Pre Model 29 Oversized Hand Needed

[Sierra138]

I have a .44 Magnum, 6 1/2", 5-screw, Pre Model 29, SN#S165XXX and the timing is slow. I am not sure of the hand size at this point, but know I need a larger one to fix the problem. Where can I buy a new, oversized hand for this gun made in 1956 to 1958??
Any help will be appreciated, thanks in advance!

 

[Sierra138]

AND I need a new ejector rod for the same gun, any ideas?

 

[armorer951]

Power Custom has oversized hands available. It will need to be fit to the gun. You should be able to obtain an extractor rod from Numrich, or possibly from S&W Customer Service.

Another option would be to ask the factory service dept to re-hab the action. They have both the parts and the tools for the job.

 

[Nightowl]

I would want to know the width of the existing hand before trying to find a new one. A standard hand in about .093 and you may only need a .094 or .095 to correct the problem. Power oversize hands are .099 and require a lot of fitting of the hand slot in the frame to install. And if you only need .095 or so, you will probably not have to open the frame slot, and taking a .099 down to .095 or less is a lot of work by hand. And unnecessary.

Also, your ejector rod will have right hand threads. Rods were changed to left hand threads shortly after yours was produced, so they have not been made since the late 1950s, and might be hard to find.

From what I have heard, the factory will not work on non model marked guns any longer. I asked about a pre 27 and they would not even look at it.

 

[tennexplorer]

Nightowl is correct. You might try the factory for the hand. The S&W oversize hands are not as wide as the Power Custom ones. Do you have a micrometer or set of calipers? If so, how wide is your current hand?

Also what is wrong with the ejector rod? Is it bent or is it a cosmetic problem? The N-frame right hand threaded rod is hard to come by.

 

[sturtyboy]

It takes time to fit a hand...about the same time for a smith to do it. I've done several for my 29's and they work great. Also, if your rod is bent, I've straightened them too. Some common sense and some careful technique. Or...a competent smith.
Good luck with your 29. They sure are a lot of fun.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QEsDAI44Ns[/ame]

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6g8kMFpI9M[/ame]

 

[Sparks]

Perhaps you can attempt a more complete description of your timing problem and give the forum members a chance to help you to fix the actual problem? Photos of the ejector/ratchet and of the present hand would help. B/C gap and rear gauge numbers help, as well as other observations that might be relevant. Don't forget cylinder to yoke fit. There is no single fix for late carry-up, and it would be a shame to start filing on something before you know what is wrong.

 

[Toyman]

Midway USA is offering factory S&W oversized hands for K and N frame but the do not specify what the size is.

 

[Big Cholla]

I have been very successful in obtaining just the right width hand that I need by watching ebay offerings very closely and then asking the seller to give me a vernier caliper measurement of the hand that is being offered. Try enough of them and one will be right. No need to buy that excessively wide hand and waste all that time taking it down or the window up in size. .....