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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #1  
Old 08-20-2010, 05:59 PM
tlaud tlaud is offline
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I was looking at a 329XL and was wondering how reliable the frame is on these guns. Is this material as tough as steel?
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Old 08-20-2010, 06:46 PM
Wayne M Wayne M is offline
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The "scandium" guns have replaceble blast shields in the topstrap above the forcing cone. Guys who shoot them a lot routinely send them back to Smith to have the shields replaced after they have been burned in two pieces. The shield is there because, unlike stainless or regular blued steel, the scandium won't take the fire and apparently the shield won't take much of it either. There have been instances of them breaking in other areas also. They're also more expensive than a regular steel model. To me a classic case of just because it can be done doesn't mean it should be done. I'd try to shoot one belonging to someone else with full power ammo before buying. If that doesn't convince you to do the right thing nothing will.

If you intend to carry a lot and almost never shoot, it may be ok but if you are a serious shooter and/or handloader I don't think you want scandium. Try a 629 Mountain Gun if light weight is what you need. Still not as light as scandium but it and your wrists will last lots longer.
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Old 08-20-2010, 07:35 PM
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HK-N-THE-HOUSE HK-N-THE-HOUSE is offline
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I have a MP340 and it is a very well made gun. I have shot the (He-double hockey sticks) out of it with full power 357 mag. loads and have not had one single problem. You will find some people just don,t like change , especially when it comes to guns and therefore you will almost never hear anything good being said out of their mouth about new designs in guns.

Last edited by HK-N-THE-HOUSE; 08-20-2010 at 08:30 PM.
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Old 08-20-2010, 07:51 PM
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FlYFiShErMaN FlYFiShErMaN is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by emmitstoll View Post
I have a MP340 and it is a very well made gun. I have shot the hell out of it with full power 357 mag. loads and have not had one single problem. You will find some people just don,t like change , especially when it comes to guns and therefore you will almost never hear anything good being said out of their mouth about new designs in guns.
Same here. No issues with my 340PD. Now it will smash the heel of your firing hand with full Mag loads. Now, to protect the finish you should follow this advice. According to S&W, DO NOT use any type of product that contains ammonia or chlorine, meaning #9 is a No Go. I use Breakfree CLP or Hoppes Elite.
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Old 08-20-2010, 08:02 PM
Wayne M Wayne M is offline
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Glad to hear of your good fortune and the strength of your guns. My 629 hasn't had the H shot out of it but it's at somewhere between 11K and 12K mag handloads. No special care or solvents banned or required, wrists and palms GTG.

And there you are......some of us like "new" and some of us can live without it.

But then I thought battle rifle developement stopped at the M14!
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Old 08-20-2010, 09:22 PM
bountyhunter bountyhunter is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tlaud View Post
I was looking at a 329XL and was wondering how reliable the frame is on these guns. Is this material as tough as steel?
No way. AFAIK, the frames are not steel at all, they are aluminum. I believe they are called "scandium" because the alumnum has a bit of that added for strength. I have not heard of any frames failing so they are probably good enough. I have heard many horror stories about the clear coating falling off really quickly.

Last edited by bountyhunter; 08-20-2010 at 09:25 PM.
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Old 08-21-2010, 01:19 AM
dwever dwever is offline
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Had a scandium frame on a Gunsite 1911 commander with no problems whatsoever.
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Old 08-21-2010, 09:23 AM
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I agree that the scandium guns are intended to be carried more than fired. I have both a 340PD and a 327PC which are several years old and have been fired a bit, especially the 327. I can't claim multiple thousands of rounds from it, but it has seen some use. No problems. One issue I do have with the guns, however, is that the finish on them is fairly soft and easily scratched, dinged, damaged.....which tends to come more from being carried than fired. The other downside to a 329 is going to be excessive recoil compared to a similar-sized steel gun.

I personally haven't had any interest in a 329. I'd tilt toward the 629 because of durability issues. But if you plan to carry the gun frequently and for long periods of time, the 329 makes sense.
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Old 08-21-2010, 11:01 AM
NE450No2 NE450No2 is offline
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I like my 325 NG a lot, but it is a gun that will not be shot a bunch.

