Author Topic: SW329PD...how do they hold up?? (Read 2497 times)

drdougrx · « **on:** August 07, 2009, 03:01:45 PM »

I'm mildly interested in a SW 329PD in 44mag. I'd use it for trail or hunting back-up with 300gr bullets. I have several other SW29's including a blued mountain gun that I would like to keep looking nice. I'd change out the grips with SW 500 grips and maybe magnaport.

Just wondering whether they hold up ok with frequent shooting.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #1 on:** August 08, 2009, 12:40:20 AM »

I cant comment on the 329 but did have a 396 and it was a gun that a guy would not want to burn thousands of rounds of hot ammo through. Something was allways breaking or wearing on mine. I would say if you want to shoot a ton of ammo to look at a 4 inch moutain gun. Its not near as light and handy but will take alot more rounds before things start to go south on it. that been said i too want a 329 but would buy it work up some loads then just use it for utility work and not make it a daily shooter.

drdougrx · « **Reply #2 on:** August 08, 2009, 02:42:03 AM »

Thanks LLoyd...I have a mountain gun..a TALO special run. The bluing is very nice and I was trying to avoid some holster wear. I also have a 6" 29 that I use as a hunting gun. I was looking for something to carry in the woods but not shoot all that much. I'll keep looking.

Ak.Hiker · « **Reply #3 on:** August 08, 2009, 08:01:13 PM »

If you just want a powerful gun for field back up why not go ahead and get either a 329 or the new Night Guard. Just do not shoot to many full power rounds through the gun. I would think the gun would shoot 44 Special type loads all day long. Buffalo Bore loads a 255 grain cast load just for the 329. Buy the way I saw a 44 Magnum Night Guard yesterday at the S&W shop. I think the Night Guard would be worth looking at.

S.B. · « **Reply #4 on:** August 09, 2009, 03:31:31 AM »

Doug, try this spot for info on the 329? By the way, the boys from Alaska have got me thinking of getting one of these also.
http://forums.outdoorsdirectory.com/showthread.php?t=20947
also, several more threads on this site about them.
see ya in the woods next time, Steve

drdougrx · « **Reply #5 on:** August 09, 2009, 11:31:30 AM »

Thanks everyone...will look into your suggestion!

Hey Steve...picking up my mounts from our hunt later this week!!!!

S.B. · « **Reply #6 on:** August 09, 2009, 02:24:19 PM »

Doug, please post some pixs when you get it?
Steve

drdougrx · « **Reply #7 on:** August 09, 2009, 03:40:39 PM »

You bet!!

Hook686 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 10, 2009, 06:42:15 PM »

I carry a 329PD. I load 300 grain XTPs for it, but only 14.8 grains of Alliant 2400 (I get 1050 fps). The catch-22 with the 329PD is that it is light for carry, but to shoot a full house 300 grain factory load I find a painful experience. Not much desire to practice with them. I essentially load the 329PD like it is .357 magnum. The Buffalo Bore 255 grain heavy .44 Special SWC shoots real nice. However, I find it no fun shoot 270 grain Speer GDHPs, Winchester 250 grain Partition Gold, or even Federal 180 grain JHPs in the 329PD.

Did I mention that I found it no fun to shoot factory .44 magnum loads in the 329PD ?

Ak.Hiker · « **Reply #9 on:** August 10, 2009, 08:55:50 PM »

Quote from: Hook686 on August 10, 2009, 06:42:15 PM

I carry a 329PD. I load 300 grain XTPs for it, but only 14.8 grains of Alliant 2400 (I get 1050 fps). The catch-22 with the 329PD is that it is light for carry, but to shoot a full house 300 grain factory load I find a painful experience. Not much desire to practice with them. I essentially load the 329PD like it is .357 magnum. The Buffalo Bore 255 grain heavy .44 Special SWC shoots real nice. However, I find it no fun shoot 270 grain Speer GDHPs, Winchester 250 grain Partition Gold, or even Federal 180 grain JHPs in the 329PD.

Did I mention that I found it no fun to shoot factory loads in the 329PD ?

The good news is with the high cost of ammo now days the 329 PD over the long haul will save you money because you will never want to shoot it.

