29-2 DCU (barely)

[deuterij]

After performing the carry-up test exactly as described in the smithing FAQ, I have a 29-2 that just barely does not carry-up on one station. This might seem minor, but I cannot stomach launching a bullet unless I am positive that the cylinder stop is locked in. This means that when I take this gun to the range, I must continually check the cylinder lock-up before each shot, which is a great annoyance.

I did some of the FAQ tests and found that this gun exhibits "no left sing." I do not know if this is related to the DCU issue.

I was considering sending it into S&W, but I worry that the solution will involve swapping parts, which I do not want on this old gun. Also I bought this gun for its nearly flawless finish, and I do not want to risk it coming back from repair with tiny finish blemishes, as other guns I've sent in to S&W came back with.

Any suggestions for an easier solution?

-Eric

 

[BruceM]

Generally speaking, shooting a gun in the condition you describe poses more of a psychological issue than a practical one. While it should be repaired, briskly cocking the gun in SA or DA mode will create enough cylinder inertia to rotate it into a locked position. That said, the situation will only deteriorate with use so, as I said, keep an eye on it and have the gun repaired as when your schedule permits. The repair usually consists of replacing the advancing hand with an over-sized one and possibly touching up the ratchets on the extractor. There are no major parts swaps. Ask to have Vito in the Performance Center do the work. He is superb. He swapped a barrel for me on a four screw .44 Mag and didn't put a single mark on it. He's been there for something like 35 years.



Bruce

 

[tennexplorer]

If this is the same gun that has the endshake problem, fixing that may fix your carry-up problem as it presents more of the ratchet pad for the hand to engage.

 

[deuterij]

Good point, tennexplorer, but this is not the same gun that has (or had) the endshake problem. I sort of fixed that one.

BruceM, I have heard the cylinder inertia idea, but am reluctant to trust that. I have had several revolvers' cylinders slightly bind up on me during shooting. I consider it somewhat normal after extended firing with ammo that fouls. In that condition, I do not see the cylinder inertia helping much.

I did just see somebody's link to a hand-replacement video, which made it look easier that it really is, I believe. But I might give that a shot after a while. Or send it in to Vito. I did not know S&W honors special requests like that.

The last m29 revolver I sent in to S&W to fix DCU, they quickly replaced the entire cylinder and sent it back. Unfortunately, they replaced the original pinned cylinder (which I prefer) with the new-fangled shaped extractor-cylinder drive design. I inquired about getting my old parts back but since it a warranty repair, they said no. Not to mention that the DCU was still there when I got it back. I had to send it in a 2nd time to get it really fixed.

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

Order an over sized hand for it. After it's CU is corrected, if you need to, bend the pin to adjust the sing. The hand replacement will take you 20 minutes to do, that's while watching TV.

The sing is checked as the last step. Sometimes it corrects itself after the hand is replaced. If not follow the instructions, it's easy to do and satisfying to get it perfect.

 

[bountyhunter]

After performing the carry-up test exactly as described in the smithing FAQ, I have a 29-2 that just barely does not carry-up on one station.

I'd wager that describes about half the used SW's in the world. Put fired brass in and cock the hammer or pull the trigger normally: does it lock in? If so, fire away. Even if one tube is a shade short, it's no big deal. When it fires the bullet might enter the forcing cone a couple of thousandths off center but the cone will "center up" and lock in the cylinder. Unless you have one shaving lead, I doubt it is dangerous.