Clean my .44 Hand Ejector, 1st Model

[DARE]

Have this old triple lock. Took the side plate off and it is pretty grungy inside. Hit it with some Gun Scrubber and a tooth brush, but did not get it very clean.
Can I soak the gun in something to clean it up? Don't want to try further disassembly.
Have read some threads about this, but can't remember the details.

 

[stansdds]

I'm guessing a previous owner cleaned and lubricated it with WD-40 or something similar, now it's a gummy, nasty, varnish mess. Kerosene is fairly cheap and easy to find, I don't think soaking it (without the stocks) in kerosene will damage anything at all and it should soften the gummy mess. Diesel fuel would also work. You could also make up some Ed's Red cleaner and soak it.

 

[jmiles1960]

Wow, that is a cool piece. In my opinion, to clean it right, you're going to need to disassemble it, soak parts and remove crud, lube and re-assemble. A spray cleaner / lube like CLP will keep it workable for the short term. If you're not comfortable with the disassembly, find a gunsmith or someone on the forum to do it. Good luck. Nice revolver.

 

[Ray]

https://smith-wessonforum.com/redirect-to/?redirect=https://youtu.be/4ujyLn3lHBc
Maybe this can help, Regards Ray

 

[Ray]

Or
https://youtu.be/SrgE5qW5NfA

 

[steelslaver]

I would remove the stocks, soak it in Ed's red (equal amounts of acetone, transmission fluid and kerosene) for a day or 2, then spray it out with brake cleaner. The put small drops of synthetic oil on pivot and slide points.

 

[chief38]

Have this old triple lock. Took the side plate off and it is pretty grungy inside. Hit it with some Gun Scrubber and a tooth brush, but did not get it very clean.
Can I soak the gun in something to clean it up? Don't want to try further disassembly.
Have read some threads about this, but can't remember the details.

Sir, that revolver needs a complete tear down, a thorough cleaning and proper light lubrication. IMHO there is no way to do it properly without taking it all apart.

The disassembly & reassembly isn't all that hard! Before doing so, there are books or a few good video's you can and should study. Just as a general rule, pay attention to what you are doing, the order you do it in, and if it makes you feel more confident, take pictures or make a video along the way in case you get confused as to where parts go and their orientation. If you get stuck, there are a plethora of video's online.

Once you get it done, then you will feel a bit more confident for other revolvers in the future. Over the last decade, S&W revolvers have not changed all that much and the small changes that have taken place are easy to figure out. Most importantly, DO NOT force anything! A S&W revolver should take apart smoothly.

 

[DARE]

Thanks for the advice. Think I will try the soak and see how it goes. May attempt disassembly if not good results.

 

[H Richard]

Disassembly isn't that difficult, as mentionr5d above a few video's being watched a couple times and you can do it. Just remember, never "force" anything. Each individual part needs scrubbed after soaking in Ed's Red for a couple days.