I come to the Lounge looking for sage advice from the outdoorsmen, cowpokes, and sundry adventurers who populate this section. I have a 629-1 with 8-3/8" barrel that's been earmarked as a project for quite some time, as I planned a barrel swap (to a Factory 4" tube) as well as some S&W revolver package tweaking. As of late however, I have come to like the 329 PD as a lighter weight option. Either one would be used for woods carry, hiking, etc. and realistically would never see a Magnum round, just standard Specials. The pros of the 629-1 project would be stoutness and steel construction, older S&W aesthetics, and possible resale of the original barrel. The pros of the 329 PD are more practical carry weight, modern materials/metallurgy, and Factory warrantee with new revolver. The IL is not an issue or concern as it would be plugged asap. Taking into account the various positives (and whatever negatives might be offered), the question becomes this: Keep the 629-1 and complete the project, or sell the 629-1 and go with the 329 PD.

Wisdom, opinions, and pragmatic suggestions are appreciated.

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I'm with the banned ...

The light weight might make for easy trampin', but possibly fearsome should you have to put it to use. Having been raised in PA, I agree the most useful loads would be mid-range .44 Spls (~ 250g Kieth around 900-1000 fps). With loads in that area, recoil shouldn't be too stout. You might try to find an example to verify that.

I'm not really up on the new fangled models. I'd admit to being suspicious of an alloy revolver on grounds of my being unfashionably reactionary. No opinion.

I figure you're liking the the 329, so that's the way I voted. Certainly easier to pack, and new guns are usually have a higher cool factor than ones we've had around awhile...I'm saying this thinking you probably have already decided

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

Sir, of the two guns you name, I'd prefer the 629, ideally rebarreled with a Mountain Gun tube. After shooting a 325PD (.45 ACP), I have zero interest in a scandium .44 mag.

If you're not wedded to those two particular guns, a big-bore Ruger Blackhawk or Super Blackhawk with a short-ish tube would fall between the 629 and 329 weight-wise.

JMHO, FWIW.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

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Wishin' don't make it so.

I actually did this with an 8 3/8" 629-2. In my case I had an original LH 3" barrel installed.

Not a scandium guy personally, weight is actually your friend if you use the revolver as intended by firing it.

Get the mod done.

The pros of the 629 project outweigh the pros of the 329. Yes, the 329 has the warranty, but newer Smith's are far more likely to need said warranty. Note to Mods: I'm not bashing!

A well done project is extremely satisfying, and heavy as it may be, a big steel revolver is a comforting feeling out in the woods.

If you ever need to shoot full house loads, you already know which one you'll shoot better with!

Okay, that's my .02 cents worth!

For what you want, I would pick a 329. A lot easier to carry when hiking in the woods, and a mid range special load will work with anything you are likely to encounter in the PA woods - 2 or 4 legged. Recoil would not be any worse then a steel frame gun with magnums, I would think. Now, if you want an all around gun that will be digesting magnum loads as well, then the 629 might be better. If you carry with a shoulder holster as opposed to a hip holster, then the weight advantage of the 329 might not make that much of a difference. I always thought heavy guns carried better in a shoulder holster then on the hip.

If you are not wedded to the idea of a S&W, the Ruger flat top 44 spl's, built on the old 357 size frame are pretty neat woods carry guns. Replace the steel grip frame and ejector rod housing with aluminum versions, sell the steel versions on flee-bay to recoup the cost, and the gun wouldn't weigh much more then a 329. (That's my next project)

Larry

Having had a 25-?, 45 Colt in the early 80's. The weight and recoil of your intended usage of 44 Specials to the 4" 25 would be apples to apples. The weight of a full weight 4" N-frame is not that great for woods walking or even long-gun hunting. At the time I used Federal 225 grain SWCHP ammo, the recoil from 100 rounds of plinking was never a problem. I foolishly sold off that gun long ago, but when walking in the woods now, I often carry my 1917 so the recoil and weight are still similar. The weight issue comes into play when the activity is more strenuous, like backpacking. Then the weight of revolver and ammo becomes extremely heavy to my overweight self. Even with going to a 30-35 pound pack, from the 60 pound pack I carried 30 years ago, I have gone to a alloy 38 and a single strip of additional ammo. I used to carry a alloy 1911 and 5 extra mags of ammo on 2-3 day excursions, not any more. Hope this helps. Ivan

I just recently bought a 4" 629-1 to keep my two 4" 29-2s company.
The 4" N frame 44 magnum is a great all around revolver. Handload it
to the power level that suits your needs for most any situation. Keep
the 629-1.

