first s&w model 29

[desertwheeler]

I recently acquired my first handguns, a total of three in the past couple of months. My third one was the S&W Model 29 pictured below. I was wondering if anyone could tell me a little more about it. The serial number is CCMXXXX 29-6. It came with a Hogue rubber grip that I detested, especially after shooting it. I couldn't find anyone selling 44 specials, so I picked up a box of magnums. Until a month ago, the only time I had shot a handgun was a .22 once when I was a teenager. I didn't know what I was in for. Anyway, the boom went off and I didn't know what had hit me. My hand hurt, and part of it was the poor fit of the rubber grip. It stuck up above the sides of the back strap, pinching and scraping my hand. (And the thing was far too big for my hand, even though I feel I have pretty large hands.) I only managed a few more rounds that first time the other day. After some searching I found someone who sold 44 specials. At the gun store I saw they also had a nice Hogue wooden grip. They put it on my gun and it felt really good, so I bought it. Yesterday I shot it for the second time using the 44 specials. The handle felt sweet, and the specials were very tame. I sighted in the gun, firing off 35 rounds. When I got home I noticed the handle was cracking, so I'm going to contact Hogue today and see what they say. I paid too much for the handle for this to happen. As I was cleaning the gun yesterday, I noticed severe leading in the barrel and the cylinder chambers. Shavings of it were coming out on the brush and patches. I don't think I'll be using those 44 specials anymore, but I'm not sure what else to use. Anyway, thanks for any feedback or comments.

 

[Hammerdown77]

Nice Model 29.

I take it those .44 Specials are someone's reloads? If that's the case, there could be any number of reasons they are leading. Bullet too hard, not enough bullet lube, bullet lube too hard, bullet diameter too small for bore, wrong powder, etc. I'd try to find some factory .44 Special rounds and try those.

.44 magnum is not a good round to learn with. The recoil and blast just keeps you from working on the fundamentals of marksmanship, and you will develop a flinch that will be hard to get rid of. Shoot .44 Specials at first to get a feel for the gun, or find someone who can reload some mild 44 mag rounds for you. OR, start reloading yourself. The 44 magnum round is a GREAT round for the reloader. You can load from mild to wild, and have great results doing it.

 

[2hawk]

Welcome to the Forum!

And the journey begins...

You can get some bronze wool or copper Chore-Boy type cleaner (make sure it is not steel colored to look like brass or copper) and wrap it around an old bore brush to get the lead out. If the gun has been shot with copper jacketed bullets, you need to get all the copper fouling out, or else it will shear lead from your cast rounds and make a mess. There are many more reasons possible for leading, but that is one.

Use the search function, read as much as you can, and you'll be on your way to enjoying your 29 to the utmost. Nice gun, btw.

 

[desertwheeler]

Thanks, guys. I'll work harder on cleaning out that barrel. The problem seems to be mainly with the bullets. They're Bitterroot brand, not self-loaded. I'm eager to get into self-loading, but I've shelled out a bunch for my guns and need to save up for that (the wife already wants to kill me). There are even heavy deposits of lead in the cylinder chambers, and I know they were clean. So I picked up this gun at a jeweler's/pawn store. The guy said he was a authorized S&W dealer, but I don't know. The price tag on the gun (which is used but in very nice condition I thought) was $550. Did I get a decent deal or not?

 

[Pisgah]

Very nice 29, and a very nice deal in these parts.

 

[2hawk]

...The price tag on the gun (which is used but in very nice condition I thought) was $550. Did I get a decent deal or not?

You got a great deal. At least it would be around my location.
Enjoy!

Midway has some videos that might be helpful in learning more about S&W revolvers:
MidwayUSA - Video Library

Scroll down to the S&W Revolver Project, and you can see what they have.

Be careful about abrasive cleaning on the exterior of the gun, you don't want to remove the bluing. The cylinder face will always get blast rings, I usually just use a brass brush and some Hoppes to clean it. A white artists eraser (not the abrasive type) can help too. And, note that some areas are matte blued, and some are polished. Don't go scrubbing on the matte areas thinking that they're dirty

You have a fine gun, just learn what it likes to eat and you will be lovin' it!

 

[1 old 0311]

Welcome from Indy. You got a VERY good price on that. In that condition it's $700 ALL DAY long around here.
The crack is in the area called a 'grip' not a handle. Keep us posted how it shoots.

 

[desertwheeler]

Hogue promptly contacted me and said they would replace the grip. The cracked one is on its way back. Hopefully I'll have the new one before this next weekend.

Here is a target from yesterday, my second time shooting it. I was shooting at 15 yards. I know I was flinching pretty badly (based on clicking the empty cartridge).

This is my first handgun, which I purchased a month and a half ago. I paid $339 for it used, and it's in great shape. Went into the shop later and the guy in an irritated voice told me I got a smokin' deal on it. He had just seen one for almost twice as much. Glad he didn't see that a day earlier. This Dan Wesson 357 is a real joy to shoot.

My second handgun was this .22 by Taurus. I wanted something I could shoot a bunch affordably to practice. This gun with its 5 inch barrel and full underlug is heavier to replicate my larger guns. I love it despite the stiff trigger action (and rubber handle). The only other option I could find in my area was a beat up K-22 for $600. No way I was getting that. I got this one brand new for just a few more $ than the DW.

 

[2hawk]

Looks like you're off to a good start with your collection. And with the deals you've been getting, you should be out there looking for a nice 27-2 or HP. Don't let a lucky streak go to waste!

I see reloading in your future

 

[desertwheeler]

I see reloading in your future

Me too, and can't wait! I grew up in S. America (parents were missionaries) and we used to load our own shotgun shells all the time (16 ga.). I know this requires special equipment, but I enjoyed it then and I'm sure I'll enjoy it now when I can get set up.

My first time out with the DW 357 I shot at various targets, all at 25 yards. I should have started in closer but didn't know any better. One target was this circular saw blade, hanging from a support. It's the kind that's all carbon steel, not the kind with carbide teeth. I was surprised to see how hard those rounds hit it, even cracking it.

This is the Model 29 with the rubber grip the first time I took it out to shoot.