S.B. · « **Reply #10 on:** August 11, 2009, 01:30:48 AM »

Quote from: Hook686 on August 10, 2009, 06:42:15 PM

I carry a 329PD. I load 300 grain XTPs for it, but only 14.8 grains of Alliant 2400 (I get 1050 fps). The catch-22 with the 329PD is that it is light for carry, but to shoot a full house 300 grain factory load I find a painful experience. Not much desire to practice with them. I essentially load the 329PD like it is .357 magnum. The Buffalo Bore 255 grain heavy .44 Special SWC shoots real nice. However, I find it no fun shoot 270 grain Speer GDHPs, Winchester 250 grain Partition Gold, or even Federal 180 grain JHPs in the 329PD.

Did I mention that I found it no fun to shoot factory loads in the 329PD ?

I'm curious and you didn't mention, what grips do you have on this gun?
Steve

Hook686 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 11, 2009, 09:40:35 AM »

Steve I have the X grips that are standard on the S&W 500. Helps make the revolver comfortable with the low end reloads I use. I can practice all day with 9.4 grains of Unique under a 200 grain GDHP (1040 fps) (note: I find this similar recoil to the Speer Short Barrel 200 grain GDHP round in my 329PD).

The S&W 629 ported classic is much more fun to shoot full factory loads with. The catch-22 here is that it weighs almost twice as much.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #12 on:** August 11, 2009, 10:12:58 AM »

Nope don't own one and never shot one . BUT i went over to the other site mentioned above and read some . Seems one guy didn't like the recoil and only shot it 15 or so times and sold it . The next poster said it was a shame he didn't shoot the 340pd first then it wouldn't seem so bad . Now why I'm putting in my 2cents . Got and shoot a 340pd . A 357 mag that weighs 12 ozs . I replaced the rubber grips with woos SS grips . They are the thinnest grips i have seen , they fit well in a pocket . They do little if anything to help with recoil . With full house factory 125 JHP loads its not a hand breaker . You can shoot like a limp wrist either . Mine seems to stay tight so far with no more than 100 or so rounds thru. it . BOY DOES IT CARRY NICE !!!!! did i mention its a nice carry gun ?
Now ya'll got me wanting a 44mag. that light .

S.B. · « **Reply #13 on:** August 11, 2009, 10:16:00 AM »

Hook686, but the noise the porting puts off is deafening!
Steve

drdougrx · « **Reply #14 on:** August 11, 2009, 11:26:37 AM »

I wonder if MagNaPorting would help with recoil. I've quite a few rifles and handguns MagNaPorted and each had much less recoil INHO. My 44's really benefitted, but, each had a longer barrel than 4" and my 44mag mtn gun has the X grip but no M-Porting and it's stout but not handbreaking with 300gr XTPs and 21gr H110. I think it would help w the muzzle jump.

Your thoughts?

S.B. · « **Reply #15 on:** August 11, 2009, 02:32:39 PM »

I think the current consencious is about 10% recoil reduction, it certainly will make the gun lowder.
Steve

S.B. · « **Reply #16 on:** August 11, 2009, 06:32:01 PM »

Quote from: Ak.Hiker on August 08, 2009, 08:01:13 PM

If you just want a powerful gun for field back up why not go ahead and get either a 329 or the new Night Guard. Just do not shoot to many full power rounds through the gun. I would think the gun would shoot 44 Special type loads all day long. Buffalo Bore loads a 255 grain cast load just for the 329. Buy the way I saw a 44 Magnum Night Guard yesterday at the S&W shop. I think the Night Guard would be worth looking at.

Good read on BB ammo.
http://forums.outdoorsdirectory.com/showthread.php?t=58143

Ak.Hiker · « **Reply #17 on:** August 11, 2009, 06:45:33 PM »

Quote from: S.B. on August 11, 2009, 06:32:01 PM

Quote from: Ak.Hiker on August 08, 2009, 08:01:13 PM
If you just want a powerful gun for field back up why not go ahead and get either a 329 or the new Night Guard. Just do not shoot to many full power rounds through the gun. I would think the gun would shoot 44 Special type loads all day long. Buffalo Bore loads a 255 grain cast load just for the 329. Buy the way I saw a 44 Magnum Night Guard yesterday at the S&W shop. I think the Night Guard would be worth looking at.

Good read on BB ammo.
http://forums.outdoorsdirectory.com/showthread.php?t=58143

Not sure why that poster had problems with BB ammo. It is expensive but I have always found it to be very high quality. I have shot their 454, 44 magnum, 45 acp, 10mm and 357 magnum and would trust my life to their products. With high performance ammo some brands will have more bullet movement under recoil than others. The BB has always been tight and always gone bang.