Appreciate the thoughts thus far. The 4" 629-1 project is as close to a Mountain Revolver as I'll get, and I admit that it has been my dream gun for a long time. The project would have more $ invested, but it would be a revolver "customized" to my liking. My interest in the 329 PD came about late ... I've never been much of a fan for lightweight big bores, although the Thunder Ranch 325 was a very nice shooter. I owned a 396 Mountain Lite some years ago and it was nearly unshootable for me. At 19 oz, a 500 grip was required to get through more than five rounds.

Since each would come in ~$1,000 only one is an option. It may simply be a case of out-thinking myself.

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I'm with the banned ...

Personally, I'd prefer a 4" 29 series.

The gun in my avatar is a factory 4" 29-2. That target was shot at 50' with Speer 200gr. Gold Dot Specials. With that load (never mind anemic factory 240gr. LRN) that gun is EXTREMELY pleasant to shoot.

I got tired of carrying around a 7 1/2 inch Ruger SBH in .44 mag and bought a S&W 329 NG to replace it. To tame the recoil I put the 500 grip on it and it is a pleasure to shoot with .44 Specials, the .44 mag rounds will hurt. I have shot a wild hog up close with the magnum load and did not notice the recoil at all due to my attention was on the boar.
The 329 is much easier to carry and does not make you sore at the end of the day. As been said many times before on this forum, it is a great gun to carry a lot and shoot a little... perfect for woods carrying.

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"Life is short, hunt hard"

While I like the N frames I hardly ever carry one. my carry gun is a .357 snub nose in my pocket. It`s there if needed but hidden from prying eyes, if you know what I mean. Also by being in my pocket it doesn't scratch my camera or anything else and it`s protected too.
If I were to carry openly , I would have a major problem trying to decide which of my lovely guns to pull out of the safe. They are all so good.

Carry the Model 329 PD in the woods.
Keep the Model 629-1 and complete your project in the future.

*** Reason for using the Model 329 PD in the woods:
1. Lighter weight
2. If you are attacked by a bear, lion, or zombie the Model 329 PD will be easier for the thing that eats you to digest the weapon and you.

What in blazes do you have in them woods ?
First question.
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD

PA has plenty of black bear. We're starting to get some of their extras here in Ohio. Typically they are not aggressive, but you never know.

12 guage with slugs and 9x23 for the leftovers.
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD

Up in Cleveland we have coyotes in the Metroparks now. I heard them howling down in the valley last week, and have seen tracks in our parking lot a year or two ago.

Coyotes frequently attack domesticated pets, and in large enough packs will attack (and occasionally kill) humans.

My preference would be for a 3" or 4" K frame .357, like my 3" 65, but of the enumerated choices, I'd go with the 4" 629.

Roaming the Allegheny's here in South Western Pa. for 25-30 years I've felt comfortable with only a 3" 66 or a 3" 60-10. Heck in the 60s all I had was a single shot .22lr Stevens Favorite. Maybe I need to rethink! LOL

Someone added a 12 gage to the discussion. Another option would be a .357 carbine........ Winchester Trapper or one of the new Ruger 77/357s. Both are fairly light and handy.

All joking aside........

mc5aw.......a man should build his "dream gun" if he can!

I've owned a 4" Model 29 for decades and it is my prefered sidearm when hunting, also spring and early summer camping when the bears can be annoyingly aggressive in their search for calories (and frequently accompanied by cubs). Also had a 6.5" Model 29 for several years, but found it to be a bit large for regular carry. The weight of the steel-framed guns is sufficient to tame the recoil of most .44 magnum ammo enough that I can shoot them pretty well.

I acquired a new 629 Deluxe 3" a few years ago and enjoy shooting it, but only with .44 Specials.

