Field stripping a revolver can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time. But when it comes to firearms, field stripping and cleaning it will improve its precision and accuracy. In the gun world there tends to be two types of people. Those who never clean their firearms until necessary and then there are those who clean it no matter what. Proper gun maintenance is a balance between not field stripping your weapon too often, which can result in stripped screws and metal scratches, and not stripping it often enough, which can result in poor accuracy and operation.

Step 1: Get Your Supplies Together

The first step to field stripping a revolver is making sure you have all the right stuff. There are a few tools you’ll need that will make disassembly and reassembly go smoothly. It’s always a good idea to have a gun mat or towel, non-marring hammer and a gunsmith screwdriver set to reduce the number of scratches to the metal. Along with a few gunsmithing tools, you’ll also need cleaning supplies. Have some gun CLP or lubricant, cleaning rods, jags, patches, brushes, gun oil and a polishing cloth or rag.