And in 45 ACP it has a lot less recoil, and is a lot easier on the frame than the 44 Mag cartridge would be.

I have shot a couple of friends 329,s with full power 240, 270 and 300gr factory loads.

They are just too light IMHO, and I have been shooting 44 Mag handguns since 1970.

The wife and I have been carrying the 329 Mountain Gun for several years.

It does feel lighter on the belt than a standard 29/629 and is not that bad to shoot with full power loads.
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Old 08-21-2010, 11:32 AM
dla dla is offline
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If you want a typical "carry" big bore revolver, (you know - it gets "carried" from the safe to the truck), then by all means buy steel.
However, if you actually intend to carry a 44mag, then the 329 family can't be beat.
The "gentle" people around here will worry about recoil, but I'm telling you it isn't a big deal.
I'm over 1K rounds, (stopped counting), with my 329pd. The only thing I wonder about the XL is how S&W envisioned you would attach a sighting system?

S&W329pd information
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Old 08-21-2010, 11:58 AM
Texas1941 Texas1941 is offline
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I also have a 325NG. At the 2K mark, it had given me no problems (knock on wood). To me, it's a special purpose weapon, not a service revolver. According to my postal scale, mine weighs 27.35 oz with the factory grips. That's light enough to carry all day in reasonable comfort, but heavy enough to shoot one handed if I must and still have some reasonable expectation of making controlled hits. This has as much to do with the 45 ACP chambering as it does with the gun.

Also, I think, but can't prove, the flame cutting issue may be much less serious at the lower 45 pressures.

For me, the fly weight 357s and 44 MAGS are a no go because I can't control them with one hand. Of course, two hands are always the grip of choice, but may not be an option in a defensive situation.

As to how long a scandium frame will last, I'll have to defer to others. I've never had one fail, but then again I've never shot one into the 10K range where I think you could start making some really valid comparisons with steel.

FWIW,

Charles
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Old 08-21-2010, 12:39 PM
shawn mccarver shawn mccarver is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dla View Post
If you want a typical "carry" big bore revolver, (you know - it gets "carried" from the safe to the truck), then by all means buy steel.
However, if you actually intend to carry a 44mag, then the 329 family can't be beat.
The "gentle" people around here will worry about recoil, but I'm telling you it isn't a big deal.
I'm over 1K rounds, (stopped counting), with my 329pd. The only thing I wonder about the XL is how S&W envisioned you would attach a sighting system?

S&W329pd information
I read the info at the link. I would have to think that the author of that information is much more patient than I. Two trips back to the factory (the first after only 14 rounds for a problem that we read about constantly on this site - light primer strikes), a "blast shield" that is cut to shreds, a barrel and cylinder replacement and defects in the hammer nose bushing causing flame cutting to primers. . . .

Wow. I would be moving on to Rugers. In my opinion, that is pathectic and that 329 should be thrown to a junk pile. In fact, I guess the only thing that would keep me from just throwing it into a deep river (you really can't in good conscience sell it) is the problems about BATFE record keeping, etc.

I appreciate the comments about S&W's excellent customer service, but every problem identified here points to terrible manufacturing and QC during that process.

A firearm is something for which I have no tolerance for shoddy workmanship.
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Old 08-22-2010, 01:06 AM
dla dla is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shawn mccarver View Post
I read the info at the link. I would have to think that the author of that information is much more patient than I. Two trips back to the factory (the first after only 14 rounds for a problem that we read about constantly on this site - light primer strikes), a "blast shield" that is cut to shreds, a barrel and cylinder replacement and defects in the hammer nose bushing causing flame cutting to primers. . . .

Wow. I would be moving on to Rugers. In my opinion, that is pathectic and that 329 should be thrown to a junk pile. In fact, I guess the only thing that would keep me from just throwing it into a deep river (you really can't in good conscience sell it) is the problems about BATFE record keeping, etc.

