I just bought a 629 V-Comp 44 Mag new in box and I'm not so sure that the features are what I'd expect from a Performance Center firearm. But, this is my first S&W revolver besides a JFrame and I'd like to ask for some input from knowledgeable folks that know a lot more (than I do) about S&W revolvers and revolvers in general.

First and most important is the trigger overtravel stop. It appears to be a hollow pin pushed into the back of the trigger and ought to stop any overtravel after the hammer drops. With the trigger all the way back, the pin does not touch anything at all nor does it eliminate any overtravel. This is an awesome feeling trigger but I don't see the point of a non-functional "feature". I've asked S&W Customer Service twice via email if the pin is inserted too far or if I'm missing an adjustment screw and both replies were very short "Call the number below and return it for inspection", even after my 2nd email included the attached photos. Do they know what the hell features their firearms are supposed to have or not and why can't they just answer a simple question? Granted, they're paying for shipping but they wouldn't have to waste their money or both our time if they could just answer a question. i.e. If it's missing a screw, send it to me in the mail.

First question: Am I missing a screw for overtravel stop adjustment or is the overtravel stop just for pretty?


Second item is with regard to the barrel "crown". The front of the barrel appears to be just flat cut off with a slight inner recess that is also flat. There are sharp edges and no traditional slanted crown as far as I've seen on any other handgun or long gun. There are 2 pieces that come with this V-Comp that attach onto the front of the barrel with one being a protector and one being a compensator. Their inner diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the barrel so that the bullet would never make contact with the protector or compensator. Therefore, I'd expect to see a crown on the barrel itself. Main reason for asking this is so I can speak intelligently to S&W Customer Support when they receive my firearm and call me to discuss things.


Second Question: Is the slanted crown on a barrel just for protection of the edge or does it provide function in any regard to accuracy or stability when the bullet leaves the barrel? If the first part is the case, then I'd understand that the protector/compensator pieces would do the protection in this case. I always thought it made the firearm more accurate and consistent but don't know if that pertains to long guns only and isn't a huge factor in hand guns.


Thanks for any input!

Well, thanks a lot! My new 2 5/8" PC 627 also has a piece of a roll pin for a trigger stop. How cheesy. Their description states 'trigger with stop'. That surface rust in the barrel grooves - and Allen screw hole - look ominous. That surface rust in the groove bottoms looks familiar - my new PC 627 has that surface rust in the grooves, too. It isn't copper from bullet plating. My '02 JM 5" PC627 V-Comp is clean - after many clad .38-ish bullets. The barrel's muzzle has a nicely machined slight crown - and far better machining of that Allen screw hole, too. Also, it has a roll pin trigger stop! I never looked that closely... sorry I did on both of these 627s. No need to look at my beloved 4" 627 Pro - it has a hollow back MIM trigger!

So, the roll pin has been around a while - not so much that sloppy finishing, slight crown included, or the surface rust on the groove bottoms. I always thought that roll pin was an Allen headed screw for adjustment, although it wouldn't be easily done - or secured.

Let us know what they say when you call. My call was re the ill-fitting Eagle boots that came on my 2 5/8" PC627. They sent me a FEDEX ground label for the grips! I expect replacements in the next week or so. That's decent warranty follow-up. They'll make you happy.

I just talked with their CS guy re that rust - he said try an oil - I tried RemOil, a little time, and working it with a warn brass .44 bore brush before pulling a .357/.38 Bore Snake through a few times. It looks fine now. They must cut the grooves with a water based coolant.

Stainz

Still interested in input on importance of a crowned barrel.


Hey Stainz,
Now you got me started on rust, which I was trying to stay away from and just get facts on the crown and trigger stop. It looks like the trigger stop will be a disappointment from your info but I appreciate it nonetheless. I've owned 2 HK 45 Experts and both had an adjustable screw in the trigger, which gives the owner the opportunity to tune the trigger. A barrel pin is a far cry from being adjustable. My 629 is a 629-6 and has a "birth date" of Feb 2010 looking at the envelope with the factory fired casings.

btw, I did expect the pin to be adjustable with an allen screw too. In fact, I ruined 4 allen wrenches (various sizes) by putting them to the grinder so I could fit it into the pin and behind the trigger without touching or scratching the rear of the trigger guard. The trigger stop is not mentioned in the user manual either. I was originally miffed that S&W didn't provide an allen wrench for the trigger stop but then I was even further miffed they couldn't spare the expense to include one for the allen screw that holds the compensator onto the barrel.

