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Author Topic: Anyone own a Smith & Wesson Model 329 PD?  (Read 1105 times)

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Offline Spyro Andes

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Anyone own a Smith & Wesson Model 329 PD?
« on: January 18, 2005, 12:12:46 PM »
I am seriously considering this revolver and, in reality, have decided to get one as long as one concern is aliviated.

I am worried about the accuaracy of this revolver because of the way they are sleeving the barrel.

Thoughts on accuracy would be appreciated...

Thanks,

SA

PS. For those who don't know, the S&W M329PD is a 4" 44 MAG that weighs a scant 26 ounces due to a titanium cylinder and scandium frame.

For reference... a 3" 629 Mt. Gun weighs 40 ounces, a 6" 629 weighs 45 ounces, a 5.5" Ruger Redhawk weighs 49 ounces, a 629 Light Hunter weighs 53 ounces and a 7.5" Ruger Super Redhawk weighs 54 ounces.
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Offline Sgtshultzy1

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Anyone own a Smith & Wesson Model 329 P
« Reply #1 on: January 19, 2005, 08:34:47 AM »
Depends on what you consider good accuracy.   There are many variables concerning accuracy, but from what I have seen accuracy(3inches @ 25) should not be a problem.

I personally dont own one but my buddy has one and loves it.  However, he uses it as a bear hunting backup only and isnt too worried about being able to get one hole groups.  As long as you are using it for a similar purpose accuracy should not be a problem.  

Consevative reloads are cleary the way to go in my opinion
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Offline Spyro Andes

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Anyone own a Smith & Wesson Model 329 P
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2005, 10:35:00 AM »
Actually, I was thinking of two uses for it...

I always pack a pistol while I am in the woods be it fly-fishing, scouting or as a back-up when hunting.  It would be much lighter than my current carry revolvers.

Also, I hunt behind hounds a half dozen times a year and it sure would be nice to be running with less weight on the hip.

Any truth to the factory not recommending anything over 240 grains be shot out of the 329?
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Offline Catfish

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Anyone own a Smith & Wesson Model 329 P
« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2005, 01:41:12 PM »
I`ve been wanting to pick up one of the 329 PD`s also. I ahve not shot one yet, but have several friends that have and they all tell me the recoil is far worse with it than the recoils of my .500 S&W, and I believe them. Thing is I don`t think that the .500 S&W has much recoil. I have a 629 with a 4 in. barrel that I picked up for ccw, but the 329 is so much liter I`m sure it would be better.
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Offline S.B.

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Anyone own a Smith & Wesson Model 329 P
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2005, 02:38:03 PM »
I bought a  Mountain Gun, for the very purposes you've listed. Very happy with it.
Catfish, you have to remember that a .44 magnum is only a magnum if it has magnum ammo in it. The 629 M/G is about as lite as I care to shoot with magnum ammo.
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Offline S.B.

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Anyone own a Smith & Wesson Model 329 P
« Reply #5 on: January 19, 2005, 02:46:02 PM »
Quote from: Spyro Andes
Actually, I was thinking of two uses for it...

I always pack a pistol while I am in the woods be it fly-fishing, scouting or as a back-up when hunting.  It would be much lighter than my current carry revolvers.

Also, I hunt behind hounds a half dozen times a year and it sure would be nice to be running with less weight on the hip.

Any truth to the factory not recommending anything over 240 grains be shot out of the 329?

From what I've read the heavier bullet seem to walk forward on recoil and lock the cylinder up, if not crimped in very tight.
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Offline Sgtshultzy1

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Anyone own a Smith & Wesson Model 329 P
« Reply #6 on: January 20, 2005, 02:43:27 AM »
I hate to say this...but have you thought of the Taurus Tracker in .44,  Or maybe a .357?

A heavily loaded .357 (180 gr)is a mighty fine woods backup..depending on where you are and what may be around.
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Offline Spyro Andes

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Anyone own a Smith & Wesson Model 329 P
« Reply #7 on: January 20, 2005, 08:57:57 AM »
SB,

If it is just bullet walk and crimping, it isn't an issue then.  You haven't seen bullet walk until you play with a 475 Linebaugh in a 4.75" barrell.  I know how to put a heavy roll crimp.

Sgtshultzy1,

I agree the 357 is generally sufficient and I have used a 357 for hound hunting before.

I was just leaning towards a 300 grain bullet.
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Offline Lawful Larry

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Anyone own a Smith & Wesson Model 329 P
« Reply #8 on: January 21, 2005, 05:16:21 AM »
My friend has one and I shot it the other day.  This is the first gun that actually hurt my hand.  I shot reloads, 240gr JHP with 20 or so grains of 2400 and it hurt after the third round.  :cry:  In my 629 it would seem okay and not come close to hurting me.

I have a set of Nill Grips and will put them on to see if that helps.  The grips are wood and wrap all around the grip frame.  Will let all know how it worked.  

As to accuracy, it appeared to shoot point of aim at 25 yards.  Didn't try any further though.   :wink:
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Offline NRA Dave

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Anyone own a Smith & Wesson Model 329 P
« Reply #9 on: January 21, 2005, 12:52:46 PM »
I've had my 329 since they came out. I've put lots of 300g bullets at 1000 fps through it. You need a heavy crimp. I use the Pachmayr decelerators to reduce the feeling of being hit in the palm with a baseball bat. Factory 240g loads kick worse than my 300g load. Accuracy is great as long as I don't shoot to many rounds. I get a bit jumpy. But for carrying in AK it worked great. Light and not noticable. when I carried a MG in TX it got heavy.
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Offline targetguy

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Anyone own a Smith & Wesson Model 329 P
« Reply #10 on: January 23, 2005, 12:23:22 PM »
I shot the 329PD of a friends next to My Model 29 with a six inch barrel an pachmeyer presentation grips.  The 329 with light loaded 44 specials felt about like my 29 with heavy loaded 240 grain mag loads.  the 329 with 240 grain factory loads felt about like heavy 300 grain loads in my 29.  The 300 grain hard cast were absoutley brutal in the 329, by far the worst thing I have ever shot.  Worse than a 45/70 contender, worse than a 454.  I had a Past shooting glove on for most every shot, and my hand hurt for a few hours after.  If it were me, I would go with the standard mountain gun, but thats just my opinion.
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Offline Spyro Andes

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Anyone own a Smith & Wesson Model 329 P
« Reply #11 on: January 24, 2005, 08:10:06 PM »
Quote from: targetguy
The 300 grain hard cast were absoutley brutal in the 329, by far the worst thing I have ever shot.  Worse than a 45/70 contender, worse than a 454.  I had a Past shooting glove on for most every shot, and my hand hurt for a few hours after.  If it were me, I would go with the standard mountain gun, but thats just my opinion.


Sheesh, you sound like you have never had a fire cracker blow up in your hand ;)

Yea, I know recoil is pretty horrid but, for me, I  believe the trade off is worth it.

The weight savings will be a blessing.
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