SW 329PD .44 magnum?
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GBExpat
Member
I bought a NIB 3" 629-1 in 1988. I still have it, but haven't shot it much in the past decade, or so, because all of the ammo that I have on the shelf is magnum and, therefore, rather punishing.
Empty, my 629 probably weighs slightly more than 40oz. I googled the 329PD and discovered that it runs in the mid-20s, empty.
Quite frankly, that hurts me a bit just thinking about touching off a fullhouse load.
That said ...
Since last Fall I have added .44spc to my reloading efforts after buying 2 Charter Arms Bulldogs last summer.
When I run Test Strings (a.k.a., Load Ladders to some) thru my Chrony in the backyard, I use my 3" 629 for the .44spc loads rather than one of my 2½" Bulldogs (as I zero in on final load(s) I will use the Bulldogs).
One thing that this has taught me is that with my 629 downloaded (mild loads) it is an absolute de-light to shoot.
Once I get done deciding upon a couple of standard .44spc loads, I now plan on developing some accurate, mild .44mag loads for my shooting pleasure as well as SD use.
If you do not reload, you can always use SD .44spc ammo in your 329PD.
Sorry I have no experience or details on the 329PD, but I thought this might be of some interest to you.
Enjoy!
Empty, my 629 probably weighs slightly more than 40oz. I googled the 329PD and discovered that it runs in the mid-20s, empty.
Quite frankly, that hurts me a bit just thinking about touching off a fullhouse load.
That said ...
Since last Fall I have added .44spc to my reloading efforts after buying 2 Charter Arms Bulldogs last summer.
When I run Test Strings (a.k.a., Load Ladders to some) thru my Chrony in the backyard, I use my 3" 629 for the .44spc loads rather than one of my 2½" Bulldogs (as I zero in on final load(s) I will use the Bulldogs).
One thing that this has taught me is that with my 629 downloaded (mild loads) it is an absolute de-light to shoot.
Once I get done deciding upon a couple of standard .44spc loads, I now plan on developing some accurate, mild .44mag loads for my shooting pleasure as well as SD use.
If you do not reload, you can always use SD .44spc ammo in your 329PD.
Sorry I have no experience or details on the 329PD, but I thought this might be of some interest to you.
Enjoy!
243winxb
Member
Corrected link to Paul105 photos. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=774069
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GooseGestapo
Member
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- Jan 6, 2003
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- 6,153
Had one. Too much of a good thing.
If I had put a Pachmayer "Gripper" grips on it, I'd probably have kept it. I finally found a 625-5 .45lc Mountain Gun, which is what I really wanted. Sold the 329 to pay for 625.
I then put on a set of Grippers. Even though they're for a square butt, they work perfectly.
With the backstap covered with rubber, it takes all of the sting out and gives much better control.
You'll still have a problem with bullets walking out under recoil.
I mitigated that by seating the SWC's deeper and crimping over the shoulder of the bullet. Even with 20gr of #2400, bullets stayed put in the cases.
But, with the Hogue grip, I could only shoot a dozen shots before my hand give out. And I've shot PPC for 26yrs!
Best load I found for my gun was 10gr of LongShot under the Lee 240gr TL SWC. Good for ~1,000fps; accurate and controllable.
I've also now got a Mod-69. Love it! Fits my hand better, more controllable, and two piece plastic grips are perfect for me. S&W got it right this time! But , no speed loaders. I've got two HKS for the Charter Bulldog. They're too small, but will "sorta work"with JHP's if you line them up and let them drop into the chambers.
If I had put a Pachmayer "Gripper" grips on it, I'd probably have kept it. I finally found a 625-5 .45lc Mountain Gun, which is what I really wanted. Sold the 329 to pay for 625.
I then put on a set of Grippers. Even though they're for a square butt, they work perfectly.
With the backstap covered with rubber, it takes all of the sting out and gives much better control.
You'll still have a problem with bullets walking out under recoil.
I mitigated that by seating the SWC's deeper and crimping over the shoulder of the bullet. Even with 20gr of #2400, bullets stayed put in the cases.
But, with the Hogue grip, I could only shoot a dozen shots before my hand give out. And I've shot PPC for 26yrs!
