Colorado Newbee with a pre-Model 36 J-frame

[Fewman]

Thanks for the welcome.

Guys, not sure if this is the right place in this forum to ask but I just know that this revo was never "maintained" (knowing my grandfather) despite it's condition. It needed a thorough cleaning when I first inspected it. I was also able to clean the cylinder assembly and found dried grease/debris. After 55 years I'm wondering what's under the side plate, lubrication wise. I have read about methods of soaking the action in ATF/mineral spirits/acetone 'soup', using aerosol brake cleaners, etc, but I think just opening it up for inspection would be where to begin. I understand the process of removing the plate correctly and have already 'broke' the 3 screws loose successfully. I don't want to perform a detail strip (viewed the FAQ), just clean and apply the proper amount of lube to the right surfaces. My question is when I remove the sideplate, I understand that no other parts will drop/spring out...is this correct? I know I will likely see alot of different opinions on this but input is appreciated.

[gearchecker]

Fewman,
Welcome to the forum from Northern Idaho. Glad to have you join.
It's going to be a really sweet shooter once you've got it all cleaned up and lubricated correctly.
Don't use anything with acetone in it. It'll eat the bluing off the revolver.

Reagrs,
Gearchecker

[SeldomSeen]

Estes Park area. I live on Storm Mountain at 8100' bordering Roosevelt NF and overlooking the front range. If I 'skwint' hard enough, I think I can almost see Nebraska! Nearest neighbor is about 1/2 mile away and I have about a 4 minute walk to the 'range'.

Welcome Fewman. Are you a member of the Estes Park Gun and Archery Club? Better batten down the hatches. They're predicting a strong Chinook wind event tonight. For those of you who don't know what the is, these downslope winds can reach 100 mph along the Front Range. Nice revolver!

[1 old 0311]

Welcome from Indy. That is in "WOW" condition.

[jimg11]

Hi Fewman,

A warm welcome to the forum.

Visit and post often.

[Oldgungeezer]

Welcome...........

Best Regards,

Geezer

[mmitch]

Fewman,

Welcome to our great community!
If you don't have a set of hollow ground screwdrivers, or if you do and are shy about getting into your Grandad's gun, you can carefully remove those nice grips and douche the hell out of the gun with some spray CLP. Get in all the holes, cock the hammer and spray down into the innards. Let it drain on a folded towel awhile, then hit it again, 'til the run-off looks relatively clean.
Let it drain, wipe it down and shoot it with some regular pressure ball ammo.

If you wish to get into the gun, we can coach you through that, too. If you don't mess with the springs, nothing will "fly" out!
Let us know how you wish to proceed. If the gun has good function, there really is no reason to open it-up, but it's not rocket science to do so, either.

Mike

[WendyZXZ]

Welcome to the forum!

[Fewman]

Forgive but I kinda cross-posted in '...1945 and later' forum for some more exposure...

Got the sideplate off and here's what I found:

"Whether grandpa bought new or not, I know he would never had removed that sideplate. That would mean the action had not seen daylight for at least 50 years 'cause I seen this firearm under his mattress way back in the early '60's (don't tell on me)! I am surprised it's as clean as it is. Maybe a little dry but I cancelled the brake cleaner flush and just brushed it out and put a drop or two of oil on all the pivot points. I gently worked the action a little to get some of the oil to penetrate before closing everything back up.

Can't really tell how much it improved the action yet but I'm sure I won't need to open it up again in the long term. I'm also guessing that it likely has not seen many rounds either...

Photo's of the open action before I dusted it off..."

I fired a few rounds through it before I pulled the plate. Nice!

[Hunter]