New S&W 329 PD - Cylinder discoloration / deposits

Brendan

WKR
Joined
Aug 27, 2013
Messages
3,895
Location
Massachusetts
Did the gunbroker thing for the first time, as my local FFL couldn't get one. Some minor rust in the lands which should polish out with a little more work, but am a little more concerned about the titanium cylinder. Tried an easy cleaning with patches, shooter's choice and a nylon bore brush. There is some discoloration in the charge holes seen as the different shades of grey as well as brownish deposits that aren't rust/pitting, but aren't coming off easy. Might not matter at all, but am going to contact both the dealer and S&W on Monday, as this was advertised as a new gun.

Any comments here? Not so easy to just walk back in to the dealer - will either need to ship it to them, S&W, or deal with it and clean myself.

All photos after cleaning, with a coat of oil, ignore the lint / dust.


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Just like a Ti stove it will start to naturally discolor due to heat. If it isn't pitted I wouldn't worry too much. I think my Taurus ultralite is scandium and it has some discoloration as well.
 
My 329 has been shot plenty of times and looks far better than that. While there is some discoloration on the cylinder it's more what you would expect to see, not spotty like your is. I would send those pictures to both Smith and whoever you bought it from for an explanation.

Also, the S&W 500 grip I put on my 329 made a world of difference.
 
Thanks everyone - while it might be fine or fixable, not what I was looking for out of a gun described as "Factory New". Will let you know what I hear from the seller and S&W.
 
I considered porting mine and decided it was a waste of cash. I loaded some .44 specials for it (which are easy shooters, similar to .22) and love them. For bear protection I carry heavy mags and figure I will never feel them if the need arises. Hopefully next fall......
 
My 329 shoots much higher at 25 yds with slow, modest loads going 800 fps versus full power loads. Keep that in mind and enjoy shooting the .44 special equivalent loads. The full power loads are tough on my palm, even with the S&W 500 grip......6 rounds make the palm go numb for a bit. Sure carries well. Too bad I can't use it in BC.
 
According to S&W - all guns are fired at the factory, and upon closer inspection it does look like copper, so no worries there. They also had the manufacture date which supports a new gun. The seller commented that the gun was sent as it was received from S&W - my main complaint there is that they showed pictures of a different gun. S&W has suggested shipping it back and letting them examine and clean it up under warranty, which is what I'll probably do. The deposits look like a dirty oil that has almost dried out or something along those lines...
 
I'm with WyoElk on this one. Mine's been shot a lot and doesn't look like that. One thing you may try is Frog Lube. I'm on the fence about its lubricating claims but for cleaning guns, it works excellent. Especially on carbon deposits.

240gr LSWC over 9.7grs of Unique make for an awesome accurate load that is easy on the hands. 300gr XTP over 18gr of H110 is work with the factory rubber grip. The backstrap will beat the crap out of my palm with those loads and leave my fingers numb. I'd sooner shoot my Ruger Alaskan 454 with BB 300gr loads. Good luck to you and I hope the gun checks out okay. They're fun to shoot and nice to carry.
 
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