Best load I found for my gun was 10gr of LongShot under the Lee 240gr TL SWC. Good for ~1,000fps; accurate and controllable.
I've also now got a Mod-69. Love it! Fits my hand better, more controllable, and two piece plastic grips are perfect for me. S&W got it right this time! But , no speed loaders. I've got two HKS for the Charter Bulldog. They're too small, but will "sorta work"with JHP's if you line them up and let them drop into the chambers.
I was with a friend as he fired his the first time. He fired one shot which sent a punishing wave to his elbow. I never seen him that surprised and you could see the hurt on his face as he grabbed and shook his arm.
My friend is 6'- 3" and 275 pounds. Not recoil shy. He switched to .44 specials but sold the gun shortly after he bought it.
PS: That photo in post 3 looks to be what happens after the blast shield falls out. Doen't look like something I would want to happen so if you buy one keep an eye on the shield to make sure it stays in.
My friend is 6'- 3" and 275 pounds. Not recoil shy. He switched to .44 specials but sold the gun shortly after he bought it.
PS: That photo in post 3 looks to be what happens after the blast shield falls out. Doen't look like something I would want to happen so if you buy one keep an eye on the shield to make sure it stays in.
GBExpat
Member
This.
v8stang289
Member
I have a 8 3/8" model 29 that I shoot regularly and full house magnums are certainly noticeable even in a nearly 50 oz gun. I handled a 329 at the last gun show and though it feels nice in the hand, I can't imagine that it's pleasant to shoot. Smith has its weight listed at 25.1 oz, the same weight as my Kimber ultra. Ouch is all I can say.
I too am looking at getting this gun. My research puts it as a special purpose gun but not one you will want if you plan on using it regularly unless you consider it to be only a 44 SPL.
I think my situation may be once that justifies this gun ( carry every day, 6 months a year in rough terrain back country and have only fired one shot in self defence IH 15 years.) But unless that's you, don't do it.
As to the gun's abitily to hold up... It it well built; your hand will be the first thing to give out.
Having spoken with those who own this gun they say that they can get through 2 cylinders of full loads but expect your hand to be ringing for the next 12 hours.
I think my situation may be once that justifies this gun ( carry every day, 6 months a year in rough terrain back country and have only fired one shot in self defence IH 15 years.) But unless that's you, don't do it.
As to the gun's abitily to hold up... It it well built; your hand will be the first thing to give out.
Having spoken with those who own this gun they say that they can get through 2 cylinders of full loads but expect your hand to be ringing for the next 12 hours.
Bullet Bob
Member
Best field carry .44 Special S&W has ever made.
Some random thoughts on the 329.
I carried a 329 all day everyday for five or six years here in MT
I’ve shot close to 9,000 rounds thru three 329s mostly 240/250 gr Lead SWCs over a charge of 2400 at between 1,100 and 1,200 fps. I never found cleaning to be much of a problem. Had the guns back to S&W 6 or 8 different times. Had frames replaced, hard extraction fixed, carry up (timiing) fixed, firing pin replaced, blast shield replaced and a couple of things I've probably forgotten. One of my guns in the pict posted above by 243winxt -- that's under the blast shield, which had eroded in two pieces and fell off.
S&W repaired/replaced as required at no charge to me and paid shipping both ways every time. These guns are a trade off and I knew/accepted it.
With that said, I suspect most 329s don't (will never) get that kind of use with heavy ammo. I have never shot a meaningful number of .44 special level loads to know for certain that the above problems won't occur with lighter loads. My guess is that they will last a long time without any problems shooting .44 special/equiv. ammo.
The light weight scandium Magnum revolvers seem to have a greater tendency for the "lock" to engage under recoil.
Also, you need to test your ammo to make sure that bullets stay put under recoil (they tend to be bullet pullers which can tie up the gun).
By its very nature (express rear/fiber optic front; short sight radius, and light weight) the 329 difficult to shoot well. Add in the harsh/fast recoil of full .44 magnum loads, and the gun is a pretty short range proposition for most. Obviously, there will be exceptions to this, but for the most part the typical shooter will find the 329 difficult and probably even painful to shoot with .44 magnum level ammo. Others have said, if you want a dedicated .44 magnum for continuous use, get a heavier gun. If you already have a full size/weight .44 mag, then you should give the 329 a try. Start with .44 special equiv loads and work up to your comfort level. There aren’t many handgun chores that can’t be handled with 240/250grs at 900 to 1,000 fps (which can still be a handful in the 26 oz 329).
