Revolver cleaning question

[Threadkiller]

Hey all,
I have a question regarding cleaning a Smith and Wesson revolver.
I have always removed the crane screw and pulled the crane seperating the cylinder assembly from the frame whenever I clean my revolvers.
Do the experts here think this is overkill and OCD to do this every time I clean the gun?
Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[824tsv]

Yes. Not necessary IMHO.

 

[OKFC05]

It is not necessary to disassemble a revolver for normal cleaning after each use. I do it at least once a year on a competition revolver.
If you enjoy it, knock yourself out. Just use a screwdriver that fits and don't mar the gun.

 

[R*E]

I almost always take the cylinder off, it's easier for me that way.

 

[snubbyfan]

Only time I take the cylinder off is when it starts to get a little gummy.

 

[gboling]

When using soft lead wad-cutters in the police academy, many moons ago, we were instructed to do just that. However, we were scrubbing lead off the face of the cylinder with a brass brush and off the top strap above the barrel cylinder gap. We were cleaning to satisfy the instructors and I have always done it as you describe.

If your can get it clean to your satisfaction without removing the crane, go for the gold.

 

[MichiganScott]

I always pull the cylinder because it's easier to clean that way.

 

[chief38]

I always remove it as well. Not only is it much easier to clean, but it results in less wear & tear in the fitment of cylinder to yoke.

 

[halvenut]

I always pull the cylinder because it's easier to clean that way.

I do likewise with every cleaning.

 

[Black_Talon]

I always remove it as well. Not only is it much easier to clean, but it results in less wear & tear in the fitment of cylinder to yoke.

Exactly what he says^

 

[Laketime]

I'm actually surprised to hear some advise against it. The only time I think I would not , would be a daily shooter that I did not care about.

 

[jppezz23]

I have never done it and my revolver is just fine.

 

[Neumann]

Removing the crane presents an unnecessary risk for damage. If Smith&Wesson intended it to be routinely disassembled, you'd see a spring pin like on the Colt SAA.

It's not necessary to scrub the face of the cylinder or frame above the barrel unless you are dressing it up for a photo session. For that, you can reach all the right places with a brass brush, Flitz, and an open crane. Otherwise remove any obvious buildup, but leave the stains.

I spray the cylinder and frame with Ballistol or REM Oil, and leave it soak while I clean the barrel. By the time the barrel is done, the cylinder will clean up with a couple of passes of a Bore Snake, or a plastic brush on the inside of the frame.

I take the barrel more seriously. If Hoppe's doesn't do the trick, I make two 30 stroke passes with J-B Bore cleaner, then more Hoppe's, REM Oil or CLS until the patches come out clean. In the end, there are no streaks, much less lumps, in the bore.

 

[vito]

I've never removed any cylinder from any revolver. If S&W suggested that I do so, in the owner's manual for one of their guns, then I would do it. I open the cylinder, clean with Hoppe's #9, put a drop of oil so that the cylinder moves freely, and that's it. Never have had a single problem with any of my S&W revolvers.

 

[Lou_NC]

Well, I'm not sure if I qualify as an "expert", but I personally think it's easier on both me and on the gun if I remove the cylinder for cleaning, so I do it that way.

I find that my $12 Lyman screwdriver with hollow-ground tips is perfect for removing the yoke screw without damage, so there is never a question about damaging the gun by removing the cylinder and yoke.

I like that sliding off the cylinder enables me to clean and lube the yoke surfaces that bear on the inside of the cylinder, which do tend to accumulate gunk mixed in with the oil after a while. I figure that gunk may be abrasive, so why not clean and re-lube it with clean oil?

I suppose if someone is so ham-handed that they can't remove the yoke screw and cylinder without damaging their gun, then they're better of leaving it on there for cleaning!

Lou

 

[Rex Goliath]

When using soft lead wad-cutters in the police academy, many moons ago, we were instructed to do just that. However, we were scrubbing lead off the face of the cylinder with a brass brush and off the top strap above the barrel cylinder gap. We were cleaning to satisfy the instructors and I have always done it as you describe.

If your can get it clean to your satisfaction without removing the crane, go for the gold.

Same church...different pew. Removing for cleaning is OK. Another thing to consider with S&W revolvers is the model. There were engineering changes, one of which was the "improved gas ring on cylinder" (vs. the ever dirty gas ring on yoke).


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[snowman.45]

I, too, was instructed in the Police Academy to remove the cylinder from the crane and the crane from the frame for cleaning; but, we had weekly inspections. I have always continued with this practice as it does make it easier to clean the cylinder and lube the crane and cylinder.

 

[mag318]

I always remove the cylinder when cleaning as it facilitates the ease of cleaning thoroughly. It's also a lot easier on the crane since it's not moving while cleaning.

 

[riverrat38]

I remove the cylinder to clean because it makes the rest of the job easier.
I don't like the open cylinder flopping around while I am scrubbing the bore. I prefer to work on just the frame/barrel. No, I don't remove the barrel

Best,
Rick

 

[Hook686]

I also remove the crane. When I scrub the chambers I want to hold the cylinder in my hand rather than having it dangle on the crane.