The only alloy-framed S&W revolver I own is the Model 37 (Airweight Chief Special). I stick with standard velocity .38 Special with that because even .38 +P is rather wicked to shoot in that little gun.

Acquired a Colt Single Action Army in .44 Special last year and I think that will see some time as my camping companion. Very pleasant to shoot, even with maxed-out .44 Special loads, and the "cool factor" is tough to beat.

Have carried a 4 or 6" N frame on many a walk-- while hunting or just getting out. I just fail to understand all the flap about so-called 'weight' -- maybe because I have done it for so long I just don't think about it any more-- I have of late become more concerned about packs of feral dogs, and pot growers than just about anything else. I find this SIG to be more than ready to fit the bill, and include a couple extra magazines, or at least one. Everything else aside, these days you never know. JMHO

Based on my experience, which includes a 3" 629 and a 325PD, you will prefer whichever revolver you are not carrying/don't have. However, there IS one possibility of a right answer, and, in your case, you may even be able to figure out right now whether it applies to you.

The only way you can possibly be satisfied is if the 329 is actually comfortably shootable with appropriate ammo. Since you have already experienced a 325, you should already have a good idea of whether there are grips which will render a 329 comfortable with .44 Special ammo. If so, there's your answer.

I'm assuming, of course, that you would always prefer to CARRY a lighter gun. I'm pretty sure that this is true, but remember that a good belt (thebeltman.net) may change the underlying facts a little, or even a lot.

I voted keeping the 629. I have one in 3 inch I often carry while hunting or hiking. I have a 325PD and 357PD too but they never seem to go on those trips and are more range guns for me.
I don't mind the weight of the 629 in a pancake holster and good belt. I shoot mainly .44 special type reloads in it but .44 mags aren't bad either with the rubber S&W grips it wears. I just don't like shooting a lot of them in it.

Years ago prices were better, more old classics that werent classics yet, "Guru`s" didnt charge a lung, I was single with a good job and had connections in the gun smithing world, I had a half dozen projects done like that. I cant see it today. I would just sell what you have and keep my eyes open for a number of good models out there. You never would get close to getting your money out. I would first look for a "Mountain gun" in any of the fourtys. If one dont show up just get a 24-3, 25-5 or a 29-2 in 4"s. One of them must be somewhere out there.
There is something to be said about doing a project gun just for you, however in the long run just know its a money loosing idea. If money isnt much of a object, go for it.

329PD.

Much easier to carry in the woods, which means you'll carry it more. I carry my 329PD everytime I leave the house, even to go to my shop which is about 50 yards away. If it weighed twice what it weighs, I'd probably leave it home more often and take the Glock or the Sig. I prefer the 329PD.

.44 Mag loads = pain.
.44 Special loads = GTG, fire all you want.

Unless you really think you need a big bear gun, the .44 Special should do you good.

Good luck!

I am a .44 special freak, got 7 of em. Yet I also like .45 colt. Nothing wrong with either one of them. I have a model 24-3 and a 25-5 both in 4" barrels. I load both to the same level and Hardly see the difference except due to the 24s pencil barrel as opposed to the 25s straight heavy barrel the 24 is a little handier to pack.

WELL.....

Sounds to me like you really need to GET BOTH, in the famous refrain of another forum. You've been putting time into the project gun of your dreams, and at the same time the utility of the 329 may make the most ideal piece for your needs.

So, what the heck is a $1000 compared to having your bases covered in spades? I say get 'em both, and if you find one vastly superior to the other you can always sell and re-coup some of your investment.

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

theres two reasons to draw and fire a woods gun.
because you need to shoot something
because you want to shoot something
when you need to shoot something .. either will do the job
when you want to shoot something, the less punishing, and more robust 629 wins the fight.
now that this is settled, just get your 629 out there, zap something and love it

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it just needs more voltage

Woods bummin' is one of my favorite pastimes.
I always enjoy the comfort of various N frames in 4" sizes. M28, M25-5, etc.
Never felt they were too heavy. Carrying should be comforting, not always super-comfortable.

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

I'd go with the 629. No good reason, really. I just like 'em better than the newer lightweights!

