Cylinder Release Screw Removal?

R

RGT

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I want to remove the cylinder release slide on a Smith and Wesson 686 so I can polish (Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish) the frame. Having never done this before (removed the slide) I wanted to ask if there was anything I should know about the removal? Just unscrew and remove?

Sorry, I know it's a lame question.
 
To prevent scarring up the screw, use a real gunsmith's screwdriver bit.
You can buy a S&W-specific Brownell's screwdriver with the 3 or 4 bits needed for the S&W revolvers from Brownell's.

To remove the cylinder, unscrew and remove the large screw on the right side, just above the hammer.
This is actually a hollow cap screw with a staked-in spring and plunger.....DO NOT attempt to remove the plunger or spring.

Open the cylinder, Hold the cylinder still, then pull the cylinder yoke forward and out of the cylinder.

Unless you know how, DO NOT attempt further disassembly of the cylinder, it's too easy to damage it unless you have the knowledge and tools.
 
There are two types of screw used on the thumbpieces of S&W cylinder latches. One is actually a nut since it fits down over the female threads on the latch; the other is a screw that holds the latch on. Either way, a part of the latch sticks into the slot and just removing the screw and outer thumbpiece might not be enough. When you reassemble, I recommend blue loctite, as those screws/nuts have a habit of working loose.

Hi, Dfariswheel,

"a hollow cap screw with a staked-in spring and plunger"??

Smells like a Colt to me.

Jim
 
So I guess the answer to my question "just unscrew and remove?" is yes?

Just wanted to make sure there wouldn't be springs poping out or what ever.

Thanks to all who replied.
 
"Hi, Dfariswheel,

"a hollow cap screw with a staked-in spring and plunger"??

Smells like a Colt to me."

A more suspicious person might think that S&W simply copied the Colt design, but the S&W assembly is smaller, so they get away with it.:cool:.
 
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