S&W Revolvers for Noobs 101

[jad0110]

Currently, I own 4 S&W Revolvers (see signature). I am trying to educate myself on the proper removal of the sideplate in order to give the internals a good cleaning/lube a couple of times per year. Of course, I'd also like to be able to remove/disassemble the cylinder/yolk assembly for periodic cleaning as well. At this point, I'm not interested in messing with any of the lockwork. I'd just like to be able to do my own, simple maintenance (which will include replacing the mainspring on my K-22).

XavierBreath provided me a link to his blog (http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2006/07/cracking-open-smith-wesson.html) that contained some very good information and tips on how to get started. At this point, I was considering reading Jerry Kuhnhausen's The S&W Revolver: A Shop Manual. Does this manual pretty much cover all S&W revolvers, from early models through the newest MIM/ILS models?

I know I'll also need a basic S&W screwdriver set, such as the following:

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/st...tle=GUN+SPECIFIC+SCREWDRIVER+SETS&s=1822#1822

Will I also need a brass hammer and punches of some kind? What other tools might I need?

I've listed my S&Ws with manufacturing dates if it helps determine what specific tools or precautions may be required:

K-22 M17-0, 1959 (ejector rod is threaded the other way)
M14-4, 1980
M642-2, 2006
M686-6, 2006

Again, any model specific precautions would be greatly appreciated.

Lastly, what do you all like to clean/lube the internals with? I know some like using brake cleaner for example.

I really appreciate any advice you guys and gals can give. I just want to make sure I'm doing everything correctly.

 

[Old Fuff]

The shop manual covers most S&W hand ejector models made up to the MIM lockwork. So far as I know no one has put out a manual covering the MIM guns, which are entirely different in some key places from the earlier guns.

Any tools you will need are available from www.brownells.com and the manual will explain what you need. S&W-specific screwdrivers are a must, Brownells sells a tool to help remove and replace the rebound slide (trigger) spring that isn't necessary, but is VERY handy. Also a tool for unscrewing the ejector rod. Again not necessary but handy, and you won't mark up or scar the ejector rod. Next you should have a plastic-headed hammer (not brass).

These will cover basic disassembly/assembly. If you decide to do any 'smithing more tools will likely be necessary.

 

[jad0110]

Thank Fuff, just wanted to make sure I was on the right track. Thanks also for pointing out my error about the brass hammer.