Cleaning a SA revolver

[markiver54]

Please forgive my novice question.
quite simply, how is the easiest way to clean a SA revolver. Just got my first and it occurred to me that unlike my DA's, I can't just flip the cylinder out to clean. In this case, 10 cylinders. Does the whole cylinder have to be removed? I know this might be a silly question to all you SA owners, but it's new to me. Any guidance is appreciated.

[CT_Shooter]

Yes, Mark. The cylinder has to be removed to clean the revolver. It's pretty easy to remove and replace it. This video shows how Hickok45 does it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwG8xhuVgTM

Please forgive my novice question.
quite simply, how is the easiest way to clean a SA revolver. Just got my first and it occurred to me that unlike my DA's, I can't just flip the cylinder out to clean. In this case, 10 cylinders. Does the whole cylinder have to be removed? I know this might be a silly question to all you SA owners, but it's new to me. Any guidance is appreciated.

[Mistered]

That gun should have the standard Ruger quick release cylinder pin.
It should be in the instructions.

[markiver54]

Yes, Mark. The cylinder has to be removed to clean the revolver. It's pretty easy to remove and replace it. This video shows how Hickok45 does it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwG8xhuVgTM

Please forgive my novice question.
quite simply, how is the easiest way to clean a SA revolver. Just got my first and it occurred to me that unlike my DA's, I can't just flip the cylinder out to clean. In this case, 10 cylinders. Does the whole cylinder have to be removed? I know this might be a silly question to all you SA owners, but it's new to me. Any guidance is appreciated.

Thank you Stan. Just finished watching the video. Very helpful!

[markiver54]

That gun should have the standard Ruger quick release cylinder pin.
It should be in the instructions.

Thank you as well ED!...Duh on me. Just figured it out. Very easy...

[North Country Gal]

Removing the cylinder on a single action reminds of several Clint Eastwood westerns where he carries extra cylinders for his blackpowder Colt Walker or an 1860 Colt Army and uses them for reloads. No base pin, as on those pre-1873 Colts, but pretty neat to watch him do his reloads that way. Watch Outlaw Josey Wales. In Pale Rider, though, he switches the Colts for a blackpowder Remingtons.

[markiver54]

Removing the cylinder on a single action reminds of several Clint Eastwood westerns where he carries extra cylinders for his blackpowder Colt Walker or an 1860 Colt Army and uses them for reloads. No base pin, as on those pre-1873 Colts, but pretty neat to watch him do his reloads that way. Watch Outlaw Josey Wales. In Pale Rider, though, he switches the Colts for a blackpowder Remingtons.

Yes, funny you should mention that NCG, was just picturing that this morning! have seen those movies several times....thanks

[BrokenolMarine]

In reality, I always thought single actions were easier to clean.

[markiver54]

In reality, I always thought single actions were easier to clean.

I think you may be right Jim! Don't have that DA cylinder hanging off the side.
Total removal, as easy as it is, will definitely make cleaning ten chambers a lot easier! ( I bought a single ten ) recently.

[GunnyGene]

Please forgive my novice question.
quite simply, how is the easiest way to clean a SA revolver. Just got my first and it occurred to me that unlike my DA's, I can't just flip the cylinder out to clean. In this case, 10 cylinders. Does the whole cylinder have to be removed? I know this might be a silly question to all you SA owners, but it's new to me. Any guidance is appreciated.

No such thing as a silly question. Besides the cylinder, and depending on how long it's been between cleanings, I'll also remove the grips, and possibly do a complete disassembly looking for any signs of corrosion, etc., as well as apply appropriate lube. Same routine for all my firearms, SA or otherwise. The equivalent of a "detail" job on a expensive vehicle.

PS: one other thing: NEVER use a steel brush on it, and go easy on solvents. Here's why (although this is far more critical on ELR rifles):

Parts 37 through 45: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... vDCIcEPxUn