I came across a 29-2 4" a while back in a trade and have been trying to decide what to do with it. It has a fair amount of finish wear and has the wrong grips on it but the most bothersome thing to me is that the front sight insert must have been missing so someone has tried to fill it in with globs of orange paint. It just looks horrible. Also can 1 chamber be out of time? When I slowly pull the hammer back and turn the cylinder all seem to be tight except for one and it will move a bit and give an audible click. I know S&W will refinish these guns but is the front sight replacement included in that? Also what all is involved in fixing the timing issue? I know that there are many variables and without seeing the gun it's hard to tell but you all seem to know all the answers. Thanks in advance for any info provided.
29-2 Needs some TLC
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If you don't want to re-blue the gun, you should be able to get the gloppy mess (I can only imagine) out of the front sight insert recess by soaking it in acetone for a few hours, and you can easily mold a new insert in place by taping a couple of well-waxed popsicle sticks to each side of the sight blade, mixing up some clear epoxy with pigment of your choice mixed in, and filling the space with it. Carefully file/sand to match the sight contour when it is set and, voila (not viola, that is a string instrument), a new front sight insert. As to the timing, you probably need to get an oversized hand fitted (the easiest way to correct timing). It is not unusual for one cylinder to go out of time first, as the pawls on the rear of the cylinder are never exactly symmetrical to begin with. Not a difficult repair, but easily accomplished by a person with a bit of patience and some experience.
If you want it reblued, call S&W, and they can tell you how they handle the sight insert, and they can easily handle the timing repair.
If you want it reblued, call S&W, and they can tell you how they handle the sight insert, and they can easily handle the timing repair.
Thanks for the info. Sort of what I figured, well except for the timing repair. Seems as if the front sight insert could get a bit tricky but maybe I could give it a whirl. I have some 2 part epoxy and model paints around here someplace. 
I would like it reblued sometime but maybe at a later date.
I would like it reblued sometime but maybe at a later date.They guys that made it will make it look new again...
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I suggest you not further detract from this revolver's usefulness by attempting an unsatisfying "home remedy" to fix an already unsatisfying home remedy.
Send to off to S&W and tell them:
1. DCU on one or more charge holes.
2. Reblue (specify high bright, standard or bead blast)
3. After reblue, please install new red ramp.
4. Thoroughly inspect and repair/replace any other issues to bring the revolver up to "as new" specifications.
You will impressed and pleased with the results!
4barrel
Member
SMITH 29
Numrich has the over size hand you need. If that don't fix you haven't lost much. Get a pin & spring also. 310 PILOT has good advice.
Numrich has the over size hand you need. If that don't fix you haven't lost much. Get a pin & spring also. 310 PILOT has good advice.
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You will be surprised at how reasonable S&W is with respect to the cost of all of their work, especially when compared to some of the no-name "gunsmiths" who actually charge more for this work than the factory. Good luck!
seasidehunter
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any pics ???
Harkrader
Member
Shawn McCarver's experience echoes mine with S&W. I sent them a battered 28 some years ago. They not only reblued it, they fiddled with the internals, told me about it in the invoice, and did not charge for it; only the refinish. Also sent them a 586 with considerable finish wear and a really loose action. VERY reasonable charge to refinish, as well as replace the internals.
-Harkrader
-Harkrader
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