Do you take your revolvers apart?

Do you ever take your revolvers apart?

  • I have never taken a revolver apart, and would not.

    Votes: 23 13.0%

  • I have not, but would if I had to.

    Votes: 39 22.0%

  • I have, but don't like to for fear of losing/breaking something.

    Votes: 39 22.0%

  • I do, for every new revolver purchase.

    Votes: 41 23.2%

  • I can take apart and reassemble my revolvers blindfolded.

    Votes: 35 19.8%
  • Total voters
    177
  • Poll closed .
I enjoy knowing how they work and have been able to improve the action of several of my revolvers for Bullseye shooting. In other cases I have removed the ILS, and have also installed a DA hammer for one SD gun and bobbed the hammer for another.
 
Most guns need a little tune up straight from the factory. I take pride in knowing how to make them better. I've worked on single actions, double actions, lever actions, ARs, semi-auto pistols, bolt actions and probably a few that I don't remember. That said, a man's got to know his limitations.
 
My option was left out:

*** I have no fear and have when I want or need too but I can't do it blindfolded.
Click to expand...

Where were you when I was trying to come up with different options for the poll? I like that answer too.

I recently picked up a used Taurus 94 that had a loose cylinder release latch. It didn't affect its function, so I bought it anyway, thinking I could fix whatever was wrong with it. It turned out to be a missing spring which keeps forward tension on the latch. Judging by the condition of the screws, someone must've taken off the side plate and lost the spring. I bought a small spring and JB welded a post to the bolt that the spring goes onto. It turned out way better than I thought it would.

The first revolver I took apart was a Ruger SP101, and I launched a tiny plunger into the middle of my messy basement. I still can't believe I found it. I also don't routinely take any revolver apart for cleaning. I might dissassemble it out of curiosity when new, or like the Taurus, if I wan't to fix something.

The Taurus I wouldn't be afraid to take apart again. The Ruger, I'd do with my hands and the trigger assembly in a ziplock bag.
 
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Yes.


Bob Wright
 
I talked to a S&W customer service guy yesterday and he told me that S&W doesn't recommend removing the side plate on their revolvers, to which I responded, "how the **** do you clean them?" After further conversation he allowed that I wasn't a complete idiot and they weren't really worried about folks like me breaking down one of their shooters for cleaning. He went on to mention that the reason they didn't recommend removing the side plate was all the calls they get from customers complaing about a cracked frame and weren't comfy with people who didn't know what a side plate was removing one. Back in the late sixties and early seventies it wasn't unusual for a gun mag running articles on how to work on different guns including Colt D/As. They never told you how to disassemble one, they must have thought if you owned one you already knew. BTW S&W customer service is the best.
 
This one I bought without getting to handle it first, the cylinder turned both ways. Had to completely disassemble the action and do some filing behind the bolt and now it is one of my most accurate shootters



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Check out what the Ruger manual says is a basic field strip on a single six (or ten). About the only thing you don't do is remove the firing pin and the ejector rod/housing.
 
I feel that anyone with something as potentially dangerous as a handgun has an obligation to understand and maintain it. Some things I can replace or repair myself, somethings I can't. I have no reservations cleaning it and fixing those parts that I can.
Now for those that have reservations about cleaning the inner workings of your gun, I would like to ask if you have ever considered an ultrasonic cleaner? Harbor Freight sells a small inexpensive ultrasonic cleaner that I have used successfully with jewelry. It would be perfect for a modular trigger group or a rifle bolt. I can clean a ring to the point that I can't find dirt with a lupe and the ultrasonic cleaner will still find crud I missed.
 
Ive taken SA BP revolvers appart when I doa conversion or replace a part. Never had to on modern revolvers. They always work for over 40 years so far.
 
I take mine down for a thorough cleaning after they have seen rough and dirty use. The OP mentioned taking taking off the side plate which infers revolvers other than Ruger. The Ruger Sixes are very easy to disassemble.
 
I have .....

.......a Ruger Speed Six and a Security Six. Those were made to be taken apart on occasion for full cleanings. Very modular design. It's my understanding that the GP and SP series are made the same way.
 
I checked the next to the bottom answer, however the one added later option fit me better also. I cannot take a S&W apart and put it back together blindfolded. I have no problem taking one apart and putting it back together wearing my glasses however.

My last one apart was a New 686-5. My new SSR Gun for our Outlaw IDPA Match, and Steel Challange Match. I worked on the Trigger Pull, then made an appointment with my old friend Ron Power (Power Custom). Ron Chamfered the Chambers, added Ball Loc, did some polishing and fitting, set the cylinder up perfectly, etc.

The end result was another Smith & Wesson Swiss Watch. I have 5 that fit the Swiss Watch description.

I have Three Power Custom "Combat" Revolvers that are marked. Ron has done enough work on my Two IDPA SSR Guns, a 64-3 and 686-5 that they could be marked as Power Custom "Combats" also.

I have no problem with doing a little trigger work, polishing, cleaning, sights, etc. If I need something fixed, or adjusted Ron is only a couple hours up the road. As long as I have a Master Revolver Smith just up the road, I will let him do the Majic on my revolvers.

Ron and his shooting buddy Ben Van Dyke came down to the range last weekend. They got in a range day Friday, then we had a 600 yard Bench Rest Match Saturday, and a 100 thru 800 yard Multi Range F Class Match Sunday. Ron shot up lots of ammunition, and had a good time. He helped me score and pull targets Sunday. Some Great Quality Time. Ron and Ben come down and shoot rifles at the range when Ben is off the road. Ben plays Guitar with his dad Leroy Van Dyke, and other groups, so he stays pretty busy.

Bob
 
I really can't recall seeing such a balanced poll response in a firearms forum in my life. Quite interesting.
 
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