Question for the more experts about S&W revolvers

[browningautorifle]

The long barrels with full underlug shoot far easier than the model 629 or 29 with standard barrels. No comparison. The underlug tames them. Still factory .44 is a handful.

Information

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[CINDERS]

Just did my I.P its only a mere 230 klms out

[Ovidio]

This one makes me fret...
29-3 Classic Hunter.
Shall I?

[browningautorifle]

I concede, that one would be suitable. You'll enjoy it more than a three inch 629 like I had... That will do.

[Woodsy]

Yep, that is a good one! All drop forged and machined parts, no investment castings or sintered metal. The 4-position front sights are handy if you regularly shoot at different distances. Having said that, make sure you check that it is on the correct setting!

[Ovidio]

Yep, that is a good one! All drop forged and machined parts, no investment castings or sintered metal. The 4-position front sights are handy if you regularly shoot at different distances. Having said that, make sure you check that it is on the correct setting!

Hi Woodsy, how should I check?
I'm absolutely no expert in revolvers, just feel the "need" to own one at this point in my life.
What should I thoroughly check?
Thanks for any advice!

[Woodsy]

Hi Ovidio. That revolver looks OK from the photo, not much in the way of drag marks on the cylinder, or wear marks on the blueing. Check the bore for bulges, and cycle the action a few times in both single and double action to check for any roughness, etc. Cycle the double action very slowly and the cylinder stop should engage the locking slot in the cylinder just before the hammer drops. Similarly, cock the hammer very slowly and the cylinder stop should engage just before the hammer gets to full cock. With your finger off the trigger you should be able to push on the hammer without it dropping. If it passes all those tests it is a good one!

[Ovidio]

Thank you very, very much.
I really appreciate your help.

[browningautorifle]

I have to agree with all Woodsy says, you may want to start with .44 Spl or Russian loads to start. The factory .44 can be punishing to a novice...old hand too.

[CINDERS]

I will be frank Ovidio it looks a really nice S&W if you have fired handguns before in service like say a 9mm Beretta even the 45ACP they pale in comparison to a 44 Mag I would definitely load it down even then with cast it will be lively but tameable, I could fire 7 rounds quite well out of a 1911 45ACP with ball ammo but to try and get 6 away quickly in DA factory loads with my Ruger 44 Mag it was rather punishing and shotgun groups.
The thing with big calibers is muzzle blast no one likes to be next to a shooter that has a hand cannon that makes them jump every time you fire, load down like Jim says and I am sure you will have a great time I have always liked the bluing S&W got onto their guns I still wish I had them but shear economics of my wife and I being members of rifle & pistols shooting them with membership fees, ammo, time etc they just had to go.