I've had the opportunity to remove the sideplates on quite a number of revolvers that I know have been untouched for years; some were just put away for safekeeping since their manufacture. These typically are totally devoid of any lubricant inside (but still operate OK in spite of it).

I've also lubricated revolvers and re-popped the sideplates in as little as a year and found them essentially dry.

I wonder how long this drying-out typically takes, and if any lubricants are recommended for "staying power" in addition to their lubricating properties.

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I always wondered why most Smiths I have taken the plate off of are always so dry. New ones, old ones seems S&W does not believe in any lube to speak of.

I (who have every cleaning and lubing product know to man) am now trying out the Mil Comm TW 2500 oil and grease. Seems like great stuff and not just for Sigs (got a free sample with the guns). I just bought some of each. I think this stuff may last a bit longer than say Rem Oil, Breakfree CLP etc. I think Ballistol (Sportsmans oil) which is pretty much just mineral oil will last a long time. Eezox is a dry lube that also lasts a long time.

http://www.mil-comm.com/

I've always been told a S&W is made to run nearly dry. Too much lube just attracts dirt. In tearing one down and cleaning it out yesterday, Mid 60's vintage 36 flat latch, it was full of gooey congealed oil. It couldn't have had more than 50 rounds through it, and not for many years. lots of Hoppe's and brake cleaner to blast out the crude. I used one drop each on trigger and hammer bearing shafts. One drop on the cylinder crane and one on the ejector rod.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

When faced with a detail strip and clean, I now just put all the parts in a double boiler, Room temp with water in the bottom and full synthetic oil in the top with all gun parts in the oil. I slowly heat till water is boiling and then allow to cool to the touch, About 1.5 hours, Everything comes as clean as new very easy and then all gets wiped down well and assembled again.
I have found that even a year or more later all the parts still have a slightly slimy feel to them (Synthetic) oil really penetrates very well and seems to stay there.
Does not seem to attract dirt in the 37 I have with me all the time.
I dont know of anyone else doing this, But it seems to work well for me!
The older the Smith, The gummier it seems to be inside,
Original ones from the 30s on back seem to have tar like grease in them.
Peter

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Need 1/2 moon Chiefs special