Side plate repair
 

I am looking for ideas to align a side plate that fits poorly. My opinion is that the plate was tightened without toe of the plate in the undercut. The gun is a pre-1900 grade 3 16 L C Smith. My main concern is protecting the engraving with this repair. The gun has nice 30 inch chain damascus with extremely tight chokes (Galazan gauge won't start in either barrel), and has beautiful wood. It deserves to be put back in service.

Depending on just how bad the damage is would a sandbag and a rubber faced dead blow hammer work without damage?

Do you have a picture, maybe I can help?

Yeah, a photo of the problem will certainly help in trying to figure out best means of attack.

Have we seen the Pawn Stars episode where a trashed out hammer Parker was being appraised by the "called in expert"? The estimate went from $5000 to $500 very quickly with no mention made of the sideplates which were screwed into place with the front of the sideplate outside of the receiver. The idiot (but rich) pawnbroker happily paid $500 for the $75.00 ground down and spray painted hammer gun.

That show is SOOO lame.

Problem Solved
 

I used a plastic hammer with a brass plate between the stripped side plate and anvil. After finding the two high spots they were lightly hammered back until the plate fit nicely. Next problem is a broken firing pin bushing. I am going to try to save the firing pin bushing. I have been heating and applying penetrating oil for a few days and will take it to the drill press next. Russ R had said years ago that the bushing could be super glued back together and avoid the time and effort to fit a new one. Has anyone used this idea successfully in the past.

Tom, You can get new bushings on Ebay.

Are they described on Ebay as "firing pin bushings"?

Tom, you'll find them on ebay. You can buy a new set for $24 and fit them, or there's a use one for $24 that's fitted. I've fit a few sets. Just screw them in and mark the outside where it stops screwing in with a permanent marker. Remove and grind to the mark. Check bushing fit for flush when you get close to the mark. File the final fit. I've also straighten out a bent plate. Just remove the insides if needed. Place it on your anvil flat or something similar, then use a small rubber mallot. I've also bent them in a vise with padded jaws.
Chris