Smith & Wesson M929 9mm 8 rd Black Finish Review

The Smith & Wesson M929 9mm 8 rd Black Finish Made a Bold First Impression

The Smith & Wesson M929 9mm 8 rd Black Finish revolver is a specialized firearm designed for competitive shooting, specifically in the International Confederation of Revolver Enthusiasts (ICORE) and United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) Revolver divisions. Smith & Wesson, a name synonymous with American firearms, crafted this revolver with speed, accuracy, and reliability in mind. The unique feature of using 9mm ammunition in a revolver via moon clips definitely piqued my interest, promising fast reloads and readily available ammo.

I’ve always been drawn to the challenge and precision of revolver shooting. The moon clip system for rimless cartridges fascinated me, and I wanted to experience it firsthand. Having primarily used traditional .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers, I was looking for a platform that could potentially offer faster reloads and utilize the common and affordable 9mm cartridge.

My initial unboxing revealed a no-frills, purpose-built firearm. The black finish appeared durable, and the overall weight felt substantial but well-balanced. The cylinder lockup was tight, and the trigger pull, while not perfect out of the box, showed promise of being smoothed out with use. The M929 felt solid, conveying a sense of quality craftsmanship.

Compared to my older Smith & Wesson Model 686 and a Ruger GP100, the M929 stood out with its modern design and emphasis on speed. I considered a custom-built 9mm revolver, but the price point of the M929 and Smith & Wesson’s reputation made it the logical choice. It was a gamble on a newer design, but the potential benefits seemed worth the risk.

I was definitely excited, although slightly apprehensive, about the M929. The 9mm in a revolver was intriguing. I wondered how it would perform compared to traditional cartridges. The anticipation of faster reloads and the potential for improved speed in competition kept me eager to hit the range.

Real-World Testing: Putting Smith & Wesson M929 9mm 8 rd Black Finish to the Test

First Use Experience

My first range trip with the Smith & Wesson M929 9mm 8 rd Black Finish was at my local outdoor range. I focused on getting a feel for the trigger, the recoil impulse of the 9mm rounds, and the speed of reloading with the moon clips. I tested with 115 grain and 124 grain FMJ ammo from various manufacturers.

The revolver performed surprisingly well. The 9mm recoil was significantly less than my .357 Magnum, making rapid follow-up shots easier. The moon clips did indeed facilitate incredibly fast reloads, far quicker than using speed loaders with rimmed cartridges. I experienced a few instances of stiff cylinder rotation initially, which I attributed to the newness of the firearm.

After the first 50 rounds, I encountered a few instances where the spent cases didn’t fully eject from the moon clip. This seemed to be ammunition-related, with some brands performing better than others. It was an initial surprise, but not a major issue.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Smith & Wesson M929 9mm 8 rd Black Finish has proven to be a reliable and enjoyable firearm. The initial stiffness in the cylinder rotation has largely disappeared, and the trigger pull has smoothed out noticeably. I estimate having fired over 1000 rounds through it.

The black finish is holding up well, with minimal wear marks appearing only on the cylinder where it locks into the frame. I clean the M929 after each range session. It’s quite straightforward – the usual cleaning of the barrel, cylinder, and frame, along with lubricating the moving parts.

Compared to my previous revolver experiences, the M929 offers a unique advantage in terms of ammunition cost and reload speed. The accuracy is comparable to my other revolvers. The reduced recoil and faster follow-up shots have noticeably improved my scores in practice. It has exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Smith & Wesson M929 9mm 8 rd Black Finish

Specifications

• Caliber: 9mm. This allows for using common and relatively inexpensive ammunition.
• Capacity: 8 rounds, using full moon clips. This gives a good balance between capacity and reload speed.
• Barrel Length: Usually 6.5 inches. This aids in accuracy and provides a good sight radius.
• Weight: Approximately 45 oz (unloaded). This provides stability and helps absorb recoil.
• Frame Material: Stainless Steel. This enhances durability and resistance to corrosion.
• Finish: Black. This provides a low-glare, tactical look.
• Grips: Synthetic. They offer a comfortable and secure grip.
• Sights: Adjustable rear sight, Patridge front sight. They allow for precise zeroing for different loads.
• Trigger: Tuned action for a smooth and consistent pull. This is vital for accuracy in competitive shooting.
• Moon Clips: Full moon clips are required for reliable extraction. These facilitate fast reloads.

These specifications are crucial for the intended purpose of competitive shooting. The weight, barrel length, and adjustable sights contribute to accuracy. The 9mm caliber and moon clip system allow for faster reloads and reduced recoil.

Performance & Functionality

The Smith & Wesson M929 9mm 8 rd Black Finish excels in its intended role as a competitive revolver. The accuracy is excellent, consistently delivering tight groupings at 25 yards. The reliability is generally good, but as mentioned earlier, ammunition selection can impact ejection.

The strengths lie in its speed and accuracy. The weaknesses are the ammunition sensitivity and the potential for moon clip bending or damage. It meets expectations for a competition-focused revolver but requires careful attention to detail.

Design & Ergonomics

The M929 features a well-balanced design with a comfortable grip. The weight contributes to stability. The synthetic grips provide a secure hold, even with sweaty hands.

The revolver is generally user-friendly, although there is a slight learning curve associated with using moon clips effectively. The smooth trigger pull and adjustable sights enhance the overall shooting experience.

Durability & Maintenance

The stainless steel construction suggests good long-term durability. I anticipate that the M929 will last for many years with proper care. Replacing worn springs and occasionally polishing the internals should keep it running smoothly.

Maintenance is relatively straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication are all that’s typically required. Replacement moon clips are readily available and inexpensive.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Smith & Wesson M929 9mm 8 rd Black Finish comes with a few moon clips. It does not come with many accessories.

Customization options include aftermarket grips, enhanced triggers, and different front sights. Some shooters may choose to have the cylinder chamfered for even faster reloads. The M929 is compatible with most standard Smith & Wesson K/L-frame grips.

Pros and Cons of Smith & Wesson M929 9mm 8 rd Black Finish

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Who Should Buy Smith & Wesson M929 9mm 8 rd Black Finish?

Perfect for: Competitive revolver shooters looking for speed and accuracy, especially in ICORE and USPSA divisions. It’s also suitable for experienced revolver enthusiasts who appreciate the novelty and performance benefits of a 9mm revolver.

Who should skip this product? Beginners who are new to revolvers might find the moon clip system and ammunition sensitivity slightly challenging. Individuals looking for a general-purpose or self-defense revolver may be better served by a traditional .38 Special or .357 Magnum.

Must-have accessories or modifications? High-quality moon clips are a must. A trigger job by a qualified gunsmith can further improve the trigger pull. A custom set of grips tailored to your hand size can enhance comfort and control.

Conclusion on Smith & Wesson M929 9mm 8 rd Black Finish

The Smith & Wesson M929 9mm 8 rd Black Finish is a specialized firearm designed for competitive revolver shooting. It offers a unique combination of speed, accuracy, and manageable recoil. While it does require some attention to ammunition selection and moon clip maintenance, the performance benefits are undeniable.

The price is justified for serious competitors seeking an edge. Casual shooters may find it to be an unnecessary expense.

I would definitely recommend the M929 to anyone who is serious about revolver competition. It’s a well-built, accurate, and reliable firearm that can significantly improve your performance. Go out there and give it a try! You might just find your new favorite competition revolver.

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