"Tell us more about your M29 Malamute! What year? What kind of grips are those?"
I'm not sure what year, I bought it new in about '82. Grips are factory smooth targets that I shortened. I removed about half the wood below the frame, and removed some wood in the front of the grips using a 1950's N target set that I really liked the feel of as a guide. I also rounded them off all around. The newer factory grips (even early 80's)feel way too square to me. Most of the older Smith grips are very nicely rounded in their circumference. I beveled the front edge of the cylinder, and ground the hammer spur down to service length. It's had a light polish inside, but otherwise nothing fancy done to it, just shot a fair bit.
I've shot a deer, several coyotes, and lots of small game with it over the years. (edit, just realized I'd said that before. Must be a sign of geezerhood,...) Used to shoot at a particular steel plate quite a bit at our spot in Az, and was able (with witnesses) to make 5 hits out of 6 shots on the 18"w x 36"h plate @ 300 yards, kneeling. That was with 1000 fps loads, most likely using Lyman 429421 bullets cast from wheel weights with Alox lube.
Someone mentioned "spinning" the cylinder. If you make a habit of spinning it back and forth a few times with a bit of force by using the extractor rod, you can sometimes catch it unscrewing the rod before it causes any grief. Best to torque them well with a couple empty cases in the chambers and a couple blocks of wood on the rod in a vise.
To keep this somewhat on topic, this gun has probably been cleaned far fewer times than most newer guns on this thread. The finish is a bit rough, mainly holster wear, some small rust spots, but it's been absolutely perfect in its performace, in what many would consider abusive conditions and care. I figure I've always given it enough care that I know it will work when I needed it. I really like it, but it doesnt get any babying.
