Hi all. Love my 617, but its a PITA to clean after each range session. I recently learned how to remove the cylinder and crane by unscrewing the front side plate screw and it got me thinking that it would probably be easier to clean if the cylinder were seperated from the frame. So do you think it is a bad idea to repeatedly remove and return that screw to its hole, over and over again over the lifetime of the revolver? Or will it likely not harm it? I'm thinking of stripping the threads on the frame (screw itself is only a few $'s on Brownells).
Removing the cylinder/crane every time you clean a revolver
- Thread starter BB213
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Don't remove the screw unless you have a hollow ground screwdriver that is the exact size to fit the screw. It should be easy to spray the cylinder with whatever cleaner you are using and then use your brass brush to scrub the chambers. I usually brush each chamber 5 times and move on.
Clean the rest with a wet patch then oil and you are good to go.
Clean the rest with a wet patch then oil and you are good to go.
Note...
The M69 and one of the new 357s do not have a gas ring of any type at the front of the cylinder. When my 69 gets a little sluggish next time I have enough rounds thru it, I think I'll just drip some Hoppe's/Kroil mix into the junction and spin it awhile to drain all the scunge out.
I only rarely remove the assembly.
The M69 and one of the new 357s do not have a gas ring of any type at the front of the cylinder. When my 69 gets a little sluggish next time I have enough rounds thru it, I think I'll just drip some Hoppe's/Kroil mix into the junction and spin it awhile to drain all the scunge out.
I only rarely remove the assembly.
I would balance how many times I remove and replace that screw up against how much strain I place on the yoke by cleaning each and all of the chambers. In my case, shooting each of my revolvers only infrequently, I always remove the yoke and cylinder. Sure, the yoke is a strong part - but you are putting a lot of strain on it to brush each chamber. Removed and replaced carefully, I cannot imagine wearing out the threads by doing this - and the screw can be replaced. Kinda off-topic - but I'd be bored by shooting the same .22 each range session. Get yourself a Buckmark, Mark IV and M&P Compact .22 - then you'll only have to clean one chamber - instead of 10 - after each range session ...
Last edited:
alfsauve
Member
I remove the cylinder every time I clean my revolvers. But then I don't clean after every time I shoot them.
As long as you use the right screwdriver and use some care it should not be a problem. I take mine out every time I clean a revolver. It allows me to be more thorough.
BB213,
I recommend not worrying about it. Clean it whichever way makes you happy.
On one hand there's no problem with removing the cylinder every time you clean your 617 and on the other hand you can leave the cylinder in place every time you clean your 617.
I recommend not worrying about it. Clean it whichever way makes you happy.
On one hand there's no problem with removing the cylinder every time you clean your 617 and on the other hand you can leave the cylinder in place every time you clean your 617.
MichiganScott
Member
^^^^^^^^
What he says.
The cylinder is simply easier to clean if removed. You don't get solvent in places you don't want solvent, and the face of the cylinder is much easier to scrub with a brass brush to remove powder and lead fouling.
FloridaFlier
Member
I do clean the cylinder and yoke every cleaning. I don't own guns that I don't shoot, so it's turn in the rotation might be a while.
My opinion is that S&W builds strong enough revolvers that the decision is just a preference for the individual shooter, and not a recommendation for the longevity of the gun.
My opinion is that S&W builds strong enough revolvers that the decision is just a preference for the individual shooter, and not a recommendation for the longevity of the gun.
springer99
Member
Yup, me too!
Skeptic 9c
Member
What about guns with a no-tools cylinder change, like some of the .22/.22 WRM revolvers? Taurus recently made one.
Geoff
Who notes the barrel was too long for his tastes and he's still looking for a Ruger Single Six interchangeable.
Geoff
Who notes the barrel was too long for his tastes and he's still looking for a Ruger Single Six interchangeable.
muddocktor
Member
I also remove the cylinder and yoke each time I clean my Smiths. It's just easier to clean with the cylinder removed from the frame, for me at least. As long as you use the correct hollow ground screwdriver you won't booger up the head of the screw either.
And yes, you can have problems if you never remove the yoke and cylinder to clean properly. I have seen some guns that were gummed up enough that the cylinder was tough to open. Be sure to clean inside the hole in the frame where the yoke goes with a Q-tip just dampened with solvent. Cleaning a gun properly and regularly keeps it running trouble-free.
Pisgah
Member
Personally, in over 50 years of revolver shooting I can say I rarely remove a cylinder for cleaning, yet have had zero problems from this "neglect".
In perusing the current S&W revolver owner's manual, I see no reference to removing the cylinder for routine cleaning - but I DO see a warning against field-stripping or disassembling your gun unnecessarily. Call me old-fashioned, but I believe in following a manufacturer's recommendations, since they usually know pretty well how to treat their own products better than the users do.
In perusing the current S&W revolver owner's manual, I see no reference to removing the cylinder for routine cleaning - but I DO see a warning against field-stripping or disassembling your gun unnecessarily. Call me old-fashioned, but I believe in following a manufacturer's recommendations, since they usually know pretty well how to treat their own products better than the users do.
Last edited:
Similar threads
