Removing the cylinder on S&W 686

[Moe123]

Hi guys,
Like the title says I'd like to remove the cylinder on a 686 for cleaning purposes. Tks for your help!

 

[RePete]

On the right side of the frame are 3 screws, remove the one closest to the barrel (front screw), open the cylinder and pull the crane away from the frame and cylinder.

 

[OneBarfly]

Hi guys,
Like the title says I'd like to remove the cylinder on a 686 for cleaning purposes. Tks for your help!

As copied from:
Inspection Guide For Smith & Wesson Revolvers
Chapter 3: Preventative Maintenance

Field Stripping: Use a proper screwdriver and remove the front sideplate screw. Push the cylinder latch forward to release the cylinder, then swing the cylinder out. Pull forward on the yoke while holding the cylinder in place. After the yoke has been removed, set the cylinder assembly and yoke aside. Remove the grip screw and take the grips off. Field stripping allows better access to the parts you need to clean and lubricate.

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A proper screw driver is vital if you do not want to bugger-up your screwhead. I just ground down a Canadian Tire slot screwdriver to fit perfectly.

 

[Moe123]

Thank you guys

 

[sunray]

You should never have to take the cylinder off for cleaning. Nor remove the side plate.

 

[JohnC]

As sunray says If all you want to do is remove the cylinder-crane assenmbly you only need to remove one screw.

The above works for filed stripping and cleaning of the cylinder-crane assembly. While the cylinder can also be separated form the crane, this is a more difficult proposition, as with some models you turn the ejector (that you push to eject) one way,and with earlier models the other way). I ususally only foeld strip as above and use a cleaning spray to flush out the inside of the cylinder axis, then lubricate.