Smith & Wesson Sw22 Takedown Screw: A Detailed Guide

The Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory takedown screw is a component of the Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory pistol. The screw is designed to keep the pistol grip portion and receiver securely fastened. While the screw is an essential component of the pistol, some users have reported issues with the screw loosening during shooting sessions, and others have reported issues with removing a tightly fastened screw.

Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory takedown screw issues

The Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory takedown screw is a common source of frustration for owners of the firearm. The screw is designed to keep the pistol grip portion and receiver of the SW22 Victory fastened and secured. However, many users have reported issues with the screw, including difficulty in removing it and a tendency for it to loosen during shooting sessions.

One of the most commonly reported issues with the SW22 Victory takedown screw is that it can become extremely tight and difficult to remove. Some users have reported that the screw was so tight that they were unable to remove it with the supplied Allen wrench, even resorting to longer wrenches or using a crescent wrench to gain more torque. In some cases, users have stripped the head of the screw or broken their wrenches trying to remove it. This issue appears to be due to over-tightening at the factory, with some users reporting that their screws were barely hand-tight when they received their firearms after sending them back to Smith & Wesson for this issue.

Another common issue with the SW22 Victory takedown screw is that it has a tendency to loosen during shooting sessions. This can be a major design flaw as it requires users to stop shooting after every 50 rounds to tighten the screw. This issue is likely due to a lack of early resistance during the tightening process, which means that if the screw loosens even slightly, there is nothing to prevent it from unscrewing further.

There are several suggested solutions to the issues with the SW22 Victory takedown screw. One solution is to use a thread locker, such as Vibra-TITE VC-3, on the screw threads. This creates instant resistance when tightening the screw, preventing it from easily coming loose. Another solution is to use a longer Allen wrench to gain more torque when tightening the screw. Some users have also suggested using a standard screw with a larger head, which would allow for more torque to be applied and reduce the risk of stripping the head. Additionally, using a rubber O-ring or split washer can help keep the screw locked in place.

Overall, while the Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory takedown screw has presented issues for many users, there are several potential solutions that can be implemented to mitigate these problems. It is important for owners of this firearm to be aware of these issues and take the necessary steps to ensure the safe and proper functioning of their weapon.

Replacement takedown screw options

If you're looking for a replacement takedown screw for your Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory pistol, there are a few options available. Here are some detailed suggestions:

Factory Original Smith & Wesson Component

Firstly, you could opt for the factory original Smith & Wesson component. This takedown screw is made of strong matte blued steel and is designed specifically for the SW22 Victory pistol models chambered in .22 LR. It serves to keep the pistol grip portion and receiver securely fastened. This screw can be a great spare part to have on hand and is also suitable as a replacement for damaged or lost components.

Improved Replacement Takedown Screw

Another option is the Improved Replacement Takedown Screw available on eBay. This screw addresses the issue of the factory screw stripping easily and the barrel assembly loosening. It features a larger head size, making it sturdier and less prone to stripping. This screw is a good choice as a backup or replacement, offering a great fit and easy installation.

Vibra-TITE 213 VC-3 Threadmate Threadlocker

If you're looking for a more permanent solution to the issue of the takedown screw loosening, you could consider using a thread locker like the Vibra-TITE 213 VC-3 Threadmate Threadlocker. This product, recommended by an SW22 Victory owner on Amazon, provides instant resistance when tightening the screw, preventing it from easily loosening during shooting sessions.

Remember to verify the compatibility and suitability of any replacement parts with your firearm, and always adhere to local laws and regulations regarding firearm maintenance and use.

Screw size and pitch

The Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory takedown screw is a crucial component for the pistol's functionality, ensuring the pistol grip portion and receiver remain securely fastened. The screw is constructed from strong matte blued steel and is designed specifically for the Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory pistol models chambered in .22 LR.

When it comes to screw size and pitch, it's important to understand the difference between screw pitch and lead. Pitch refers to the distance between screw threads or grooves and is typically measured in threads per inch. It is commonly used for inch-sized products. On the other hand, lead pertains to the linear travel or distance the nut moves during one complete revolution of the screw, and it is how ball screws are generally specified.

In most cases, screws have a single-start thread, meaning there is only one ridge wrapped around the screw's body. For these screws, the lead and pitch are the same. However, for multiple-start screws, the lead is calculated by multiplying the pitch by the number of starts or ridges.

The SW22 Victory takedown screw is prone to loosening, which can be a major inconvenience for users. To address this issue, some users have applied a thread locker substance, such as Vibra-TITE, to the screw threads. This creates resistance and prevents the screw from easily loosening during shooting sessions.

