Do you remove the cylinder when cleaning your DA revolvers?

[LostintheOzone]

Yep, I remove the cylinder every time.

It's a lot easier to clean the cylinder the same way I clean the bore. Powder solvent, brush and clean patch until I don't see any residue. Then I check everything with a light.

I shoot some 38 Spl. in my model 19's and model 28. I also shoot 38 Short Colt in my model 36. The cylinders get dirty.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Not in 50+ years of shooting. Proper cleaning can be accomplished without removal of the cylinder and yoke assembly.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

When they're used guns bought by me, I do. After that, hardly ever, because I have enough that I don't shoot them often enough to require it. I've seen some real nastiness going on under the hood in used guns.

Same here. I have seen some very dirty revolvers in the Consignment/Used Gun Case at the LGS. Especially 357 Magnum cylinders that has had 38 Special rounds fired in them. The telltale ring build up in the chambers.

 

[TJm15.38]

I don't see the need to routinely remove the cylinder for cleaning a S&W revolver. On single action revolvers (Ruger), I remove the cylinder on every cleaning. Fortunately, there's no sideplate screw to remove on a single action, so no need to take a chance on damaging a screw. There is one double action revolver I own in which the cylinder is removed each time for cleaning; the M1895 Nagant revolver which requires no tools for cylinder removal.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Not on my "Blues" but I do usually pop out the cylinder on my S&W Stainless, if I can't get it 90% clean after a shooting session, on it's face.

I just make sure that I use the correct screw driver for the screws and a few cases in the cylinder, if I will break it down all the way, and "Gut" the cylinder.

Revolvers are a pain, compared to auto pistols to get 100% carbon free,
but they will last longer if kept clean and also work better, with out the crud, build up.

Now if you have a tank and "Vibrator", that's a different story.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I remove the cylinder/yoke probably once a year. If you are thinking about doing it regularly I'd advise you to get some quality hollow ground smithing screwdrivers. On my older M-19 I can remove the cylinder and take the ejector rod and spring apart to clean. On my newer revolvers the ejector rod is very tight. I clean and oil what I can but have never put the ejectors in a vice to disassemble. Works like new after many years of shooting.

I take apart the cylinder for a detail cleaning. A reminder if you take apart the cylinder you should put three empty cases in the cylinder so you do not damage or break the "Extractor Pins". (part #5014 on diagram)

 

[LostintheOzone]

Just use the right screw driver to remove the plate screw. If you wear it out, which you won't using the correct screw driver, those are cheap to replace. If you shoot short-for-cylinder cartridges like I do you need to clean that cylinder like you would the bore. If not then no need to remove the cylinder.

 

[dogdoc]

No not on a regular basis. No need unless occasional deep clean. Hard on yolk screw taking it out every time.

 

[robvious]

I do not.. because my father never did. . and I have been accused of "over cleaning" by some of my shooting buddies...

 

[desmobob]

Very interesting split of yes and no responses...

The number of, "Yes... every time" responses, along with my use of proper-fitting gunsmith screwdrivers (and knowing a replacement yoke screw is cheap and easily available) takes away any worries I had.

I'll do it when I think I need to or when it will make detailed cleaning easier. Thanks very much for all the responses!

Bob

 

[Miracle Man]

Depending on how much I've fired it and what I've fired. So, no

IF I only fire 3 or 4 cylinders full of JHP's I see no need. If I've fired 150 rds including a bunch of lead, yes.

Probably works out to every 3rd or 4th time I shoot.

 

[Ameshawki]

Usually. Just makes cleaning easier.

 

[Neumann]

I avoid disassembling anything not designed for take-down. It's unnecessary for cleaning, and risks damage to the parts, especially screws. I rarely scrub burn marks from the cylinder, unless doing photos for fun or sale. It's enough to remove lead deposits, which may ultimately interfere with operation.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

Never.

It would drive me crazy , removing cylinders every week. And I don't have an issue.

 

[Brooks]

Not one time. What is there to clean?

 

[rockquarry]

I avoid disassembling anything not designed for take-down. It's unnecessary for cleaning, and risks damage to the parts, especially screws. I rarely scrub burn marks from the cylinder, unless doing photos for fun or sale. It's enough to remove lead deposits, which may ultimately interfere with operation.

I'm in agreement, but there's a faction of fastidious shooters among the many. What these guys are doing hurts nothing as long as they use a good quality screwdriver that fits, like something from Brownells rather than junk tools.

 

[Rammer Jammer]

Double actions- never

Single actions- always

 

[dave1918a2]

Most of the time.

 

[lkabug]

Yes, I remove the cylinder when cleaning my revolvers.
I do not disassemble the cylinder unless I'm having some sluggishness or other issues with the cylinder prior to cleaning.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Heck. I sometimes just wipe down the outside and sack em and safe em.