642/442 owner's manual

[ed9010]

hi all, we purchased two new J frame revolvers, a 642 and a 442 both pro-series, both without locks and with moon clips. Very nice revolvers. Also ordered new Hogue grips for them. Haven't shot them yet, brand new. I read the owner's manual provided, not a lot of info other than safety warnings. The manual covers many different revolvers not just the ones we bought. I was looking for instructions on how to field strip the guns, or how much to disassemble them for cleaning, minor and major, etc. Could not find anything. However when I look on line I find several videos on cleaning these revolvers. And in them they discuss various levels of disassembly, for example there is a screw that can be removed to totally remove the cylinder that rotates out. One suggests removing the grips so a spring can be oiled. I am not sure if these video makers are suggesting things that S&W does not advise. Or if S&W just doesn't document some advisable removables that should be done for proper cleaning. I like to follow manufacturers suggestions rather than someone's unofficial video. Any comments from the forum?

 

[burneyr]

I remove the forward most sideplate screw to pull the cylinder. Personally can't stand the cylinder pushing fore and aft against the yoke and cylinder stop while brushing it. That is as far as I go when cleaning after shooting. I see no need to pull the grips unless the revolver gets wet.

With the cylinder out cleaning is a breeze. I do have the correct S&W sized bit drivers which are a must. Brownells sells a three or four bit set that fits all the S&W revolver screws exactly.

 

[44 mag]

no need to disassemble to clean.

 

[Invictus357]

Do NOT disassemble them.

After shooting:

Spray Ballistol all over the gun, inside the barrel and chargeholes.

Let it sit for a few minutes.

Use a boresnake and run it through the barrel and chargeholes.

Wipe down the gun, pay attention to around the forcing cone.

Push down on the ejector rod and clean around the ejector star and rod.

Make sure there is no gunk/grit, etc behind the star. Spray a dab of Ballistol on the ejector rod and star assembly.

All of this takes no time at all.

Ballistol won't wreck your delicate finish either.

Enjoy your guns for years to come.

 

[ed9010]

Thanks for the advice. I think the S&W multi revolver manual should have some of this info to advise on cleaning. I will look for some Ballistol also. What do you consider to be a good oil to use? Or is the Ballistol an oil and cleaner?

 

[ADP3]

Due to the aluminum frames on the 442/642 and other airweight/airlite guns I almost never remove the front sideplate screw to take off the cylinder for cleaning. There's a risk of cross threading the aluminum screw hole. After you swing the cylinder out support it firmly in your hand and clean away.
Best Regards,
ADP3

 

[Invictus357]

Thanks for the advice. I think the S&W multi revolver manual should have some of this info to advise on cleaning. I will look for some Ballistol also. What do you consider to be a good oil to use? Or is the Ballistol an oil and cleaner?

Ballistol is cleaner and lube all rolled into one. Of course you can still use oil if you like. I like to use Rem Oil.

Tip: They also make Ballistol wipes. Very handy when wiping or using as a patch.

 

[Muss Muggins]

All that Ballistol spraying into the internals will eventually gum that pistol up. S&W revolvers need very little internal lubrication . . .

Do NOT disassemble them.

After shooting:

Spray Ballistol all over the gun, inside the barrel and chargeholes.

Let it sit for a few minutes.

Use a boresnake and run it through the barrel and chargeholes.

Wipe down the gun, pay attention to around the forcing cone.

Push down on the ejector rod and clean around the ejector star and rod.

Make sure there is no gunk/grit, etc behind the star. Spray a dab of Ballistol on the ejector rod and star assembly.

All of this takes no time at all.

Ballistol won't wreck your delicate finish either.

Enjoy your guns for years to come.

 

[shawn mccarver]

hi all, we purchased two new J frame revolvers, a 642 and a 442 both pro-series, both without locks and with moon clips. Very nice revolvers. Also ordered new Hogue grips for them. Haven't shot them yet, brand new. I read the owner's manual provided, not a lot of info other than safety warnings. The manual covers many different revolvers not just the ones we bought. I was looking for instructions on how to field strip the guns, or how much to disassemble them for cleaning, minor and major, etc. Could not find anything. However when I look on line I find several videos on cleaning these revolvers. And in them they discuss various levels of disassembly, for example there is a screw that can be removed to totally remove the cylinder that rotates out. One suggests removing the grips so a spring can be oiled. I am not sure if these video makers are suggesting things that S&W does not advise. Or if S&W just doesn't document some advisable removables that should be done for proper cleaning. I like to follow manufacturers suggestions rather than someone's unofficial video. Any comments from the forum?

Why don't you just follow the directions for cleaning and lubricating that are set forth in the factory owner's manual? The most "disassembly" you need to do for cleaning and lubricating is to swing out the cylinder. If you throw it in a mud hole, you might need more, but short of that, avoid all temptation to attempt a disassembly yourself.

 

[moosestang]

I believe the 642 frame has a coating that can be damaged by cleaners containing ammonia, according to the manual. I use the Hoppes elite which doesn't have ammonia.

 

[ed9010]

Why don't you just follow the directions for cleaning and lubricating that are set forth in the factory owner's manual? The most "disassembly" you need to do for cleaning and lubricating is to swing out the cylinder. If you throw it in a mud hole, you might need more, but short of that, avoid all temptation to attempt a disassembly yourself.

That is exactly what I wanted to do. However I was unable to find any instructions for cleaning or lubricating or disassembly in the factory owner's manual i got with the new 442 and new 642 recently purchased.