Additionally, an improved replacement takedown screw is available for the SW22 Victory, designed to address the issues with the original screw. This replacement screw features a larger head size, making it sturdier and less prone to stripping.

Screw tightening and loosening

The Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory takedown screw is a crucial component of the pistol, as it keeps the pistol grip portion and receiver securely fastened. Over time, this screw may loosen and need tightening to maintain the stability of the pistol. Here are some detailed instructions on screw tightening and loosening, specifically for the SW22 Victory pistol.

Identifying the Screw Type and Gathering Tools:

Before attempting to tighten or loosen any screw, it is essential to identify the type of screw head. The two most common types are Phillips and flat-head screws. Phillips screw heads are shaped like a "+", while flat-head screws have a "-" shape on the top. Once you've identified the screw type, gather the appropriate screwdriver. Multi-purpose ratchet screwdrivers with interchangeable heads are a good option, as they are easy to operate and don't require much wrist strength.

Tightening the SW22 Victory Takedown Screw:

If your SW22 Victory takedown screw is loose, follow these steps to tighten it effectively:

• Ensure the screw is clean and dry before starting.
• Identify whether the screw is Phillips or flat-head.
• Select the appropriate screwdriver for the screw type.
• Place the screwdriver onto the screw head and turn it in a clockwise direction to tighten.
• Continue turning the screwdriver until the screw head is flush with the fixture. Ensure that the screw remains straight and does not enter the surface at an odd angle, as this will affect its security.
• To enhance the security of the takedown screw and prevent it from loosening during shooting sessions, consider applying a thread-locking compound, such as Vibra-TITE, to the screw threads. Allow it to dry before reassembling the pistol.

Loosening the SW22 Victory Takedown Screw:

If you need to remove the SW22 Victory takedown screw for maintenance or replacement, follow these steps:

• Identify the screw type (Phillips or flat-head) and select the appropriate screwdriver.
• Place the screwdriver onto the screw head.
• Turn the screwdriver in a counter-clockwise direction to loosen the screw.
• Once the screw is loose, carefully lift the screwdriver to remove the screw from the fixture.
• If the screw is tightly secured and difficult to loosen, apply a thread lubricant, such as WD-40, to the screw threads to aid in loosening.

Additional Tips:

• Always store your pistol and its components securely when not in use, and keep them out of the reach of children and unauthorized individuals.
• Regularly inspect your SW22 Victory pistol for any loose screws or fixtures. Tighten them promptly to maintain the pistol's stability and accuracy.
• If the SW22 Victory takedown screw continues to loosen despite your efforts, consider purchasing an improved replacement screw designed specifically to address this issue.

Remember, proper maintenance of your firearm is crucial for safety and performance. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for care and upkeep.

Screw design and material

The design of a screw is an externally helical threaded fastener that can be tightened or released by applying a twisting force (torque) to its head. The most common use of screws is to hold objects together. Screws are usually inserted into holes in assembled parts, but they can also form their own threads. The cylindrical portion of the screw from the underside of the head to the tip is called the shank, which may be fully or partially threaded. The distance between each thread is called the pitch.

The head of a screw is typically larger than the body, providing a bearing surface and preventing the screw from being driven deeper than its length. An exception to this is the set screw, also known as a grub screw. Most screws are tightened by clockwise rotation, known as a right-hand thread. However, in exceptional cases, screws with a left-hand thread are used when the screw will be subjected to counterclockwise torque, which would cause a right-hand screw to loosen.

The SW22 Victory takedown screw is designed to keep the pistol grip portion and receiver of the Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory pistol models securely fastened. It is made of strong matte blued steel and is a factory original Smith & Wesson component. While the screw is designed to hold the pistol together, some users have reported issues with the screw loosening during shooting sessions. This has led to the development of improved replacement screws and the use of thread lockers to prevent loosening.

The material used for the SW22 Victory takedown screw is matte blued steel. Blued steel is a type of steel that has been treated with a thin layer of oxide coating to protect against rust and corrosion. This process, known as bluing, gives the steel a distinctive blue-black colour. Blued steel is commonly used for firearms and firearm components, providing a durable and protective finish.

In addition to the material and design of the screw itself, the thread locker Vibra-TITE 213 VC-3 Threadmate has been recommended by some SW22 Victory owners to prevent the takedown screw from loosening. This product is applied to the threads of the screw, providing instant resistance and preventing the screw from easily coming loose during shooting sessions.

Frequently asked questions