J Frame Removal of Cylinder

[The Rattler]

I am relatively new to handguns and breaking them down for cleaning. I own a 4 inch 686 L-Frame and a 642-1 J-Frame. Both were purchased new in the last 12 months.

I read that it is good to occasionally remove the yoke and cylinder for cleaning. On my 686, I removed the side screw holding them in and had no trouble removing them or reinstalling them after cleaning.

On my 642-1, however, I removed the side screw, but the yoke and cylinder did not "pull out" easily. After pulling on them slightly without success, I stopped pulling for fear that I was doing something wrong and risked forcing something that may harm the gun. There is a YouTube video where on a J-Frame the person is shown to remove the side screw and seemingly removing the yoke and cylinder with ease.

As mentioned, I have absolutely no background with working with mechanical things, and so I have no instincts for working on guns. I am eager to learn, however.

Can anyone tell a novice what I should do to remove the yoke and cylinder on the J-Frame? Was I doing something wrong? Should I just try to show it "who is boss" and pull very hard? Should I use some sort of mallet? Should I be concerned about harming the gun?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ranger98]

If you have removed the proper screw on the side plate,the yoke should be removed with no problem.The only place it can bind is on the bottom of the frame which would require a small rotation of the cylinder as you gently remove the yoke and cylinder.
The yoke screw is the very first one located on the side plate,forward of the trigger.
BTW,welcome to the forum ..

 

[snubbyfan]

If you have removed the proper screw on the side plate,the yoke should be removed with no problem.The only place it can bind is on the bottom of the frame which would require a small rotation of the cylinder as you gently remove the yoke and cylinder.
The yoke screw is the very first one located on the side plate,forward of the trigger.
BTW,welcome to the forum ..

What he said.

 

[Neumann]

Some yoke screws have a spring loaded nipple which rides against the yoke. That doesn't always come out with the screw. If you have to invert the frame and tap to dislodge it, watch where it lands - you're going to need it later.

 

[The Rattler]

J Frame Cylindar Removal.

Thanks for your responses.