Front of cylinder

[CALREB]

A little hoppes or similar and a bronze brush and thats its,dont worry about getting it all off ,dont let it build up so much that it contacts the barrel.Years ago we had almost an entire recruit class ruin the cylinders on model 67s because someone came up with the bright idea to use a drill and stainless brush to clean the chambers and cylinder face,actually made low spots in the cylinder face,it was funny,fitting new cylinders to the guns wasnt, another story of drills and dremel tool being a guns worst enemy.Like another member said alot of guns and barrels get more wear from overcleaning than use. Good luck,

 

[tgwillard]

Hoppes #9 and a tan 3m pad will also remove the donuts. However, I took the advice of those who leave well enough alone and I now just use a cotton patch and some Hoppes #9 to go over the cylinder face lightly.

 

[sw357nm]

Steel wool and Stainless steel

Shawn McCarver is right. Do not ever use steel wool on stainless steel. It will almost certainly cause corrosion.
John

 

[JimH]

Thanks to everyone for the great advice. I think I'll take the conservative approach and just wipe it with a solvent dampened cloth as Dale53 and others suggested.

If interested you can see a couple of pics of my newest addition at http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/147389-686-1-price-check.html.

 

[357larry]

All of my guns are stainless. I use a dab of simichrome paste and let it sit for about 5 - 10 minutes then scrub lightly with an old toothbrush. Takes the crud right off and shines the front of the cylinder.

 

[shooter7]

It is a bit unusual, that the rings are so perfectly round. I agree with an earlier poster, that the cylinder gap may be just right with this gun. Most I've seen in the past, with that much buildup, have the lead, and powder burns/residue more spread out.