new to revolvers... detail clean/lube?

[MIgunguy]

Not new to guns but completely new revolvers... how often, if ever, does one remove the side plate (on an S&W) to clean and/or lube the internals? Doesn't the cylinder come out of modern S&W's for easly cleaning (don't you remove the screw above the trigger on right side of the gun?). Do people regularly remove the cylinder to make it easier to clean the chambers?

(sorry for the noyb questions, tried to search but didn't find much)

 

[41magsnub]

It is generally advised not to take the side plate off unless you need to. When I clean my s&w revolvers I just do an external wipe down and then use a bore snake on the cylinders and the bore. I also wipe down the ejector and under the star.

You can take the cylinder off by loosening that screw. I don't bother. If you choose to do this be sure to get a set of properly sized gunsmith screw drivers or bits so you don't mar or strip the screw.

See http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=166926

 

[jfh]

Good advice from 41magsnub.

FWIW, I did pull my M&P340 side plate after 1000 rounds; it sure didn't need cleaning--even though I tend to run it wet, and it is pocket carried (in a holster). I've not bothered on my other revolvers.

I do happen to remove my cylinder for complete cleaning each time I shoot on all my revolvers. However, I know several who don't routinely do so--it's just my style for cleaning, combined with the fact that I shoot lead-bullet reloads.

Again, make sure you have a proper-fitting gunsmith screwdriver, and you may want some LockTite (medium strength) on hand as well.

Jim H.

 

[Oro]

how often, if ever, does one remove the side plate (on an S&W) to clean and/or lube the internals?

1) If you buy a new gun, you never need to do it.

2) If you buy a used gun, I like to do it immediately to make sure no one has either a)done it before , or b) done it and done something stupid in there.

There are exceptions to the above if you have some severe duty requirements or the gun is immersed in water, etc. But if you have a clean, functioning gun, follow the advice from the other posts and above. And don't over lubricate the action. Spraying a thin aerosol CLP or such in there will generally just strip the thicker grease off the sears and studs and leave a thinner, less suitable lube in it's place and thus increase wear. A drop of oil down the hammer once a year is probably almost too much. I have opened 90 year old S&W's that were clean and properly lubed and still working fine from the factory, and after LOTS of use in that time. I've also opened ones that were 10 years old that had been gummed up and the action compromised from the constant squirting of WD-40 inside (it leaves a tell-tale residue).

I know it's contrary to most of our views of gun maintenance and fastidiousness, but the right thing to do is here is very, very little!

 

[shockwave]

When I clean my s&w revolvers I just do an external wipe down and then use a bore snake on the cylinders and the bore.

Same here. My revolvers are over 10 yrs old now and I've only done what you're doing. Still look and operate like they came out of the box new and no need to oil the internals.

 

[TexasBill]

If you do decide to remove the sideplate, don't pry it out under any circumstances. Use a rubber mallet to tap the frame around the sideplate and it will back out on its own. When you replace the sideplate, tap around the edges of the sideplate until the plate is fully seated, then secure with the screws. You're not cracking rocks: gentle tapping is all it takes.

And, yes, gunsmith screwdrivers are a very good idea.