Smith & Wesson revolver mystery help

[brownbmo]

I have a US WW2 S&W Victory revolver in beautiful original condition. It functioned perfectly since I bought it.
I had never taken off the side plate, so I decided today to look under the hood. Inside was in good shape, just some dust and old oil. I took it apart and back together with no problem and it functioned smoothly.
I put cylinder back in and put on the side plate. It hadn’t been apart much as it was a tight fit, but I was able to press it on evenly by hand most of the way. A few light taps of a small rubber mallet and it went right into place. I put the screws in and found nothing will move. The hammer, trigger and cylinder release won’t move. I’ve taken it apart again several times and get the same result. The side plate must be pressing on something, but it went on with no resistance.

Any suggestions out there on what to try, it has to be something simple. Thanks.

 

[brownbmo]

Here’s some photos of the area and the back of the side plate.

 

[glocker]

Somebody will help you on here, in the mean time try YouTube.

 

[loadnplenty]

Put the cylinder back in with the ejector rod. If the ejector rod is not screwed all the way done the cylinder release will block the hammer. Hard to diagnose with without it installed

 

[brownbmo]

I put the cylinder back in and it functions perfectly without the side plate. The side plate must be interacting with something below it to block movement.

 

[loadnplenty]

How much movement does this have? Modern recovers its a separate piece.

Put the plate on and try gently working the trigger as you do. Might help align this internally.

I do that sometimes with mine when the hammer block want to be aggravating

 

[cmshoot]

Try installing the hammer block into the in its proper position, THEN the side plate. I don’t think you’re getting the hammer block in the right position.

I’m the gunsmith at TruPrep in Marietta. If you can’t get it, slide on by and I’ll show you. Mon-Sat 10-7, Sun 12-5, but I’m off Thurs-Fri.

 

[brownbmo]

How much movement does this have? Modern recovers its a separate piece.

Put the plate on and try gently working the trigger as you do. Might help align this internally.

I do that sometimes with mine when the hammer block want to be aggravating

Yes, my pistol and sidecover is from 1943, they went to the separate hammer block piece and full channel in 1945 from what I read. I was searching S&W forums last night and somebody mentioned pulling the hammer back about 1/4" when installing the sidecover to help align.
I did that and it functions perfectly now with the cover on. I knew it had to be a small detail as this WW2 pistol is in amazing condition. With the cleaning and lubrication it's now smoother than ever.
You are correct, moving the trigger during install is the trick. Thank you for your suggestion, spot on.

 

[loadnplenty]

I had a victory model years ago. Remember it being aggravating. Don’t recall my 1917 being that way.

Glad it worked out