I have a model 1917 that I was cleaning, and I decided to remove the cylinder to just make it easier to clean the chambers. I've done this many times with later production revolvers and it's pretty much as far as I'll go to disassemble a revolver. I totally forgot about the spring loaded detent pin that holds the yoke open in the old guns. That sucker shot out of the frame like a bullet. Fortunately, it hit the inside of my work light and landed on the table. It reminded my how mechanically inept I can be. Nothing good could come from me removing the side plate of one of my old revolvers. They are cleaned and lubed from the outside. If I have a problem, I have competent people to go to. BTW, I got tips from a couple of forum member on getting it back in that worked like a charm.