Removal of a S&W's Cylinder?

[TheFrontRange]

For the "non-gunsmithy" shooter, is removing the cylinder of one's S&W revolver ever advisable? If so, how does one do it?

I clean my firearms after each range trip and lube / maintain them regularly in-between. Last weekend I had occasion to clean my Model 19 and my 1911 back-to-back...I love them both; however, the cleaning process for the .357 sure goes faster (what with cleaning not just the 1911 but its magazines, too!)

I then got to wondering what sort of crud might have accumulated over time inside the crane/yoke area (my terminology may be off here)..if I should tackle cylinder-removal for a deeper-cleaning or if I should leave that to a local gunsmith?

 

[isp2605]

On the right side under the cylinder in front of the trigger you'll see a screw that holds the side plate on. Remove that screw and the cylinder and yoke will slide out the front.

 

[Standing Wolf]

For the "non-gunsmithy" shooter, is removing the cylinder of one's S&W revolver ever advisable?

Remove the cylinder and yoke. Soak them in a jar of cleaning stuff overnight. You'll find they're much easier to clean the following day.

 

[Confederate]

Yeah, but make sure the screwdriver blade isn't tapered or you'll bugger the screw every time. Be very careful.

 

[Atticus]

This would be a good idea
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=406&title=GUN+SPECIFIC+SCREWDRIVER+SETS

Put the revolver on something cushy (folded towel or such), make sure the tip of the scewdriver fits perfectly, apply SLIGHT downward pressure on the revolver with one hand, and the screwdriver with the other, and SLOWLY turn.

You've heard the old carpenter's adage, "measure twice - cut once"? It goes double here. A poor fitting screw driver and a hurried you may result in an ugly scratch on the sideplate plate in addition to a buggered screw. Then you'll be cursing yourself till you trade the thing off...or so I'm told.

 

[TheFrontRange]

Excellent...thank you all very much!!!

 

[joneb]

Yeah, but make sure the screwdriver blade isn't tapered or you'll bugger the screw every time. Be very careful.

Being a certified garage gunsmith I custom grind my driver bits

 

[Croyance]

I always remove the cylinder before cleaning it. I can't imagine giving the chambers a good scrubbing without doing that.

 

[carpettbaggerr]

Be sure to hold the cylinder and frame in one hand and draw the yoke out with the other. If you try to remove the yoke and cylinder as a unit you will almost certainly scratch the gun........

 

[bakert]

+1 on using the right screw driver. It is awfully easy to booger those little screws up. Also easy to strip them if you're too heavy handed when reassembling.

 

[Trebor]

Good info. Thanks.