Maybe I was just lucky, but I owned a bunch of them all pre-2000, Model 17's, Model 34's, Model 19's, Model 27's, Model 14's, Model 60, one Model 29 and in the late 80's a few 586's. None of mine had the problems you described.
Both my Model 17 and Model 14 would hold, albeit a sloppy "X" ring at 50 yards with target grade ammo as tested and verified with a Ranson Rest.
The Model 41's (22 semi-auto's) were very accurate but had reliability issues with ejection. I much preferred the Hi-Standard Citation models which is what we shot on the post pistol team at Ft. Belvoir in the early 70's.
The Model 29's were extremely difficult to find. I did manage to get one and it was beautifully crafted, and I shot the hell of it and never had a problem. When I was offered over double what I paid for it, I sold it believing I could get another one and make a huge profit in the bargain. Never happened. When they did become readily available much later, I had lost interest.
After many years of services and many rounds, a few of mine developed some "end shake" which I corrected with Power Custom washers. Also, the Model 19's (K frame) would loosen up and develop timing issues with a steady diet of full powder 158 grain 357 magnum loads.
