cylinder Center Pin

[friscolatchi]

Hi again to all.

I have a question regarding the center pin in my 44 mag. Last week I bought a 629-4 Mtn Gun used at what I think is a reasonable price. I checked it out, however, in my exuberance to buy it, I overlooked a irregular feeling when I pressed the latch to open the cylinder. I called the dealer and they will fix it but I would like to run another box of 240's through it before I give it back. The other day I ran about 6 cyl's worth of cartridges and it shoots well and I was able to open the cylinder ok, but not easily as my 629 classic. There must be a burr on the center pin shaft somewhere because when I push it in when the cylinder is open it's not as smooth as my other S&W's

My question is, can the cylinder lock up? I feel that this is possible due to the pressures against the pin when the forces drive the cylinder rearwards against the backplate. My gut says to get it fixed first before I shoot it again. I was hoping to run at least 24 rounds through it in the AM and take it Upstate hunting this weekend.

The gun appears to be in good shape and is clean and tight. The cylinder bores are really clean and the trigger is better than my newer 629 classic 6.5". I haven't measured tolerances but there is similar endplay when compared to my other newer revolvers.

I hope this all makes sense. I'm still learning the language. Thanks for your help. Frisco

 

[rcmodel]

The newer mountain guns certainly were not as smooth feeling as the older 29's. They get smoother with use however.

The things to check are.
1. Loose ejector rod.
It is left hand thread, and if it becomes loose and starts to unscrew, it gets longer and makes opening the cylinder hard, or impossible.
Try turning it by hand while holding the cylinder from moving.
If you you can screw it in & out by hand, it needs to be fixed by degreasing and using just a tiny dab of Blue loctire on the threads.

2. The other possibility is, it is bent.
A good gunsmith can straighten it, or replace it with a new one.

rc

 

[Ed Harris]

Another likely possibility in the .44 mag is an improperly heat treated center pin which is becoming peened or upset slightly on end. While an expedient fix is to stone off the burr it will continue to deform until replaced with a properly hardened one.

 

[friscolatchi]

RC, Ed,

Thanks for the reply. I was wondering if the thread of the ejector rod was left handed or not. Anyhow it's tight. I believe, as Ed pointed out, there is a burr or slight bend in the center pin itself which acts as a detent. I shot the gun today and found that after shooting 6 loads the cylinder release became stiffer until I worked it a bit. I definately cannot live with that! I'm afraid that the cylinder will freeze in the frame due to a stuck center pin.

The 4" tapered frame has a little bit more recoil than the 6.5", but it's manageable. I got a group of 3 in a 4" bull at 25yds firing SA. DA, now that's another kettle of fish. I previously ordered and received today a X frame grip but I really like the looks of the exposed backstrap and the concealability of the smaller grip, if that even matters.

Thanks again for your input. If anyone else has anything to share about this gun, tips on shooting and care of it, I would appreciate it.

Frisco

 

[friscolatchi]

I took the ejector rod apart and found the problem. The muzzle end of the center pin was buggered. Using a stone, I cleaned up the end. This is the end that locks with the spring loaded detent in the muzzle end of the ejector shroud. Anyway, it works fine now. I may order a new center pin anyway as the concern would be as Ed discussed, improper heat treating. I guess the end is now work hardened. The ejector rod was tight to begin with. Thanks again.