I have a 4" 629-1 in the works and really don't know too much about the stainless model. Does it have the performance issues the 29 had, or was it pretty well enhanced from its inception?

Is there a way to refurbish the flocking on the late model presentation cases, or is new velvet lining the only fix?

Briefly, yes. The 629-1 is not as robust as the later model S&W 44 mags. Here's a good educational piece by John Taffin on Smith's 44 engineering changes, including the stainless models.

http://www.sixguns.com/range/SmithWesson44Mag.htm

I have a 629 no-dash with no performance issues at all. Works fine, at least with loads up to 270gr at 1300fps, which is as much as I care to shoot. I don't believe later guns are acutally stronger. They just have some design changes to keep them from unlocking under heavy recoil. Feed your -1 anything you'd feed any other S&W 44mag.

MT,

Thanks for the link! Taffin usually covers things very well and was true to form this time too.

I really wasn't planning on anything hotter than some 240 gr LSWC at about 1000-1100 fps. Even with the presentation case, this is and has been a shooter, not a safe queen. So, I'll just continue the tradition.

You must have forgotten to post pictures, Paul.

I know how those kinds of things can slip someone's mind!

I'll just wait here until you get them up!

OK Skip, this is what it is, but I don't have it in hand yet.





As you can see, it has Hogues on it, instead of factory wood. The SA trigger pull is 3lbs 10 oz. It basically an over grown M66, which pleases me! The serial # is N934XXX.

COOL!
I didn't want to have to use this:





I knew if I pressured you, you would post pictures!

Nice looking firearm. Every full size Smith revolver I have has Hogues on it. Other wise they wouldn't even come close to fitting my oversize hands! Still with them on it the bottom of the grip doesn't come to the edge of them!




And no, my knuckles don't drag the ground!

That's one of the problems with "fit 'em all" grips. You know I use Pachmyer Compacts for a good fit for my hand.

Forgot to mention- Brian Pearce did an excellent article on the S&W 44 magnums the June/July 2006 Handloader magazine. Included a good overview of the engineering changes of the various 29s and 629s, and the accompanying tolerances of each model. Lots of good load info broken into 3 categories for the various engineering changes. It's the best article on S&W 44s I've ever come across.

I went looking for that artical not only for myself, but the rest of you.

http://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/PDF/HL%20241%20Partial%20(LO)%202.pdf

This message has been edited. Last edited by: J_B,