Problem: S&W .44 Mag

O

obmit

Inactive
I've had this above gun for several years but just started shooting it regularly.
The problem is that whether I shoot single or double action, the cylinder hangs up after the first shot. I can dry fire it all day long with no hitches. As soon as I fire either the mag or the spec it hangs up.
If I partially cock and the "jiggle" the cylinder it will then rotate to the next live round. But when I shoot again,it refuses to cock or turn the cylinder on double action.
I've been on line with one guy that had the same problem and after trying to repair it and failing (dont know what that involved) he sold the gun telling the buyer what seemed to be wrong. He sold it at a great sacrifice.
When I first shot the gun,and that was several years ago,it seem not to have this problem. It would hang up when I tried to open the cylinder but that problem disappeared.
This is the 8 3/8" model in blue.
I want to keep this gun but not in this condition.
Any suggestions?
 
That has been a problem with S&W .44 Magnum revolvers for a long time. It has to do with the effect of recoil on the internal parts. Sometimes, the cylinder will actually "back up" so it returns the fired chamber to firing position the next time. S&W has a fix for it, and I recommend you call them and follow their guidance, which will probably be to return the pistol to them, at their expense, for a fix.

I have fixed a few, but would rather not get into a "how to" because if someone really messes up his gun following (or thinking he is following) my advice, I would be in trouble.

Jim
 
Sounds like a Model 29. What dash number is it. The dash number will be on the front frame down strap, exposed when you open the cylinder. Should have serial number and under that it will have 29 or 29-sumpin.

Also, how stiff were the loads you were shootin.?

Not normal for one to hang up except with the stiffest of loads.

Sam
 
The gun is at my brother's place where I do my shooting so I cant give the particulars on it right now. It is a 29 by the way. My brother (non-gunsmith, but darn handy) has replaced some parts but to no avail.

I did email S&W and after several more emails they said ship it to them.
I've never done anything like this before. I guess tho,that may be my answer.
I'll re-call them and get the particulars to ship it back.
Not my first choice,but ya gotta do what ya gotta do,I guess.
Your thoughts on this Jim seemed to be the best. The loads were both factory mag and spec. Nothin hot at all.
Thanks for the replies.
 
dash 2

I have a 629-2. I have been putting off sending it in for upgrade, but I recently read a post here that indicated S&W repair turnaround to be about a month. If your gun is a dash 2E or higher, it already has the enhanced parts, as I understand.

Regards.
 
Two comments: 1) I had what I think is this problem with my Model 29-2 (Jim, correct me if I'm misunderstanding this issue). Called S&W. The tech referred to my problem as "stop skip," where the cylinder stop stays down and doesn't return properly or returns early before it's supposed to. It results from a worn stop and/or weak spring. He said I could send it or just buy a new stop with spring and see if that would work. I bought the parts and replaced the old ones as well as completely and thoroughly disassembling and cleaning and lubing the internals prior to reassembly. It has worked flawlessly ever since (~700+ rounds ago). Comment 2) Make sure you thoroughly clean the forcing cone/cylinder interface of lead residue with a brass scrub brush and solvent. Had a problem with a Python where it dry fired without fail but would hang up after from 1 to 3 rounds of firing, effectively seizing and refusing to cycle. Early in my discovery of this board someone gave me the cleaning advice, and the Python has also functioned flawlessly ever since.
 
Thanks everyone, I'll try your suggestions PKAY. My brother has had the gun apart and back together several times so I know he knows what he is doing.

Thanks again

Tim
 
Hi, guys,

Getting the parts from S&W is a good idea if your brother is comfortable working on the gun. Replacing the stop and spring is simple enough.

Jim
 
I suppose that you have already made sure that the underside of the ejector star is clean and dry?Oil in there will give a similar problem.
If you can get hold of a suitable shim you might like to try putting that between the cylinder axle and the back of the cylinder-this often works.
 
Blue Heeler, no I didnt know that about the ejector star. I'll make sure thats dry.

Not sure what you mean by the shim.

Thanks for your reply.
Tim
 
Blue Heeler-

What handgun do the cops use there in Queensland? How hard is it for civilians to own and carry sidearms?

Lone Star
 
My first suggestion on any sort of function problem with a revolver is a good cleaning.

Then, if it only does this when loaded, check your ammo for high primers. I once loaded a whole batch that had the primers seated just ever so slightly too shallow. They dragged on the recoil shield and the gun felt awful.

Then, start checking the gun for clearances and for loose parts.
 
S&W 629

I have been firing full factory equiv loads in my 629 44 6.5 inch 44 mag for at least 10000 rounds. The 629 can take it. You will get some undercutting of the top strap at the barrel end but this is normal and I have been assured from the tech dept at S&W that this is not a problem. "Keep firing"
For my two cents you cannot beat S&W for all arround pleasure of shooting and accuracy
Herb
 
44

Bulldog44:
I owned a Ruger redhawk, nice lines ,balance but atrocious trigger pull. I tried one of those trigger kits, worse than atrocious. Sold it and purchased another 629 with great, crisp tigger pull.
Herb
 
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