I still have two 329s and while I carry them more than occasionally (loaded with full house .44 Mags), I don’t shoot them much anymore. I’ve pretty much replaced them with the M69 – I do carry the 329 exclusively when bow hunting elk – this is where the light weight is a noticeable advantage. All my round butt S&W’s are equipped with the Hogue 500 grips, so it’s an easy to transition between them. Just a note – I shoot enough lower end .44 mags thru the M69 so that, while the recoil of the 329 is noticeably faster, it is still controllable for me.
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FWIW,
Paul
I carried a 329 all day everyday for five or six years here in MT
I’ve shot close to 9,000 rounds thru three 329s mostly 240/250 gr Lead SWCs over a charge of 2400 at between 1,100 and 1,200 fps. I never found cleaning to be much of a problem. Had the guns back to S&W 6 or 8 different times. Had frames replaced, hard extraction fixed, carry up (timiing) fixed, firing pin replaced, blast shield replaced and a couple of things I've probably forgotten. One of my guns in the pict posted above by 243winxt -- that's under the blast shield, which had eroded in two pieces and fell off.
S&W repaired/replaced as required at no charge to me and paid shipping both ways every time. These guns are a trade off and I knew/accepted it.
With that said, I suspect most 329s don't (will never) get that kind of use with heavy ammo. I have never shot a meaningful number of .44 special level loads to know for certain that the above problems won't occur with lighter loads. My guess is that they will last a long time without any problems shooting .44 special/equiv. ammo.
The light weight scandium Magnum revolvers seem to have a greater tendency for the "lock" to engage under recoil.
Also, you need to test your ammo to make sure that bullets stay put under recoil (they tend to be bullet pullers which can tie up the gun).
By its very nature (express rear/fiber optic front; short sight radius, and light weight) the 329 difficult to shoot well. Add in the harsh/fast recoil of full .44 magnum loads, and the gun is a pretty short range proposition for most. Obviously, there will be exceptions to this, but for the most part the typical shooter will find the 329 difficult and probably even painful to shoot with .44 magnum level ammo. Others have said, if you want a dedicated .44 magnum for continuous use, get a heavier gun. If you already have a full size/weight .44 mag, then you should give the 329 a try. Start with .44 special equiv loads and work up to your comfort level. There aren’t many handgun chores that can’t be handled with 240/250grs at 900 to 1,000 fps (which can still be a handful in the 26 oz 329).
I still have two 329s and while I carry them more than occasionally (loaded with full house .44 Mags), I don’t shoot them much anymore. I’ve pretty much replaced them with the M69 – I do carry the 329 exclusively when bow hunting elk – this is where the light weight is a noticeable advantage. All my round butt S&W’s are equipped with the Hogue 500 grips, so it’s an easy to transition between them. Just a note – I shoot enough lower end .44 mags thru the M69 so that, while the recoil of the 329 is noticeably faster, it is still controllable for me.
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FWIW,
Paul
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Gordon
Member
" Had the guns back to S&W 6 or 8 different times. Had frames replaced, hard extraction fixed, carry up (timiing) fixed, firing pin replaced, blast shield replaced and a couple of things I've probably forgotten. One of my guns in the pict posted above by 243winxt -- that's under the blast shield, which had eroded in two pieces and fell off."
and that folks in this old curmudgeons opinion makes it a pile of crap and a faux testostrogen supplement.
and that folks in this old curmudgeons opinion makes it a pile of crap and a faux testostrogen supplement.
The very next paragraph/sentence states:
S&W repaired/replaced as required at no charge to me and paid shipping both ways every time. These guns are a trade off and I knew/accepted it.
Those guns were my all day, every day carry guns for more than half a decade -- had nothing to do with testosterone charge, just the best power to weight ratio in a carry gun for my woods bumming/dog walking/bow hunting/fishing activities.