My camp in vt is in the center of bear country with the most kills. My light carry has been a snubbie in 357mag. My heavy carry has been a redhawk in 44mag. I would suggest getting redhawk in 44 mag and save the s&w from the woods.

The 629 will always be a pleasure to shoot......the 329 will never be a pleasure to shoot. Your choice. I had both and chose the 629.

i would choose the heavy weight ,itll make a better club after the 6th round. lol. it will be much a more versatile, all round gun.
i chose a 4 1/4" 629 for this exact purpose, but it will remain stored in my safe until our laws permit wilderness carry, im just getting ready
remember if this is for grizzly bears ,you should remove the sights and bob the hammer

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the rules? there are no rules

I switched to .44 Specials as the wooded trail caliber the season before last when I found a large pile of bear scat on my path. This past summer I had my first moderately close encounter with a bear ... though we both respected each other's space, I was glad to have a .44 Special with me. The latest black bear season had a hunter down state (Lackawanna County) bring in 800lbs worth of bruin. It was a massive bear. There's also rather large coyotes in the area I frequent based on scat piles I monitor. Whether I have a 3" 624 or 696 with me, I always feel comfortable. The 629 would be an extension of those two revolvers, as well as a dandy range gun. I've always though the 4" N-Frame .44 was the perfect "fighting revolver", whatever one's definition of fighting is, and that's why the project has been on the "to do" list. I think I may leave well enough alone, and go with the project as $ allow.

Again, many thanks to all for the thoughts and advice.

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I'm with the banned ...

Well, at least with the 329, it would have to be a dad-blasted emergency to shoot that puppy. You know, like a bear trying to eat both of your feet, or that whole Bigfoot-forrest bride thing.

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James L. "Jim" Rhiner

In your wood walking area I would be packing something that holds more than six rounds (think belt fed)

i'd stick a 4" MG barrel on there and a set of hogue rubber grips. my 29-8 in a chest holster is my woods walking gun. don't even know its there. and it will shoot magnum loads without being abusive and specials are like a 357 in a 27. the 329PD is about 10 ounces lighter and i'd bet is abusive to shoot mags out of.

I have several 4" barrel N frames, three .41 mags, a .44 mag, a .45 a.c.p., and a .45 Colt. After a close encounter with a black near in north Georgia, I carry a S&W 1006 10mm pistol when I hike.

Not sure how you feel about fantastic plastic, but you can purchase a Glock 29 10mm for less than the barrel swap will cost.

A nice, used .40 S&W pistol could be had under $400.00.

I would put a 4" barrel on this one if I could find one. An original 629, no dash.

They're not just in the Metroparks. My mom lives in Avon Lake and a neighbor saw one chasing a couple suburban deer through the neighborhood one night. I live in Columbus and while I've yet to see a living one in the city, I have seen a few dead ones on the side of 270.

I carry my 8 3/8" 629-1 so you know how I voted.

For goodness sake keep the 629-1 and complete the project.

I love my 4" 29-2, especially with Speer Gold Dot 200gr. Specials.

I'd love to have a 4" 24 or a 25-5. I passed on a 4" 25-2 years ago that I probably should have gotten.

I really like the ideas and technology behind S&Ws various scandium framed revolvers. I would own quite a few and carry one or two if it weren't for the internal lock. Not bashing it, just can't look past it. Seeing as you have already indicated that "plugging" the lock is an acceptable solution for you I would sell the 629-1 and buy a 329. That way you will have a lighter gun more closely suited to your needs, and someone else will get a nice 44mag and use it for their needs.

If I were facing this choice I would stay with the 629. But then I don't have huge hands or forearms like Popeye, which strike me as requisites for shooting happiness with alloy N-frames. You may not need the mass-damping, recoil-taming effect of steel if you have some serious bone and muscle weight below your elbow.

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David Wilson

From the wilds of Alaska, to the brush country of Texas,
I carried this 'n long before any one coin'd the phrase 'Mountain Gun'.

I do like the flexibility of the 44 Mag/44 Special, everthing I need in a sidearm for prowlin' the tall & un-cut.


44 Magnum cylinder with a 4 3/4" 44 Spl barrel.


The only thing that would have made it better...Would have been stainless.


Su Amigo,
Dave

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"