Smith and Wesson 929 - USPSA

[SteveRogers]

I currently have a S&W 929 Jerry Miculek edition (6" model) on layaway due to the 1-in-30 rule, but plan on immediately taking it to Alan Tanaka for custom work. I want to use this for USPSA as a primary revolver. I currently use a 627 V Comp (stock)

Mr. Tanaka mentioned that I could provide all the upgrades I want and he will install and refine the revolver. Please note that I do not reload and plan on buying factory ammo. I hear Federal American Eagle works best due to the "softer" primers (and pairs well with TK Custom Moon Clips).

For now I plan on buying the following items, but open to other suggestions.

- Apex Evolution N-Frame Hammer Kit
- Apex XP Firing Pin Kit
- Hogue Big Butt Grips

I am open to other suggestions like parts from TK Custom such as their hammer and trigger.

Thank you in advance

[Lead Waster]

Do you like the cylinder release control? There are some with more space for your thumb to push against, that might be nice.

[SteveRogers]

Do you like the cylinder release control? There are some with more space for your thumb to push against, that might be nice.

Yes! Almost forgot to add that. That is definitely on my list

[JTROKS]

Been awhile since I shot a revolver in USPSA and Steel, but I’m leaning more towards revolvers again because chasing my brass is not good for my back. Tagging this thread to see future pics, mods and inputs of current competition revolvers.

[9mmepiphany]

I hear Federal American Eagle works best due to the "softer" primers (and pairs well with TK Custom Moon Clips).

Do you have a link to that info?

I heard that Winchester brass worked better with those moon clips. Of course, if you're not reloading, Federal would be the only way to go.

You'll likely want to change out your sight set. I'm partial to a Dawson fiber optic front paired with the Apex Tactical rear

[SteveRogers]

Do you have a link to that info?

I heard that Winchester brass worked better with those moon clips. Of course, if you're not reloading, Federal would be the only way to go.

You'll likely want to change out your sight set. I'm partial to a Dawson fiber optic front paired with the Apex Tactical rear

I reached out to TK Customs directly as I plan on buying their moon clips (I have had a lot of success with my 627). I asked them what works best with their moon clips and their Action Job and their response was "Federal ammo that use Federal primers." Now I wonder if they are just responding to the 2nd part of my question

I have no first hand experience, but do you think I will have issues running Winchester factory ammo even with an Apex Extended firing pin?

Yes, Dawsons are a must. I recently switched out my stock front sights on my 627 with Dawson fiber optics. All of my race guns must have one.

[trackcage]

I don't know a single guy who shoots revolvers in competition and doesn't reload. You'll absolutely need to shoot federal primers if you really have a competition trigger job

[SteveRogers]

I don't know a single guy who shoots revolvers in competition and doesn't reload. You'll absolutely need to shoot federal primers if you really have a competition trigger job

While I agree I should reload, my current housing situation precludes me from doing so safely. I will not risk the safety of my new born to reload.

[meanrock]

Do you have a link to that info?

The firing pin can run pretty light in competition revolvers. A lot of the trigger weight isn't the hammer- it's the cylinder turning and an 8 shot 9mm cylinder is already pretty heavy.

Soft/Lightest Primers are Federal.
Then Winchester.
Then Remington.
Then CCI - these are notoriously pretty hard.

[SteveRogers]

The firing pin can run pretty light in competition revolvers. A lot of the trigger weight isn't the hammer- it's the cylinder turning and an 8 shot 9mm cylinder is already pretty heavy.

Soft/Lightest Primers are Federal.
Then Winchester.
Then Remington.
Then CCI - these are notoriously pretty hard.

I really appreciate your feedback on that. It is really good to know which brands are known for their primer "softness/lightness".

[Mayor McRifle]

While I agree I should reload, my current housing situation precludes me from doing so safely. I will not risk the safety of my new born to reload.

What is the power factor of the factory ammo you're planning to compete with?

[trackcage]

While I agree I should reload, my current housing situation precludes me from doing so safely. I will not risk the safety of my new born to reload.

You could buy competition specific ammo then, if you're willing to pay to get it. Atlanta arms comes to mind but I have no idea if they use federal primers or have an option. Just that they make tailored PF ammo for the game

[SteveRogers]

What is the power factor of the factory ammo you're planning to compete with?

I plan on shooting minors with either 124gr or 147gr ammo (or whatever is available to me at LAX ammo). I'll be "competing" whenever I can and just for fun. I don't think I'll do any classifiers

[Sentenza]

Are you getting the cylinder chamber edges chamfered? Mine will be sent to Mojo Custom for cylinder work, trigger contouring and a new crown.

I use an LPA rear with a Dawson F/O front.

What will your rig be? I'm using a DAA racemaster with the 6 magnetic holders.

On my first outing with it I took a clue from Julie Golob and went with 147g AE.

[9mmepiphany]

I have no first hand experience, but do you think I will have issues running Winchester factory ammo even with an Apex Extended firing pin?

It wouldn't be my preference.

I don't think there is any argument that Federal primers are the easiest to set off. My understanding is that it isn't so much the "hardness" of the primer cup, but the chemical compound that they use.

I ran some primer comparisons when deciding to compete with a revolver. Using a non-competition tuned K-frame, I gradually back out the strain screw until the primer wouldn't ignite. What I found was, from the least tension need to set them off to the most, the order of reliable ignition was:
1. Federal
2. CCI
3. Winchester
4. Remington

I'd always heard that CCI SPP were hard to set off, but they continued to ignite after the Winchester and Remington had started failing