[SSROUFE]

I have a colt 32 detective special, the cylinder and crane needs to be disassembled for re-bluing. I have the NRA Guide to firearms Assembly (Pistol and Revolvers) that is not much help. What might you recommend?

 

[Helix_FR]

So you just want to remove the crane and cylinder, or completely strip it down? To remove it, open the cylinder and on the right hand side (looking at the back of the gun) there is a screw that sits right above the trigger, this screw sits right besides the stud that retains the cylinder. Back this screw out and it will also pull the stud back with it. Remove the screw then remove the stud. Pull forward on the crane and it will slip out of the frame while keeping the cylinder off to the side. If you need to go further in the breakdown let us know.

 

[SSROUFE]

Thanks Helix FR, I was thinking about re-bluing the cylinder. After inquires it was recommended that I not re-blue. But just the same, for future reference I would like to know how to separate the cylinder from the crane.
Thank
ssroufe

 

[JLA]

Gotta unscrew the ejector from the ejector rod, its staked at the center but shoudl come apart ok. At that point the cylinder can be removed from the assembly along with the ejector rod. Left will be the crane, ejector spring and retainer. The retainer is a threaded nut that fits down inside the crane yoke and retains the spring. best to use a modified screw driver for this. back that out and remove the spring. all the parts will be disassembled for further inspection, cleaning, re-bluing etc.. The internals of the revolver are simple too. The colts are quite simple and reliable sixguns.

As to rebluing.. Any refinish will ruin collector value. so if youre a collector, dont reblue it.. If youre like me and love colts because you want to shoot the real deal.. Then by all means, reblue it and enjoy a fantastic looking colt. But dont DIY with cold blue. That stuffs an insult to the rampant pony. Have it prepped, polished and hot salts blued. you wont regret it.. I happen to know this guy that does fanfreakintastic bluing.

 

[SSROUFE]

Thanks JLA; I appreciate you'r input, I think I will just leave it as it is.
ssroufe