29-3 Enhancement, Let me hear your ideas

[BlammoMan]

Friends:

This is my first post here at the forum. I've been a Smith wheelie fan for some time now. I've been reading for years, but now it's time for a post.

I dreamed of a beautiful blue 4" 29-2 for over a year. I attended many gun shows and found several prime candidates. Alas, I never (get ready for it) pulled the trigger. My girlfriend at the time (now wife) knew of this burning desire, and she finally bought what she thought I really wanted: a 4" 29-3 finished in factory nickel. Bless her, she doesn't know. Since this is a gift gun from my beautiful bride I cannot sell it. For the last few years I've been shooting specials out of it, and it's grown on me. However, I discovered that it's out of time while shooting full house magnums last weekend. So...she's going to the 'smith. I figure I'll have her gently massaged to bring her more in line with my way of thinking. However, I'm still a revolver neophyte, so I'm asking for ideas/advice.

I prefer pretty guns, but they all see use. Beyond a few .22s, I only have fighting handguns. The only mods I'm willing to make are in the interest of that; I don't want anything (except a refinish) for the sake of looks or "target" accuracy. So...my plan so far:

1. General inspection. Fix timing and replace worn or broken parts.

2. Chamfer cylinders.

3. Replace front "red" ramp sight and rear blade (I don't know with what, ideas please)

4. Replace grips. The factory grip is a bit large. I'd like something a bit smaller. Ideas please!

5. Refinish as a pinto. NP3 cylinder and barrel, Black Roguard on frame.

What do you think? Give me some ideas on how else I can improve this fighting gun. I'm all ears!

BlammoMan

 

[tennexplorer]

I'd recommend a narrow trigger either .265 or. 312. I'd also recommend looking at Kurac's grips. He is on this board. Tritium sights might be a good addition too. I'd not recommend a refinish. Yours is in too good condition, and it will change the appearance of what your wife gave you. She might not like that. Hee hee. Also put in a 15 or 16 pound rebound spring.

 

[BlammoMan]

I'd recommend a narrow trigger either .265 or. 312. I'd also recommend looking at Kurac's grips. He is on this board. Tritium sights might be a good addition too. I'd not recommend a refinish. Yours is in too good condition, and it will change the appearance of what your wife gave you. She might not like that. Hee hee. Also put in a 15 or 16 pound rebound spring.

Okee-dokee, why do you recommend a narrow trigger? Again, I'm kind of stupid on these things. Also, why the 15-16 pound rebound spring (what's a rebound spring?!?)?

Thanks for the grip recommendation. I saw some examples of Kurac's work, and it looks nice.

 

[tennexplorer]

The narrow trigger is easier to control in double action to most people. Behind the trigger is a rectangular piece of metal that is partially hollow called the rebound slide. It assists in returning the trigger forward. Inside it is a small coil spring. That spring makes the trigger come forward when you release pressure. The factory spring is rated at approximately 18 pounds. You can get lighter ones from wolf Springs from 12 to 16 pounds. A lighter one will lighten and smooth up the double action pull. Since you have a combat/self-defense piece, I'd go down to a 15 to 16 pound. Lighter could make the piece less reliable if extremely wet or dirty or cold.

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

I'd give it a mild trigger job so she could pull the trigger easily. Then I'd load it with 44 spls and add a laser grip to it. Sight it in at 7 yrds then leave it in your bedroom for protection.

I'd go buy that -2 with a 4 inch barrel. Nothing you do to this gun will take your desire away from the blue -2.

 

[BlammoMan]

Nothing you do to this gun will take your desire away from the blue -2.

I know you are right. Someday.