S&W 629-1 44 magnum

[knapmich]

Bought a used 629 S&W the gun is tight looks VG to E. I noticed the bottom cylinder lock is tight but is leaving some wear line on the cylinder and there is a mark where the open cylinder hits the bottom on the frame.

I heard about some problems with the cylinder unlocking and rotating
backwards after some heavy rounds.

Is there a problem? or the beginning of a problem and who knows how to fix it.

Thanks

 

[Sam1911]

Based on what you've said, I would expect no trouble from that gun. The marks you've indicated are considered normal.

The "Endurance Package" was introduced with the 629-2s, so yours probably did not have those upgrades. Depending on how much you shoot it, it may develop some bad habits, or may not. S&W, themselves, would be my first call if it ever does misbehave.

 

[halfmoonclip]

Frankly, you'll get tired of real magnum loads in your .44 long before the gun does. I like to hunt with my .44, and have killed a number of deer with it. That said, there is too much blast and recoil to enjoy it much on a regular basis.
A buddy feeds his 8 3/8 moderate loads of Trailboss, which makes it a pussycat, and I think his shoots to the sights at 50' with the gun regulated for magnum loads.
If it ever does give trouble, as Sam observed, talk to Smith. Their customer service is absolutely second to none.
Moon

 

[243winxb]

I heard about some problems with the cylinder unlocking and rotating
backwards after some heavy rounds.

There is no upgrade availible the last time i checked. Mine has the problem that the newer bolt block is said to fix.

 

[Sam1911]

A good smith (no pun intended), and the folks in S&W's service department are very good, can solve problems with the cylinder bolt.

 

[knapmich]

Thanks to all of you for all the info. Gives me piece of mind.

I don't plan to shoot magnums too often, will target shoot with 44 spls.
My 17 yo macho Son wants to shoot some magnums.
We are beginning to have problems with black bear, some have even enter some homes! YIKES! and it's nice to know you can have some back-up {just in case} when hiking.

Want to reload any suggestions for a re-loader and specs on cartridges?

 

[BCRider]

What press and other bits to get is a whole other topic of its own. I'd suggest posting in the reloading forum with a list of what cartridges you shoot on a regular basis and what amounts of them you shoot. From there the guys will most certainly suggest a press that is "enough" without being over the top yet will do all the calibers you have at this point.

The powder you use plays a big part in how sharp the loads feel as well. I've reloaded some .357 Magnums with both H110 and 2400. The 2400 is a crossover rifle and handgun powder and as a result it has a fairly slow burn rate. So the pressure builds a bit less sharply.

I just got my own .44Mag and so far I've shot some commercial reloads that are fueled by H110. They are stout without being overly punishing in smaller amounts. I'm likely going to work up some loads that are more in the nature of .44Spl +P once I get my reloading area back in operation. Those I'll be able to shoot in larger numbers.

 

[Sam1911]

Our reloading section is full of info on .44 Mag and .44 Special loads -- several threads running on those right now, in fact.

There are so many different powders, bullets, and power levels that are possible with a .44 revolver that it is almost impossible to make suggestions. I've loaded with everything from H110, to Blue Dot & Herco, to Trail Boss, and all the way down to Titegroup. From 300 gr. at almost 1,300 fps Magnums, down to 700 fps .44 Russian loads.

I usually look to www.hodgdon.com and www.alliantpowder.com for my load data.

Enjoy!