CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Frames do stretch and revolvers do wear out. High pressure loads and the stress the put on a revolver exacerbate this exponentially. S&W 29's wouldn't have the reputation for shooting loose if they didn't and modern metallurgy can't save them. The biggest factor in that is the design of the frame, because it stretches.The sideplate design allows too much flex and that movement creates wear over time. The question is, does the average shooter shoot these guns enough to find out? The answer is a resounding "no". Those that shoot thousands of rounds through a single firearm are shooting low pressure loads out of competition guns, so a Jerry Miculek is going to have a very different experience from a Dick Casull.
There are very good reasons why the Ruger Redhawk is a very different design from the S&W N-frame, which is a relic of the blackpowder era. Ole Bill had the benefit of hindsight and intentionally engineered all the weaknesses out of the S&W design. That's why the frame is solid and the trigger mechanism drops out from below. That's why the bot notches are placed between the chambers, rather than over them. The frame is not heavier because it's cast, it's heavier so that it does not move. The barrel shank is larger, which translates to a more robust forcing cone. Everyone waxes poetic about the S&W "Triple Lock" but forgets that Ruger also has three locking points. They were overbuilt for the .44Mag and allow for the full potential of the cartridge to be realized. Along with the easy transition to the .454 and .480 cartridges.
There are very good reasons why the Ruger Redhawk is a very different design from the S&W N-frame, which is a relic of the blackpowder era. Ole Bill had the benefit of hindsight and intentionally engineered all the weaknesses out of the S&W design. That's why the frame is solid and the trigger mechanism drops out from below. That's why the bot notches are placed between the chambers, rather than over them. The frame is not heavier because it's cast, it's heavier so that it does not move. The barrel shank is larger, which translates to a more robust forcing cone. Everyone waxes poetic about the S&W "Triple Lock" but forgets that Ruger also has three locking points. They were overbuilt for the .44Mag and allow for the full potential of the cartridge to be realized. Along with the easy transition to the .454 and .480 cartridges.