[Captain Crunch]

When I acquire & S&W revolver for my collection, I always give it the full detail strip treatment right off the bat. I pull the sideplate & completely disassemble the mechanism, then completely clean & degrease all parts, including all the interior frame surfaces.

Then I lubricate all metal to metal contact points and surfaces with a good quality lubricant. I use Wilson's Ultima-Lube oil and grease for this. I've found that aerosol spray type lube products don't have the "staying power" to do the job.

Reassembly is pretty straightforward, but reinstalling the rebound slide and spring can be a chore, because that spring is stiff. I recently found a tool, sold by Brownells, that makes this job a snap. It's called, oddly enough, the S&W Rebound Slide Spring tool. It works like a charm, and I highly recommend it. See it here:

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=774&title=S&W+REBOUND+SLIDE+SPRING+TOOL

Also, a plug for Brownells is in order here. Their customer service is second to none. Every shooter should have their catalog, IMO.

 

[P95Carry]

I also like to do similar - tho so far have done rebound spring the hard way - albeit with a sheet over my head in case of it going into orbit!

Brownells - they have my seal of approval too - superb outfit, and so far over some years very well satisfied.

I guess most folks know how to removed side plate (properly) but maybe we should mention correct proceedure?

 

[Captain Crunch]

P95,

You're right about the sideplate removal, and I know that you know to never, ever, pry the sideplate off. That's a sure way to damage it.

Here's the method I use: Remove the stocks, and use an exact fit screwdriver to remove the sideplate screws. (I'm not trying to be a smart-ass here, I've seen too many screw heads buggered up by using a hardware store screwdriver. Get gunsmith screwdrivers, like those sold by Brownells).

Then, holding the revolver by the grip frame with my left hand, I use a hammer with a plastic head to smartly tap the frame several times in the area of the "Marcas Registradas" trademark. Keep tapping and soon the sideplate will "bounce" off of the frame and can then be lifted free.

Works every time.

 

[P95Carry]

Thx Crunch - wasn't trying to make you do the descriptive work! Phone rang just as I finished that last post so didn't get to say what you did.

Totally agree - that is what (safely) works and I endorse the Brownells screwdrivers too 100%. I bought my first kit of those and then added a load more, so many, I had to inset a piece of wood within the box to index them. very worthwhile investment.

Of course sideplate replacement also can require just a gentle ''persuasive'' tap from soft hammer/mallet to finally seat that last few thou - it's always very gratifying to see the near invisible sideplate line - gotta love machining that good. :smile:

 

[QKShooter]

Btw

The trigger rebound spring is usually lots stronger than it needs to be...even for a carry gun.
You might want to replace it with a lighter weight Wolff spring.