S&W Scandium questions

[ibcguy]

Greetings!

I came across what I think is a good deal on a NIB S&W 357PD (4", .41 mag, scandium/titanium). I've always liked the looks of these guns but couldn't afford the retail price.

The gun won't be shot much, but will be carried on backpacking and fly fishing trips. The .41 is fine for black bears and other fanged creatures I might encounter in Colorado (I'll use a magnum rifle or 12 gauge if I ever make it up to Alaska, thanks )

My questions are these:

1) How serious is the Internal Lock problems on the 357PDs (or other Smiths)? I've been reading on the Smith forum and it seems to be kinda prevalent?

2) Anyone know if crimp jump is a significant problem, particularly with the Buffalo Bore loads?

I know these things have a hefty recoil, but for my purposes that is ok...the weight savings would be worth it for me. This won't be range gun.

Can anyone put my mind to ease about the perceived reliability issues of the scandium Smiths?

Thanks!
IBCGUY

 

[batmann]

I have a S&W 629 .44M Mountain Gun, and have not had a problem with the IL, BUT if you read the whole thread the 'problems' most of them have has been with the Sc frames.
I believe that jumping crimp is a real problem and IMHO unless you really want it, and I mean really want it, I would look for a MG. The weight is not a whole lot different, but the problems seem to be a whole lot less.
If the IL is a concern, there are some non-IL's out there or they can be removed. Good luck and I hope this helps.

 

[ibcguy]

Thanks, that helps.

Glad to hear that not everyone is having problems with the internal lock. Have you had any crimp jump issues with your .44? What kind of issues are there with the frames?

Thanks again!
IBCGUY

 

[batmann]

Mine is stainless steel and to my knowledge, there is no issue with crimp jumping nor have there been issues with the frames. I think most of the new Sc frames have gone to a stainless steel cyl to prevent the problem of crimp jumping and are much easier to clean.
I think IF you can find a 629 Mountain Gun, you will be pleased.44ammo is much easier to find and is usually cheaper. S&W also made some Mountain Guns in .41M but they are very hard to find.

 

[langenc]

Problems mentioned are rare-very rare.

On the other hand, shoot one BEFORE you buy it. Their bark and bite are pretty stout-to the shooter and shootee.

 

[Jim K]

I have read quite a bit on the IL and have examined the guns. There seem to be few first person reports, and at least one widely quoted one appears to be bogus. I hate to call anyone a liar, but what was described just cannot happen.

Unfortunately, S&W began using that lock when they made a deal with the Clinton administration on gun design as well as marketing procedures. Many people felt, with justification, that the (then) British-owned S&W had "sold out."

Many people then began to "badmouth" S&W, claiming defective guns, blown up guns that killed dozens, locks that failed either to stay unlocked or stay locked, parts that broke by the hundreds, etc., etc. Were there problems? Perhaps, but most of the comments seem to be more political garbage than any evidence of a serious problem with S&W revolvers.

BTW, if a certain person is reading this, don't bother to respond if you hope to convince me. I thought you were a liar when we first came into contact, and I still think you are a liar; your death threats don't impress me at all.

Jim

 

[ibcguy]

Thanks for the feedback...I went ahead and bought it. At the price I got it for I can always turn around and sell it if the recoil is too much.

Anyone have any recommendations for a holster? I would like something that is discreet (doesn't scream "gun") and would still be reasonably accessable while wearing a pack.

Does anyone make a "low-recoil" loading for the .41 mag?

Thanks again!

 

[krs]

Whoa..........Hi Jim

The locking flag is simple to remove and reinstall, and removing that one part should remove any issues with operation as it also has the protrusion that does the actual locking.

Some raise the possibility of a liability issue over having deactivated a so-called safety system from a pistol but how that could fly in a shooting case is beyond me since the last thing a person needs in a SD situation is a means to render themself defenseless. You put in your nickel and you get your own gumball.

 

[20nickels]

I think you have purchased a fine woods packing gun. I have looked at these also. You have to laugh at the model name though "357"PD, very misleading.

The very 1st thing I would do is get a pair of the hogue X-Frame grips available from S&W's website. These will fit this frame and reduce felt recoil considerably. Link to pic;
http://www.bowenclassicarms.com/NEW/SW02.htm
Please give us a range report.

 

[ibcguy]

I ordered the 500 grips last night! Now comes the hard part...waiting for the gun to ship to my FFL :banghead:

Thanks again!

 

[gazpacho]

Wilderness Safepacker