Model 29-2 ?'s and concerns

[frankenstien]

recentlyish bought a model 29-2 6 1/2'' barel, recently went and put about 75 rounds through it, shot some heavy buffalo bore ammo through it, and it sems to jar the cylinder with the heavier loads, from what ive herd, its a common problem with the gun, but is there a fix for it?

thanks
mike

 

[srgvaz]

Your gun may need the endurance package. IIRC only the factory does that work, at a reasonable price. Call S&W!!

 

[NFrameFred]

Well, I know you don't want to hear it, but not shooting loads it wasn't designed for would be a start.

The gun wasn't designed for 300 grain heavy loads.

Most of the "problems" with the "fragile" older 29's are the result of folks hot rodding the ammo. The endurance package that was implemented in the later models addressed this somewhat, but most shooters who want to shoot the ultra heavy duty stuff usually go to a heavier gun like the Ruger.

 

[frankenstien]

hmmmm, if you pull the trigger again after the misfire it does spin and fire the next round, i dont shoot the heavy loads alot, just getting a feel for them as i carry it on my snowmachine in case of angry moose.....again lol

 

[mod29]

My 29-2's are limited to factory 240-gr ammo. That's as far as I'll push 'em.

-Jim

 

[wheelman44]

Agreed 240 gr is the limit for a 29, 300 gr use a ruger

 

[lebomm]

So the 250gr Keith over 22gr 2400 is too much for the 29?

 

[frankenstien]

i talked to buffalo bore about what ammo they say is safe to shoot in my gun, they said up to their 305 gr bullets, nothing above that for those the say the redhawks or marlin lever actions, the gun is strong enough to take the pressures from the ammo, im not worried about the gun blowing up, cause in fact it is a very strong gun, not a redhawk by any means, but its not a tauras either

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

So the 250gr Keith over 22gr 2400 is too much for the 29?

Since purchasing my first 29-2's in the early 70's and those that came after have been fed a constant diet of cast 250 gr. swc's pushed by 20 grs/2400. They are no worse for wear now than back then. They will outlast me.

 

[sw282]

si--------

 

[NFrameFred]

So the 250gr Keith over 22gr 2400 is too much for the 29?

Nope. But the pressures on the barrel, etc. probably don't exceed factory jacketed loads with those hard cast and an extra 10 grains is just past "negligible". Like most "accidents" whether it be with driving, aircraft, electricity or firearms, it usually isn't "one" thing that does you in, but an unfortunate confluence of two, three, or more factors/events that cause a 'failure'. Repeated stress; the intangible "limit" (that WILL vary from gun to gun depending on several factors) of additional stress you can subject it to; dumb luck good or bad . . . . even old Elmer blew up a few guns.

This debate will continue forever. I've known and shot with all kinds and there is no convincing some that their pet load that they've "shot safely for years" is unsafe or doing damage to their gun. They've "studied it" and "talked to the guys at the factory" and can recite figures from this and that article and yadda, yadda, yadda, . . . .

To each his own. I don't baby my 29's in the ammo department and have been known to shoot quite a few magnum loads - part of the charm, impetus, reason for owning a 44 magnum. But I've also seen some scary/ugly stuff from those who "know better" and I leave them to theirselves on the range.

It's your gun and you'll shoot what you want to in it. Life is a gamble. To each his own.

 

[frankenstien]

very well said