I normally just ignore posts like yours, but --- Just trying to post what might be some useful information to the original poster and your totally useless, juvinile response appears:banghead:
FWIW,
Paul
S&W repaired/replaced as required at no charge to me and paid shipping both ways every time. These guns are a trade off and I knew/accepted it.
Those guns were my all day, every day carry guns for more than half a decade -- had nothing to do with testosterone charge, just the best power to weight ratio in a carry gun for my woods bumming/dog walking/bow hunting/fishing activities.
I normally just ignore posts like yours, but --- Just trying to post what might be some useful information to the original poster and your totally useless, juvinile response appears:banghead:
FWIW,
Paul
243winxb
Member
Paul105, thank you for the update.
redbone
Member
I've had mine for 15 years or so. Maybe 300-400 rounds. It is a tool, not a toy. I have 9 mm and .40s to shoot for fun. I like it for what I use it for. An experienced shooter should not have a problem with 6 or 12 rounds occasionally.
dickydalton
Member
"It's a tool, not a toy," Exactly.
When people question me buying a New Vaquero and not being able to shoot "Ruger Only 45 Colt loads" I answer that if I want a magnum I'll shoot my 44 Mag or my 460XVR.
If I was lucky enough to own a 329 I would practice as needed and carry it.
Thanks for the excellent input Paul105.
I don't think you need to get to offended by the comments in a follow up post. Many would consider the gun unfavorably with the results you have experienced.
For you it appears that the most rewarding quality is the light weight, and I think that is spot on. When you carry a revolver with that capability on a reqular basis, then weight is extremely important.
Most folks would be happy with that feature (light weight), and most folks would not be shooting the gun nearly as much as you have. I think also that many would NOT consider the trade off worth the short life span of the gun between problems.
I certainly can see a place for this gun for those who want to carry it a lot. If shooting .44 Specials extends the guns usage between issues than (and it should) it would also be of benifit to do that for most folks.
Realize however that most people want a gun that lasts for a long time before it developes issues. That is their mind set , and yours is yours. You did a great job of putting out the facts under the conditions that you use the M329. It gives excellent data for those without experience with them to consider.
I don't think you need to get to offended by the comments in a follow up post. Many would consider the gun unfavorably with the results you have experienced.
For you it appears that the most rewarding quality is the light weight, and I think that is spot on. When you carry a revolver with that capability on a reqular basis, then weight is extremely important.
Most folks would be happy with that feature (light weight), and most folks would not be shooting the gun nearly as much as you have. I think also that many would NOT consider the trade off worth the short life span of the gun between problems.
I certainly can see a place for this gun for those who want to carry it a lot. If shooting .44 Specials extends the guns usage between issues than (and it should) it would also be of benifit to do that for most folks.
Realize however that most people want a gun that lasts for a long time before it developes issues. That is their mind set , and yours is yours. You did a great job of putting out the facts under the conditions that you use the M329. It gives excellent data for those without experience with them to consider.
Elkins45
Member
Mine was supposed to be carried much and shot little, except that it failed the sighting in audition. With full power loads it would randomly spin the cylinder under recoil. I traded it without having ever carried it. In fairness I did buy it used, so S&W might have been able to fix it if it were a new gun bought from a FFL.
GBExpat
Member
Perhaps the reason that the previous owner sold/traded it.
Gordon
Member
I used S&W revolvers in the 70s and early 80 every day like that and never once returned a model 29 or other N frame gun to the factory. I understand times were different but thousands of rounds of full power ammo is still the same . Finally a 29-2 bolt did fail and was locally repaired. No frame replacements multiple times nor the scandium problem with forcing cone breakage like I had too on a 386 Mountain Lite 10 years ago . . I agree S&W is good , very good , on warranty but my point is the gun should NOT need such redundant warranty repair obviously because it can't stand up to hard use. I do have a 1989 .44 Mountain gun that has about 3000 rounds of mostly my moderate .44 Mag reloads thru it and a few hundred 300 grain heavy loads for big bear country and Alaskan duty and it still is in great shape and has tolerable recoil (with moderate loads) and is only 8 onces different in weight from a 329. I actually owned a 329 for two years 10 years ago when they first came out but after a box of normal 240 grain mag loads , the recoil was stupid for follow up shots and yes the forcing cone looked like many times that many rounds had gone thru the gun. It was traded off to a friend who traded it off to a friend - I lost track. In my experience with the half dozen Scandium S&Ws I have owned , and still have three , is that they are light use only guns and if you actually want to hit the target with a second quick shot need to be loaded with light bullets which defeats the .44 magnum purpose.
