629 Stealth Hunter Front Cylinder Lockup Missing

[just_ben]

Hello Forum,

thanks for taking the time to read this.

I recently picked up my 629 Stealth Hunter. So far so good, the gun shoots great as far as I can tell at this point. During the first cleaning session I noted that it's missing the front cylinder lockup, i.e. the ball detent. The opening in the underlug portion of barrel is present, however, the ball detent in the yolk is missing entirely. I read in many sources that the Stealth Hunter is supposed to have this feature. So this leaves me kind of puzzled.
Based on the paperwork, that came with it, it was made around July 2012. On the box it says, just like it's supposed to, SKU 170323.
I bought this gun, because, obviously I'm crazy about six-shooters but also because I wanted to have a nice piece of American Craftsmanship, a gun to hold on to. That's why I need to know why mine doesn't have all the features that were advertised. Can someone please shed some light on this?!

Thank you!

[Maximumbob54]

I would contact S&W for a return for repair.

[sw282]

Hi Ben......l just bought a S&W Hunter too (170318)...Sadly "American Made" did not include the red/green dot site ($40 Made in China) or the $10 Bob Allen chinese case. lt was a letdown after spending Fourteen Hundred Big 0nes on it....Kinda like putting a Tasco scope on a $7000 Jarrett Rifle

[jaymoore]

Originally Posted by sw282

Hi Ben......l just bought a S&W Hunter too (170318)...Sadly "American Made" did not include the red/green dot site ($40 Made in China) or the $10 Bob Allen chinese case. lt was a letdown after spending Fourteen Hundred Big 0nes on it....Kinda like putting a Tasco scope on a $7000 Jarrett Rifle

Not unlike the Sig branded reddot sight. But if it was a good reddot, your PC would have been $2-300 more in all likihood.

Having a missing ball lock isn't a huge drama, but it might ought be replaced before too long. As far as I can tell it's mostly a "kind thoughts" sort of lock!

[just_ben]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I contacted the S&W importer over here and they'll get back to me on how to proceed.
Just to be sure, I attached a picture. I marked the area in red where I believe the ball lock needs to be.

Thanks!

[jaymoore]

Originally Posted by just_ben

Thanks everyone for the replies. I contacted the S&W importer over here and they'll get back to me on how to proceed.
Just to be sure, I attached a picture. I marked the area in red where I believe the ball lock needs to be.

Thanks!

Assuming it has some recess on the barrel like so:



Then, yes, you'd think!

[just_ben]

Originally Posted by jaymoore

Assuming it has some recess on the barrel like so:



Then, yes, you'd think!

Yes, it has a recess. I really wonder what's the story behind this, I mean how come of all guns mine doesn't have it?! Anyhow, meanwhile I'm still waiting for the answer from the import people.

[just_ben]

I just returned the gun. The dealer ordered a new one for me, which I'll pick up next week, hopefully.

This only leaves the hassle with the registration, as all guns are registered to the owner over here. But that seems a fair price to pay for the "premium fix" of my problem. Assuming the new gun is fine, I'm actually very happy about this solution.

[jaymoore]

Originally Posted by just_ben

I just returned the gun. The dealer ordered a new one for me, which I'll pick up next week, hopefully.

This only leaves the hassle with the registration, as all guns are registered to the owner over here. But that seems a fair price to pay for the "premium fix" of my problem. Assuming the new gun is fine, I'm actually very happy about this solution.

Sounds like a great resolution to your drama. Had the 629 PC "Stealth" out at the range this morning. It was happily digesting cast bullet loads that are painful to shoot in a regular 6" 629. Just need the deer to cooperate at this point.

ETA: old photo. It's currently wearing a AA battery powered EOTech reddot.

[just_ben]

Originally Posted by jaymoore

Sounds like a great resolution to your drama. Had the 629 PC "Stealth" out at the range this morning. It was happily digesting cast bullet loads that are painful to shoot in a regular 6" 629. Just need the deer to cooperate at this point.

Well, according to this article, it likes heavy bullets
I hate waiting... Hopefully the new gun arrives soon It will received a steady diet of 240gr. SJSP Magtech ammo, I picked up for a reasonable price. Maybe later down the road I switch to something else.

[sw282]

With a Chinese red dot, American gun, and Korean ammo l was able to get about 2-3'' groups at 35 yds... l know thats not the best but the 180gr PMC 44 ammo was ON SALE @ $30 for a 50rd box.. My first experience with a red dot too...The 4moa dot seemed a bit smeared too. l did like the dot tho.... if the dot stays l see an AIMPOINT in my SW Hunter's future...

Cheap sites are, were, will always be ''CHEAP''