I appreciate the comments about S&W's excellent customer service, but every problem identified here points to terrible manufacturing and QC during that process.

A firearm is something for which I have no tolerance for shoddy workmanship.
That's just precious
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Old 08-22-2010, 06:41 PM
Slyk54 Slyk54 is offline
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For me, "scandium" frame guns are a paradox; fascinating for their potential as a light-weight carry weapon, and, bluntly, a bit scary when I read about problems people have had with them.

I have handled a 325pd; it is so lightweight it seems to made of some non-metal material altogether. But I do like the look and handling feel of this gun...time will tell on longevity and I will cast my vote with the "wait and see" group
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Old 08-22-2010, 11:15 PM
dla dla is offline
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This kind of reminds me of another place, another time where a poster gave a number of very honest reports on the effectiveness of jacketed and WFN hardcast. He didn't sugar-coat anything - it was "just the facts ma'am". Various people beat him up because he dared show that their favorite bullet didn't perform very well. The take away for me was that forums prefer opinion and group-think over facts. The truth isn't all that important with some folks.

I've owned a lot of firearms over the years and only two (a 500A 12ga and a Glock 19) have absolutely trouble free. Everything else has a quirt or two that I had to get past. The info I put down on the 329pd is reality - I didn't sugar coat it. I didn't hide anything.

If you want a Ruger, then except for when you are posting on a forum, you won't carry it. It is just too heavy. I know. You will carry the 329pd as it is light - warts and all.
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Old 09-23-2010, 03:42 PM
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TheKySharpshooter TheKySharpshooter is offline
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I looked at a 329 over the weekend at a gun show. It was the first time I had picked up a scandium frame revolver and I was amazed at how light it was. I don't know how well I'd like shooting full power magnum loads in a .44, but if I had the chance I'd definitely get in one .357 mag.
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Old 09-23-2010, 05:06 PM
Glock1911 Glock1911 is offline
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I handled a 329 in a shop on Tuesday. It was amazingly light. I would probably practice with light .44 Specials and carry .44 mags.
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Old 09-23-2010, 08:00 PM
TSQUARED TSQUARED is offline
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I have shot a S&W 327 PC JM version with aluminum/scandium alloy frame, titanium cylinder and barrel shroud. I use it for steel challenge and ICORE shoots - it actually comes back on target a bit faster than the all stainless 627. I have 2500 rounds of mild 38 Special reloads through mine - no problems so far. I would not want to shoot it with full power 357 magnum loads.

Last edited by TSQUARED; 09-24-2010 at 08:07 AM.
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Old 09-23-2010, 08:13 PM
HEAD0001 HEAD0001 is offline
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I bought one of the 329 PD's when they first came out. I paid $700 for mine at a local shop. The second I picked it up I knew I had to have it. I do shoot a 44 Special load with a 240 grain bullet that I cast. It is very accurate to 75 yards. I can hit a brick almost every shot, and have shot a few does with mine.

No problems what so ever with mine.

If you are A die-hard full power load guy then it probably is not for you. But for the average guy they work great.

It is absolutely the best revolver for carrying, and you just do not know it is there. We ride 4-wheelers alot. I always have mine with me. I have had 3 or 4 friends buy the exact same revolver, they liked mine so much. No problems with any of them yet either.

It might just be the case that a few bad apples ruined the barrel?? Don't know for sure, but mine is the absolute last handgun I would ever get rid of. But then my 337 might have ruined me to start with!! Tom.


Last edited by HEAD0001; 09-23-2010 at 08:18 PM.
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Old 09-23-2010, 08:51 PM
Glock1911 Glock1911 is offline
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If they built a 329PD 3", I'd have to seriously consider one.
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Old 09-24-2010, 02:50 PM
tamu94 tamu94 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Glock1911 View Post
If they built a 329PD 3", I'd have to seriously consider one.
Check out the 329NG
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1911, 327, 329pd, 340pd, 357 magnum, 627, 629, cartridge, commander, glock, m14, model 14, mountain gun, primer, ruger, scandium, shroud, titanium

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