Hook686 · « **Reply #18 on:** August 13, 2009, 04:03:04 PM »

I can only agree with AK.Hiker ... I shoot BB ammo in my 9mm, .357 magnum and .44 magnum firearms. I've never had a misfire, crimp jump, or any other problem. In the S&W 329PD I really like the BB Heavy .44 Special loads. I typically load (2) - snake shot rounds, followed by (2) - BB 185 Heavy 185 grain rounds, and then (2) - 300 grain XTP/JHP. I find the 329PD shoots each of these quite nicely, though the 300 grain XTPs hurt. However I figure if I get to where I need round 5 & 6 then the recoil pain will be the least of my problems.

paul105 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 14, 2009, 12:22:49 PM »

I've had 3 different 329s. Still have 2. The 329 is my all day every day carry gun. For my purposes, it has the ideal power to weight ratio. The 500 S&W Hogues are a very useful additon.

For 18 months or so, I shot them extensively (8,000 rounds of 240 to 325gr at 1,050 to 1,300 fps -- actual chronograph numbers). I stopped shooting them because the recoil was starting to bother my wrist, and I got tired of sending them back for repairs. Here is a list of the problems I encountered over that time frame.

=>   S&W 329 – self destructed (barrel separated from frame) upon firing.
=>   S&W 329 – hand spring jumped pin, rendering hand inoperable.
=>   S&W 329 – internal lock engaged under recoil (2x)
=>   S&W 329 – misfiring (light hits). Returned to S&W to replace firing pin.
=>   S&W 329 – multiple instances (4 or 5) of blast shield/top strap erosion – S&W replaced shields (each time) and frames (as required).
=> S&W 329 - carry up fixed several times.

A couple of things to keep in mind with the 329s before you bet your life on one.

There have been a number of complaints, on various forums, about misfires due to weak firing pin hits. IIRC it has something to due with short pins installed to pass some Calif. safety test (don't hold me to that).

The lock has a tendency to self engage with heavy loads (mine have been disabled).

Gas shield/Top strap erosion is a problem with heavy use and magnum loads. The gas shield has to be installed by the factory. If gas shield is not fixed in time, the frame will erode and also need to be replaced.

Smith & Wesson fixed all problems listed above under warranty.

Most 329 owners will never shoot them enough to encounter some of the problems listed above.

FWIW,

Paul

drdougrx · « **Reply #20 on:** August 14, 2009, 01:33:16 PM »

Now THATS a great review!!!!

Thanks Paul....very thoughtful and I for one appreciate the time you took in your post!!

Let me now say thanks to everyone who responds to ANY quesation posed to ANY group. It's really helpful, folks like SB, Mikey, Dee, 44man, William Layton, LLoyde Smale and of course GB and everyone else make this kinda forum so worthwhile!!!!

Really....I appreciate everyone's input.........

S.B. · « **Reply #21 on:** August 14, 2009, 02:17:46 PM »

paul105, Tell us, were all or most of the failures you had during firing the heavier bullets?
Steve

paul105 · « **Reply #22 on:** August 14, 2009, 02:42:01 PM »

S.B.,

No.

The overwhelming majority (99+%) of loads shot thru the 3 guns were 240 to 260 gr bullets at 1,150 to 1,200 fps (Remington factory 240s chronoed 1,240 fps). My thoughts:

The blast shield/top strap erosion and carry up problems are long term exposure type issues.

The firing pin problem was/is related to design/fabrication dimensions/specs.

The “self destruct” event was an assembly issue (according to customer service, the barrel was over torqued when installed) and probably an outlier event.

The lock issue is, well, “the lock” issue – scandium/titanium lightweight, high recoiling handguns seem more prone to involuntary engagement.

Also, the materials used in these guns probably contributes to some of these problems.

Jerry J · « **Reply #23 on:** September 29, 2009, 01:40:10 AM »

I have a 5" Classic 29 with the underlug. I had a 6" 29 and a 4" 329. I shoot moderate loads in all with the occasional heavy load when I needed it. I found the recoil on the 329 stout but not unmanagable. My biggest objection to the 329 was the fact it was so light it was a dream to carry but more difficult to hold on target. A little weight helps in that department also sight settings between the hot loads and the moderate loads was extreme. I've gone to a 3" 629 and I've not looked back.