Has Your S & W 29-5/629-3 & Later Models Developed any Timing Issues ?

[geo57]

I had an early S & W 629 years ago and it suffered issues after a very minimal number of factory rounds. That experience and handling several 29's & 629's ( pre Endurance Package models ) in following years only to discover a large percentage of the used examples had timing issues, sort of soured me for a long time with S & W .44 mags. I do know Smith beefed things up internally , modified bolt stop slots, etc in later models. I have the urge to try another new one and if I do, I'm going to consider only the 29-5 / 629-3 and later models. What I'd like to know and hear from you S & W 29-5/629-3 and later models owners is if you have had any issues with yours and especially timing issues ( Being able to cock your hammer in single action mode by drawing your hammer back VERY slowly BEFORE the bolt drops in it's cylinder stop slot ) . FWIW, though I shoot only my handloads from my .44's these days, I do not hotrod loads. The hottest I go anymore are 180gr. JHP's @ 1200 FPS and 250 gr. cast Keiths @ 1000 FPS. I'll appreciate your 1st hand experiences. Thanks.

 

[jbkebert]

I have a 29-2 that developed timing issues. THe gun would fire fine 2-3 shots then the cylinder would turn very hard. I originally thought it was a clearance issue with one cylinder. After marking cylinders and testing it was not the problem. I really like my Smith but even after having it fixed. I no longer trust the gun it has become a safe queen. I shoot it every now and again but for now my Rugers get to go hunting.