if the 1) the Simth sideplates are supposed to fit exactly flush, and 2) if the rough edge is a problem? I'm thinking the sideplate might be "shooting loose" gradually and that could also be causing the rough edge.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!
 
The side plate should have a flush fit. Are the screws tight? Has the gun been worked on? The plate can be sprung if it has been removed incorrectly.
 
You could remove the side plate, DO NOT PRY,by removing screws ,hold gun side plate down, strike grip frame with a mallet. Make sure that there is nothing [dirt etc] that prevents full seating of the side plate. Replace sideplate . If sideplace is 'shooting loose you could put Loc-tite on the screws [the removable type].If there is a burr sticking up you could remove it with a fine stone .
 
Sideplate has never been removed I bought gun new and have never taken it off or had work done on it. Screws feel tight.
 
Don't worry about it unless you are getting cut. That is common in S&Ws of all types from the 80s on. If your revolver is functional and the screws are secure, live with it. Another fine example of S&W craftsrobotship. Really, nothing to worry about. If that rough spot REALLY bugs you, return it to S&W for repair/replacement/refinish.
 
Earlier S&W's had a screw at the upper corner of the sideplate. On later guns, this was replaced with a tab on the plate that fits into a slot in the frame behind the cylinder.
mete describes the proper removal of the plate. You might either follow his recommendations or have a gunsmith look at it.
 
I like the "nothing's wrong, live with it" approach. I don't want to be without my gun while it's back at the factory and I don't want to spend the $ on a gunsmith. I just wanted to make sure that the gun wasn't showing wear that it shouldn't or it wasn't fitted properly etc.

I can live with a little imperfection so long as ot goes boom when I pull the trigger.

Thanks for all the info everyone!
 
As an aside, I have a friend who collects "garbage guns". The latest buy was a 6" S&W 629-3 that had 0, nada, none and all of its assembly pins NOT finished on the exterior. It is overtly and blatantly clear that it was NEVER final QC inspected. There is maybe 3/8" sticking out of each pin. He bought it from another S&W defect collector. There are enough defects out there for some to collect. The good news is that there aren't enough defects for us to find them commonly.
 
Somebody who didn't know what he was doing pried the sideplate off.

Sir William, what's an assembly pin? Can your friend show some pics? Sounds interesting.
 
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