SMITH`S "HOW STRONG"

[swiss 210]

After buing my first revolver a 629pp which i am very pleased with ,i find it easy to shoot even with one hand and as spot on as my match pistols i like this gun alot and have one question ? we are always hearing that smiths have week points can any one tell me were?? :banghead: i would like to keep this gun a long time but not destroy it?I have been feeding it magthec 240`s I only shoot at paper with this gun and do not recharge ,i don`t have the time. Tell me where a hot load starts to be to hot!! I like shooting things that go boooom so what can i buy thats hot but not sudden death for my poor smith.

 

[cslinger]

The 629s are N frames in .44 magnum correct?

If so they are big strong guns. Oil it, care for it and it will be passed on to your grand kids grand kids. There are revolvers from the old west that folks still shoot and these were not made using any modern advances in meterergy.

Barring any abuse or freak quality control issues you have nothing to worry about.

If you shoot nothing but heavy hot loads you might eventually run into some timing or forcing cone issues but these can be worked out by Smith, personally I think your wrists will give in before the gun.

Buy, shoot, clean, shoot some more. Have fun and don't worry.

Chris

 

[P95Carry]

The MagTech loads are good - I use them. I think tho you need to realize that yes, this is one strong gun and also - thruput is unlikely to be huge - in terms of many countless thousands of rounds. Over time of course you will put a fair number thru but if no worse in ''hotness'' than factory you should have no real problems.

Over time there may be some evidence of slight flame cutting on top strap - just above forcing cone but - this is way in the future and not likely to be a serious issue.

In essence - enjoy it!!

 

[BoltTurner]

I contacted Smith & Wesson on this very issue.
I asked specifically about the MagTech, as it is considered a full-power load. Smith & Wesson replied that there is NO PROBLEM shooting ANY SAAMI-spec ammunition (for liability reasons they cannot recommend handloading, as they can't control what the handloader does).

Some ammunition like Buffalo Bore and Garrett are not for use in S&Ws because the overall length of their cartridges exceed the length of the model 29/629's cylinder. Some specialty loads, such as those marked "heavy .44 Magnum", etc. are over SAAMI-spec and not recommended.

The idea that Smith & Wessons are weak is an internet myth brought about because of Ruger revolvers. Ruger seriously overbuilds their revolvers and they can take loads well above SAAMI-spec. So, it's not that Smith & Wessons are weak, it's that Rugers are very strong.

 

[rbmcmjr]

It's not a completely unfounded rumor, but it is pretty much no longer a fair description. Early versions of the Model 29 and 629 had a tendency to go out of time and experience unlocking under heavy recoil. S&W brought out the "endurance package" in the late 80s/early 90s to address this. I forget the "dash-number" associated with this, but I know that it is true.

Rick - owner of several S&W 44s

 

[umc180gr]

Treat them nice

I have a 629-5 Mountain gun that I shot a lot (several hundred) hot 180gr loads through it. They seemed to be a little hard on the gun but they were fun to shoot. The extractor rod starting backing out and ever since then the cylinder action and spin is just not right. It seems like it binds up as you spin it. I dont believe the threads are over tightened. I am thinking of returning it to S&W sometime soon. I love S&W .44's, I have three of them. If anyone has a cure for my problem, let me know. Thanks

 

[JohnKSa]

I forget the "dash-number" associated with this, but I know that it is true.

'-2e'

 

[Lloyd Smale]

shooting just factory level 240 loads you will probably never wear the gun out. Especially if you dont reload because youll have to sell your house to buy enough ammo to shoot it loose. I shot a 29 out of time using heavy loaded 300 grain stuff in a short amount of time once. But now leave the heavies to the rugers. The 629 i have now has proably over 5000 factory level loads and and many more lighter loads through it and its as good as new.

 

[swiss 210]

Thanks for the information so i should stick to those 240 magtec for paper shooting but what is max for fun ?I live in europe i can`t get a lot of different ammo?!!!

 

[BoltTurner]

The magtech is the cheapest .44 ammo in my area, it's also accurate and does well hunting, so I just stock up on it.