S&W Revolver Detailed Disassembly, Deep Clean and Reassembly

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S&W Revolver Detailed Disassembly, Deep Clean and Reassembly

Revolver shown is a model 18-3 K-22 Combat Masterpiece. Details shown should be similar for all S&W revolvers.

If you decide to tear your S&W revolver down. Take lots of digital photos to help put it back together.

Disclaimer: Not responsible for anything, do this at your own risk. If you are unsure of anything. Do yourself a favor and take your revolver to a gunsmith.

Let's get started:

take off grips and main spring, which should be flat. so give a wack to flatten.

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pull trigger slightly to release pressure on hammer, then remove

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pry spring behind pin up with your finger over spring to prevent flying.

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remove trigger

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replacing cylinder stop

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measuring new vs old

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be careful to only use correct size screwdrivers to prevent damage

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be extra careful when removing cylinder safety stop. tiny spring loaded pin will go flying, never to be seen again.

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down to the bare frame, except rear sight and spring loaded front cylinder pin holder.

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clamp cylinder pin tightly with a flat vise with wood face. rotate carefully, rocking both direction until cylinder comes loose. some cylinders are right hand, some left hand threads.

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Next up is smoothing out the trigger on this model 18-3. which was very nice to begin with. pull weight in single action was 2lb 14oz. double action was 9lb 9oz and very smooth already.

tempting to leave it alone, but since we are this far in... might as well smooth it out further. which means to stone every part that rubs against anything. sear will be left alone at 2lb 14oz.
 

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thanks... I'm set up with stones of different grits and shapes. will be using a medium grit with oil in the next part.

ahome.tulsaconnect.com_toug_cpf_sw34.JPG


only necessary to stone high spots

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stone round profile up to edge, taking care not to touch sharp edge of trigger sear.

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when stoning hand, take care not to disturb profile or timing will change

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make sure safety rides smoothly in groove located on side plate

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Do you have stones? You're welcome to use mine if you feel like coming out.
 

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knock off all sharp edges from new cylinder stop. since stop will be dragging on cylinder walls. Arkansas white rock for a fine finish

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new cylinder stop is checked for fit ... much better

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reassembly is reverse of taking apart...

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spring is tricky to get back in without spring flying. screw driver blade needs to be thin enough to fit inside groove, pushing spring over pin

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reassemble cylinder pin with blue locktite, allows later disassembly.
if pin comes loose, revolver could jam

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