How to Shear Your Scandium .44 Mag Revolver in Half!!

Ominivision1

Stumbled onto this article about S&W 329 PD literally split in half, pictures show the owner was using Winchester white box ammo. S&W Kboom

I don't think I'll be buying any aluminum alloy framed magnum revolvers!! Shocked

Also click the AR15 link on the bottom of the 2nd paragraph to see more pics of the gun.

TRBLSHTR

Wow-they are going to reintroduce that revolver as their new "takedown" model(after some minor adjusments)!To be sold together with complimentary box of winchester white box "takedown" ammo!

Donut Slayer

Wow. And I've been looking at one for a while. Guess I'll re-think that one.

English Mike

I've shot titanium framed revolvers in .44mag & all it proved is that you NEED weight to control recoil in such calibers.
Frankly, I can't see the point in making side-arms so light that they become unpleasant to shoot.
I've put plenty of +p loads down range from pistols with sufficient weight & never found them oppressive, or that weight was a problem.

MacD

Regrettably we never hear the full story. It could be bad indexing or some other issue that put extra strain on the gun. Many people won't buy polymer framed pistols but they have proven okay. That being said, it would nice to know if this is a design flaw or a human induced mistake.

PaulS

As far as I know there is no aluminum alloy that doesn't work-harden. Why would you use it to make a gun frame that is stressed to 35000 psi with every shot?

Maybe they expect the owners of these 44 magnums to only use 44 special rounds...........

I think they are trying to save money and just made the model too weak.

Ominivision1

Evidently this is a problem because S&W has a recall notice on their website, www.smith-wesson.com/w...7978_image and it also says the PD models with the 2 piece barrels are not affected.

Tremblay

I'll just stick to all steel !!

Ominivision1

Here are 2 pictures of the steel insert they use on the top strap, when the insert develops a crack like shown, the hot gases attack the aluminum alloy frame.

MacD

Is the wear on the top of the throat an indication of poor chamber - barrel alignment?

Ominivision1

That sure does look like barrel is not in alignment with the frame, I stick with a steel frame after seeing enough pictures of broken S&W guns using aluminum frames even with the 45acp which is a low pressure Saami round.

Tremblay

aluminum makes well maybe fair siding or pop cans

Donut Slayer

MacD wrote:

Is the wear on the top of the throat an indication of poor chamber - barrel alignment?

ummm looks like it to me. look at the erosion from the bullet/gas on the mouth of the barrel. Shocked

Elvis

I cant help but notice the machining marks!!! dont look like a great deal of finishing going on at all.

PaulS

Yep! I am going to stay with my Rugers.....