How often do you remove the sideplate?

[Rangerpat]

I only take the side plate off of my S&W revolvers to replace the internal lock with "The Plug"; and after we both go for an unplanned swim together.

 

[snubbyfan]

The other time I removed the side plate was to smooth and lighten the trigger on my 442 to compensate for weakness in my hands caused by my neuropathy.

 

[Wee Hooker]

How often do you take the sideplate off your revolvers, for cleaning, and what do you do?

Regular removal of the side plate is a sure way to assure that your revolver developes issues that it would not of had otherwise.

 

[ViperR]

Being a machinist, constant removal and re-tightening of screws will result in micro removal and/or deforming of threaded holes and screws. Especially on the softer of the two (screw or frame hole).
So, I agree with the majority and remove the plate on a newly purchased used revolver to check for gunk and parts wear. And never touch it after that. The gunk sprays and compressed air is good for me.

 

[H Richard]

As above, since I normally only but used revolvers I inspect when I get one, then only if it needs attention, which is often never again.

 

[Berserker]

Spraying cleaner down the hammer or blowing air, may loosen gunk, but it still may leave it trapped in there.

 

[shawn mccarver]

How often do you take the sideplate off your revolvers, for cleaning, and what do you do?

It need not be removed at all. I clean according to the instruction sheet or manual.

Solvent on brush, a few passes through the barrel and each charge hole; while the solvent "works" in the barrel and charge holes, I use solvent on toothbrush (not the one I use on my teeth), brush top strap, frame window, bolster face, cylinder face and the ejector and ratchets and under the ejector, end of barrel and anywhere else that has powder fouling.

I use a dry shop rag or old t-shirt to dry off the exterior surfaces. I then use a clean patch to dry out the barrel and charge holes. A little oil on patch or mop is then used to put a light coat of oil in the barrel and each charge hole. A drop or two on the finger tip is used to apply to the exterior surface of the revolver. A final wipe down with that shop rag or old t-shirt makes it ready to go.

Unless dropped in water or a mud hole, or unless exposed to constant blowing dust or fine sand, such as in a desert environment, there is simply no need (at least during the first 50 or so years of its life) to remove the side plate. I can speak to the 50 year figure from personal experience, although I have friends who say that 60 or more is the right amount.

Perhaps once every few years, it might not hurt to apply a single drop of oil to the inside of the action through the opening created when the revolver is cocked or that little space behind the trigger, after which you work the action a few times to spread it around. Too much oil will just attract gunk over time.

 

[NYlakesider]

If it's new I only remove if it needs spring work/tuning. Most got that treatment by me

I have only bought one used Smith and that was in the late 70s, a model 15 2'' that was a cops duty gun. The gun was a bit banged up but the normal test by the counter seemed to say no problem.

The price was real good and I did a lot of business with that dealer. I told him I will buy the gun but first I want to check inside , he agreed and let me use his office for some privacy.


That gun for some strange reason had a full target trigger, but after checking inside it was good and so I bought that gun at a real good price. It actually shot quite well, but I opened it again at home did some spring work and removed the target trigger and rounded and smoothed it to my specifications. Still have it and it's a very dependable accurate gun!

 

[Berserker]

I

The price was real good and I did a lot of business with that dealer. I told him I will buy the gun but first I want to check inside , he agreed and let me use his office for some privacy.

!

I like my guns, but I have never needed any privacy with them. This should be a warning about buying used guns. You never know where they have been.

 

[3strokes]

Free Advice: Don't open up a S&W revolver with out the Kuhnhausen book.

+1 on the book.
Also Jerry Miculek's DVD (Trigger job on S&W Revolvers)

 

[chriske]

Just after buying a used revolver : once, for a thorough cleaning/oiling.
Apart from that : never.

 

[Scheebs]

I remove the side plate on every revolver I purchase simply to admire the fine machining and workings of my new toy. Then I dream about how complicated all these parts look, and how I could screw things up by messing with removal. At this point I carefully replace the side plate and vow to never remove it again.

 

[Berserker]

I was surprised how good it looked under two of my L frames, that I had for 13 years, one used. All I did was spray Remoil down the hammer and cycle it. But it just doesn't seem like a very through way to do things.

I got my grandpas 1975 Remington 700. Safety was loud and enough to make we want a differnt gun or trigger assembly. I took it all aparty, cleaned out the gunk, and then put a few drops of oil in, and it was quite the improvement. Which made we wonder about all my guns.

Many people work to improve action, but the insides are dirty and dry.

Mostly I was just curious others do. I seem to have gotten my answer.

 

[Cardboard_killer]

Bought a pre-35 last week. When I removed the sideplate, I found that the hammer block was missing. I always removed the sideplate on a used revolver.

 

[Mike McLellan]

I take the side plates off of my K frames all the time. It's nothing more than popping the hood of my old Ford. I just like to poke around and tinker with all of those superbly machined wonders. I'm careful, but for me, tinkering, cleaning, and tweaking is as much fun as shooting the darn things. And since there ain't no ammo to be found, I gotta do something!