Back to rust .. I didn't notice the rust in the barrel till you pointed it out and I saw this picture with the flash. I've had this for less than a week and have NEVER even shot this firearm and it was cruddy NIB from just the factory test firing with powder all over the cylinder walls, front of cylinder, back of barrel, frame, powder debris inside the barrel and the compensator of course. I did give it a good cleaning with cleaner and a brass brush and then CLP but the rust is still in the barrel as you pointed out. Anyway, the serial number stamping on the left side of the frame and the bottom of the grip frame already have rust covering all the numbers. I'll attach another picture showing the inside of the comp that doesn't look so great either.

The front of the compensator also had surface brush marks on it and there was a ding on the right side of the frame that I didn't notice when picking up from my FFL dealer (so, that's my bad and it's too late to take issue with the seller).

I absolutely do not trust or take seriously S&W's statement "When serious collectors and demanding shooters want the very best handguns, they turn to Smith & Wesson's Performance Center." I'm not a collector but I expect quality when I spend over $1000 and they've made that statement.

My much less costly S&W 442 and Ruger SP101 seem a far cry better in craftsmanship and quality. Both are much older than 2 months and neither of them are showing rust. I've never purchased a gun that was manufactured so recently and any gun that I've purchased has never had rust.

Ohhhh, using snap caps I've done a handful of double and single action trigger pulls. There are wear marks on both sides of the trigger and both sides of the hammer. In my book, that's something you fix via trigger job to reduce all wear points. I was expecting more from S&W in this area too. Likewise, the Performance Center info says this should have a chrome trigger and hammer, both of which are brush metal finish like the rest of the gun.

If I do get this back and like how it shoots, I'm going to have to debate having it sent out for a special coating job for a few more hundred dollars so it isn't a pansy (with rust) or I'm going to swap it out for a Ruger Alaskan.

Lastly, attached is a HK trigger with a REAL trigger overtravel stop screw. Note the screw head is rounded so when it does make contact, it wouldn't mar/scratch the rear of the trigger guard. The same probably can't be said for a barrel pin.

Again, thanks for the feedback.

Updates:

After some additional research on crowns, I don't think there's really an issue with the crown of my firearm. As long as the cut is uniform all the way around, it can be 90 degrees and doesn't need to be an approximate 11 degree angle. There is a "step" to the cuts in the barrel, which should provide some protection. Personally, I'd still like to see an angled cut into the lands/grooves to protect those edges.

S&W received my firearm on 4/26 and I called and spoke to someone today (4/28) asking when to expect to hear from someone. He estimated within 2 weeks. We also spoke about some of my issues. He mentioned that S&W recently changed their processes for engraving serial numbers and for making barrels. The results are supposedly that the engraved numbers look brownish and the groove portions of the inside of the barrel appear burnt. My SN's are stamped, not engraved and they look rusty. The inside of my barrel also looks rusty. I guess we'll have to see what they say after inspection.

I also came across this NIB S&W 44 Mag yesterday on Gunbroker and the SN on the bottom of the frame sure looks rusty as does the L for the lock hole. Take a look at the 2nd and last pictures. Also, why is the front ramp hanging out/off both the left and right sides? Cool looking gun but the front sight looks like someone used a leftover part.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=167027998

I recently purchased the 44 mag V-Comp, as you did I noticed that the over travel screw does not engage and seems to need adjustment. I had a bad experience years ago with another manufacturer and a rare pistol was lost in transit, so I will never ship another firearm. Otherwise the single action release is feather light. I find this gun a bear to shoot though and after two boxes of ammo it is relegated to self defense carry only.