I remove the side plate on every used revolver I get. Just did it the other day on a Model 64. Gun was clean on outside but filthy inside. I hose the inside down with brake cleaner and then blast in there with compressed air. I do not take anything apart. Just make sure you remove side plate correctly and don't mess up the order of the screws.

I don't NEED to do this, but I just like starting out with a clean gun. Never take the plate off after the initial
Cleaning