Help! SW Model 36 side-plate won't go back on.

[jdub3]

So curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to take off the side-plate of my Model 36. I know nothing about revolvers and wanted to see how this thing works (I also feel better about my guns knowing how they function and wanted to make sure there was no damage inside, b/c I recently bought this used.)

Well first, as soon as I poppped of the side plate the hammer block fell out. Luckily, I found a schematic online and figured out the proper positioning for reassembly (unless this is wrong). I then cleaned and lubed the internals.

Now the problem- I can't seem to get the side plate back on. I don't think it was ever dissassembled in the past 45 years of its life and the front part of the plate doesn't want to fit. Nothing appears broke or damaged and I want to keep it that way. Are there any tricks or suggestions you guys can offer?

Thanks in advance from the newb!

 

[Lee Roder]

I think your hammer block (HB) is misplaced and so is in the cover plate's way.

When the rebound slide (RS) is pushed back by the trigger, RS pulls HB down via a sliding action in HB's slot of the RS's little pin. Hard to see from parts diagram I know.

So position HB up as high on the rebound slide pin as you can. HB will then fit into the cutout on the inside of coverplate.

Cover plate's forward edges fit into the frame first (i.e. under cylinder and back of hammer). You will have to "jiggle" things a bit but the the back edges will snap in with pressure. You may also have to tap coverplate lightly into place (about same intensity as it took to wack it off).

Getting it together is hard to explain in words. I think rou're very close.

 

[ChuckWalla]

Put the Hammer block in the gun, fit the plate to it. Its fiddly but works. Just aim to get the block in the slot as you slide that plate lug into the frame.

 

[krs]

Sometimes I stick the hammer block into it's slot in the plate with a dab of grease; sometimes the plate needs to be pulled down with the screws if I'm SURE that the hammer block is in place. Be careful that the plate is engaged at the top and is correctly aligned - a little bit off can go a long way in messing up the pistol but it gets easier as you develop an 'eye' for when things ain't right.

Don't try to force anything - EVER.

 

[jdub3]

Got it back on. It wasn't the hammer-block. The side-plate was just tight as all heck and hadn't been removed since she came out of the factory about 45 yrs ago.

I got it lubed up then used a rubber mallet with some cloth for extra protection.

Thanks for the help everybody.