Need a new sideplate for 1950's OP

[flanman]

Just got an OP from the mid fifties. There is unfortunately some bubba engraving on the sideplate that is too deep to gently buff off. However for $150 I could not pass it up. So now the search begins for a replacement sideplate and then a trip to Colt for a reblue. Any suggestions on where to look.

flanman

[dfariswheel]

There's going to be a problem with this.
Colt side plates were hand fitted at the factory and then attached to the frame so both could be hand polished as one piece so they'd be a perfect match.
Your first problem is going to be that the replacement side plate has already been fitted to a different gun and re-fitting will leave gaps and a poor fit.
Second, since the plate wasn't polished with your frame, there will likely be a "step" up or down where the thicker or thinner side plate won't be level with the frame.

You can install a plate but it's going to require some very careful fine fitting with a file and it will have gaps.

For used plates contact these sources:

Colt Official Police Double Action Revoler

Jack First Gunshop - First in Gun Parts - Rapid City, South Dakota

http://www.poppertsgunparts.com/cgi-...a_gunparts.cgi
Listed for $20.00