Hawk gets his first revolver - Woo Hoo

[Hawk]

A used S&W .44 Mag with ported 4" bbl. I tried the trigger at the store and double action was like nothing I would have expected - slicker'n snail snot. Single action had no take-up, no creep and breaks at just south of 3#. I was actually thinking of having it increased to the 3.5 - 4lbs that I'm used to on the 1911's, but it's growing on me - think I'll leave it.

Anyhow, and here's the really dumb question - where does S&W hide the model designation? It looks like a 629 but I think it's a 29. The underlug isn't full length, a magnet sticks to it, and the finish looks more like NP3 then stainless. Whatever the finish is, it's immune to the little wear mark that usually shows up on the cylinder. (OK, I could try scraping off a portion but I figured I'd ask about it first).

The chambers are countersunk for the .44 rim and are numbered 1 thru 6. I don't know what this means but my net searches turned up the opinion that the countersink and numbers are a Very Good Thing (without clarifying WHY they're a very good thing). What's up with that? The bbl porting is the trapazoidal(sp) edm affairs. Front sight is red insert, rear is white outline adjustable. Firing pin is on the hammer.

The thing shoots like a dream - even double action. Any chance this beast was put together by the performance shop or would it have to be a gunsmith (that trigger just blows me away).

Thanks in advance for saving me the 30.00 S&W would get to tell me how it left the factory. I can feel the pull of the darkside - this forum will be the end of me. The new (to me) used revolver is already griping about not having any company in the safe.

 

[Baba Louie]

I think MagnaPort musta done something to that .44 at some point in its life as the trapezoidel ports and numbered cylinder holes are examples of their work.
One of the better firms out there I gather.
Ya might write or call them and ask.
Open the cylinder and look at the frame where the crane fits. It might have a number there that will tell you something.
Adios

 

[Preacherman]

Hawk, what did you pay for that revolver, if you don't mind my asking? From your description of the porting, the numbered cylinders, and the excellent action (but really - SNAIL SNOT! What a revolting comparison! ), I'd venture a guess that this gun has been to Mag-Na-Port, or Cylinder & Slide, or some other custom shop, to have a complete action job done. If that's the case, and you got it for typical used Model 29/629 prices ($350 to $450 in this area), you've scored big-time!

 

[Hawk]

Thanks - that's where it was hiding. You da man.

Model 29-2 stamped on frame.

I'll check Magnaport - whoever did the work is real good at what they do. As light and smooth as everything was, I'd have bet money (and lost) that there'd be issues with ignition.

 

[Hawk]

Preacherman,

You have just made my day, possibly my year.

I gave 500.00 out the door, complete. It felt kinda sorta like a bargain, but now I'm doing the happy dance.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I was actually thinking of having it increased to the 3.5 - 4lbs that I'm used to on the 1911's, but it's growing on me - think I'll leave it.

As far as I'm concerned, the lighter, the better. It may take awhile to accustom yourself to a revolver trigger, but once you do, you'll probably begin to appreciate lighter triggers. They can deliver a significant accuracy edge.

 

[Preacherman]

Hawk, to give you an idea of the value of that package, Mag-Na-Port quotes the following prices:

Action Jobs - Check headspace, cylinder gap, smooth internal parts to remove creep, lighten trigger pull, timing work, recut forcing cone, and number chambers - $140 (for S&W revolvers)

Porting Services - Revolvers (standard 2 port) - $88.50.

Taking into account two-way shipping costs, that's at least a $250 value. Great buy!

 

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

I am getting in a jealous mood...:banghead:

I never find this stuff

I only find worn out 38 specials from Car 54

 

[10-Ring]

Good going! I betcha she's a fun shooter too! :ccol:

 

[Litlman]

My "First" revolver, Hmmmm, now where did I here that statement before? Welcome to the addiction, oh I mean club. Enjoy!

 

[Airboss]

I'll Bet

I'll bet a great deal of Money it want be your last

 

[clown714]

well,where's the pic?

range report?

man,i love those big bores

clown

 

[Hawk]

My apologies...

Range report: It came with a "gimme" box of Win white box 240 JSP (didn't know there was such a thing - 50 rnds/box). This, plus another box of 20 PMC Eldo has 120 rounds through it. Hits just to the left of POA. Adjustable sights, so who cares? No noticable diff between the Win and PMC. Groups aren't quite as tight as my 1911's but I'm sure that's me - no really huge flinch noticable when the hammer falls on an empty chamber, but it IS there. I'll work on it - between the weight of the gun (stout) and the porting, I've no excuse - it's quite gentle, all things considered.

Neither my 1911 groups nor the new wheelie groups are THR material. I'm sure the the model 29 will catch up to my sorry 1911 groups (patterns?) shortly. Right now, I shoot the 1911's better, but I'm 100% convinced that's a personal problem.

Pic - I've got an old Sony digicam that writes to a floppy - my 'puter just decided it doesn't read those any more. I'll haul it to work and see what I can do. Disclaimer: I love this guy, but it sure isn't for the looks. First revolver and all, I'm still getting used to a non-full-length underlug, which I had previously thought was a prerequisite to my liking the looks of a wheelgun. Oh well, that was then, this is now, as they say.

Litlman - I'm afraid you're right - in fact, I know you are. But, this 29-2 is going to be a tough act to follow.

Thanks to all for the help.
JH

 

[Checkman]

Congrats Hawk. I'm a new member to the revolver cult uh club as well. I've owned a few for several years, but it's only been recently that I've come to enjoy them. Happy shooting.