hAkron
Member
I have a recently aquired s&W model 49. The S&W standard catalog says it was made between 1975-1976 based on the SN. I wanted to break it down to inspect the internals, but the 3rd side plate screw (the one under the grip panel) is locked in tight. The slot is some what bunged up as well from some previous owners attempt. I'm using proper (albeit cheap) gun smithing screw bits of the correct size, but using normal force it won't budge. What are my options? Soak it in penetrating oil? Heat? If I use heat, would a heat gun be too hot?