Yes I mistook you 329 post as a condemnation #1 as I cannot comprehend so many warranty returns as a satisfactory gun owning experience . #2 the overall tone to me was expressing a negative long term much used history with one which certainly makes your opinion very very valid and helpful with this somewhat rare bird of a .44 mag.
For me there IS a threshold of weight for various field caliber pistols and the Airlite S&W series from all I have seen (and heard) don't hold up well for regular use and exceed owners ability to deliver power accurately past the first shot. Sorry you felt jacked around by my post.
. I agree S&W is good , very good , on warranty but my point is the gun should NOT need such redundant warranty repair obviously because it can't stand up to hard use. I do have a 1989 .44 Mountain gun that has about 3000 rounds of mostly my moderate .44 Mag reloads thru it and a few hundred 300 grain heavy loads for big bear country and Alaskan duty and it still is in great shape and has tolerable recoil (with moderate loads) and is only 8 onces different in weight from a 329. I actually owned a 329 for two years 10 years ago when they first came out but after a box of normal 240 grain mag loads , the recoil was stupid for follow up shots and yes the forcing cone looked like many times that many rounds had gone thru the gun. It was traded off to a friend who traded it off to a friend - I lost track. In my experience with the half dozen Scandium S&Ws I have owned , and still have three , is that they are light use only guns and if you actually want to hit the target with a second quick shot need to be loaded with light bullets which defeats the .44 magnum purpose. Yes I mistook you 329 post as a condemnation #1 as I cannot comprehend so many warranty returns as a satisfactory gun owning experience . #2 the overall tone to me was expressing a negative long term much used history with one which certainly makes your opinion very very valid and helpful with this somewhat rare bird of a .44 mag.
For me there IS a threshold of weight for various field caliber pistols and the Airlite S&W series from all I have seen (and heard) don't hold up well for regular use and exceed owners ability to deliver power accurately past the first shot. Sorry you felt jacked around by my post.
Did any of you read this?
9000 rounds is a bit. I would be more curious at the intervals or when it started. If it occured every 1000 rounds, ya that is not the greatest. But still more then what some shoot a light weight magnum. I would guess he had a bunch of frequent repairs when the mileage got high. Which would suck because you keep sending it back in a shorter interval.
It is a 25ounce gun that is being shot with ammo that would be considered buffalo bore 44 specials, to put it in perspective.
My next handgun will probably be 69, I want 44 that can take really stout special loads, which will do damn near anything you want. I wouldn't mind a Charter Arms snubbie in 44 special, that would be nice concealed carry gun.
I do have 696, 44 special, I like it. Forcing cone is smaller then many. Some say it is an issue, some say keep you loads slow enough, 240s, and no problem. It is not made anymore so I am concerned a little. I tried my buffalo bore carry load, just to make sure I wasn't surprised. Actually no big deal.
Also what are your options for 44 carry guns? It is not a matter of testrone. A J frame won't don't you as much good walkig in the woods.
If you plan on running large amounts of ammo through a gun then you should really consider an all steel model. 9000 rounds isn't much to shooters like me but to others it may seem like a large amount. I have noticed that ever since manufacturers started using more aluminum and plastics to build firearms the failure rate has gone up and service life has gone down pretty significantly and "shootability" has reached levels that are simply too much for most people compared to previous steel models. But if consumers are intent on buying into the whole "power to weight" ratio and "pocket carry size" this trend will continue. It amazes how so many people today want to buy the lightest gun they can find and then it with the heaviest ammo on the market. I have carried Charter Bulldogs since '87 and a 696 since '96 and have never found any reason to run +P or high velocity loads in either one. In 44. Spl. a 200 gr slug at 850 to 900 fps is more than enough power to get the job done. 240 gr. slugs at 1000 fps or more is totally unnecessary. Aluminum is for airplanes and beer cans and bicycles.
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