July 15, 2025, 01:15 AM
2000Z-71PSA - Check the strain screw on your S&W revolvers!
About 6 weeks ago tried out a new bear load, 49th State Cartridge Company 250gr XTreme Penetrators in .44 Magnum. They were 100% reliable in my Smith 329, but only 50% reliable in my 629 Mountain Gun. Even with a second strike the primers failed to ignite, but they would ignite on a 3rd strike from my 329. Frustrating in that my Mountain Gun was my woods carry revolver for years before getting my 329 and I never had an issue with it. Does not inspire confidence when your bear gun goes click instead of BOOM!
Friend of mine suggested checking the strain screw. So I pulled the grips and put 2 full turns on it. Out at the range today with a second batch of the same ammo and the gun was 100%. Wish I could say the same for my hand…
July 15, 2025, 11:40 AM
guido_sstDefinitely worth checking, loss of tension on the mainspring when you need it isn't great! I tend to apply a drop of purple Loctite 222 to all of my strain screws for a little extra insurance while still being easy to remove when needed.