I bought a used low mileage S&W 29-5 last winter that had been shot mostly with .44 spl and not cleaned much. To make a long story short, I alternately soaked and brushed with Kroil, Butch's bore shine and even used J-B bore paste. Finally chucked up a .475 bore brush in a portable drill for a minute or so per cylinder. I came away with the conclusion that the special is a fine cartridge.....in a .44 special!