S&W Model 629 .44 Magnum issue

[Prose]

I was at a gun show recently looking for something to replace my shotgun (I hunt deer in a shotgun only zone). I bought a S&W Model 629 .44 magnum. It was used with and has a custom trigger job (Who done it I have no idea). It is very light and if anyone else should shoot it I would point it out before handing them the gun. Anyhow, I plugged about 18 high power loads through it and it shot phenomenally accurate. However, I picked it up for 550 dollars and wholeheartedly expected some kind of quirk to come along. Along it came...

Next day on shot number 8 the cylinder failed to rotate due to a conflict of interest between my firing pin and the rim of the shell casings. The firing pin looks like it was sharpened with a hatchet and will literally score the back of the casing. The cylinder will not rotate because of this and it is about to go into the gunsmith shop. There is no front to back cylinder play, but I can "feel" that the cylinder is a little on the loose side as far as rotation when I put the gun into "full lock up." However it tends to settle in from the left and not the right.

Now my questions are these: is there someone else who has had the same issue who can give me any advice before I bring it in? How much will it likely cost?

And yes, this is my first revolver. I have only owned autos and I feel like I have just crossed into an area I know nothing about.

btw I read the excellent thread on how to see if a revolver is any good... After I bought the revolver of course. I guess I am the kind of guy who buys a gun and immediately tears it down and spreads the pieces all over the kitchen table.

Someone please hold my hand.

 

[Mike Franklin]

The gun ought to have a rebounding hammer. It should not stick through the frame ater you fire and let the trigger go forward. Is the firing pin/hammer nose sticking in the primer? When the hammer is cocked the cylinder should have only a slight amount of play side to side or back to front. Also any gunsmith should be able to check your gun and id problems. Do talk to him before you ok any work.

 

[rcmodel]

SO, for $550 you got a used 29 with an unsafe hair-trigger, and a nail for a firing pin?
What a deal!

The gun does have a rebounding hammer. That's the way S&W's have to work.

Now the question is, is it an older 29 through 29-6 with a hammer mounted firing pin, or a newer 29-7 or later with a frame mounted firing pin?

If the latter, the FP spring is stacked up or missing, and needs to be replaced, along with the defective firing pin.

rcmodel

 

[Prose]

I talked to my brother who knows a little bit about wheel guns and he thinks that perhaps the firing pin spring might be bad. I looked at it again and it did not protrude as much as it did last I looked. recocked it again and the FP seems to stick out again. At least that is one thing that I seem to have a handle on. I am guessing that the trigger has about a 1lb pull. Personally that is lighter than I would like. It is a frame mounted firing pin. rcmodel what you have said I think may hit the nail on the head. From what you suggested I know that it is a 29-7 or later. Thanks for the info.
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M. Franklin, The firing pin is not sticking into the primer. That I know.

I'll get this stuff taken care of soon and I do really appreciate your input. Thanks guys, it's nice to know I have you to count on when I have questions or concerns.


I now figure the firing pin looks the way it does because the spring etc is hosed.


Going to redo the trigger, that's for damn sure.

heh, we all learn.