I owned a S&W pellet gun in the late 70s/early80s & now my first revolver: 329PD

[Undermoose]

I owned a S&W pellet gun in the late 70s/early80s & now my first revolver: 329PD

I have a small collection of handguns, and on 12/29 added a Smith & Wesson 329PD to it.

It's a brand new, very handled at the dealer, 2014 329PD. I was looking for something before end of 2018 and there it was. It's my first 44 mag, and I like shooting 44 special out of it, though I did buy a box of Federal 44mag jacketed hollow points.

Nice gun, has the hiviz front red sight, v notch rear, plain wood grips, and full rubber grips (I use the rubber grips and the metal is not exposed). Smith & Wesson told me there's little change (if any) between 2014 and today.

I only have 75 rounds through it so far. I made it through the box of 44 special without any issues, but my buddy and I tried to get through the 44 mag and gave up after 25 rounds I wasn't surprised, it's light.

There is a touch of wear where the cylinder pin meets/rubs the firing pin's wall (forgive me I don't know the revolver term yet) while coming to rest. You can see the cylinder's been turned (has a moderate line), and after 75 rounds it has cylinder burn marks of course. Looks good

Any concerns for the 2014 329PD experienced owners care to share? I've read up on the steel protective plate to prevent cutting the frame, not to use brushes on the cylinder to try to clean it, and don't use ammonia solvents.

I bought some 200 grain 44 mag rounds to try next. I'm thinking they'll be somewhere in between the 240grain 44mag, and 240grain 44special, with respect to recoil I hope (I'll find out tomorrow).



It's a nice piece for the collection.

 

[Usmc5811]

Welcome to the forum, you know we do like pics. Congrats on the 329pd, I would like to try a full power 44 mag through it. I've shot plenty of 44 through my 629 classic and an old Taurus 4" ported 44 mag. Even the wife enjoyed shooting them.

 

[lkabug]

Welcome from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Nice gun you got there.

 

[M29since14]

You picked a mean one for your first 44! I've been shooting 44 Magnums for a lot of years now and I'd say if you can learn to enjoy shooting even 200-grain 44 Magnums out of that gun you're a pretty tough cookie, regardless of what stocks you happen to prefer. I rarely shoot my 329 with anything more stout than a standard 44 Special (250 at 750 FPS), and I can't even say I enjoy that.

It's an incredible revolver. When I bought my first Model 29, no one would have believed such a gun would ever be produced - or that it would hold up for more than a few shots if it was. I admire it, but not so much for target practice. Good luck with your new 329!

 

[Undermoose]

240grain 44 special/easy-240grain 44 magnum/sharp-shooting 200grain magnum tomorrow

I've yet to shoot the 200grain magnum. I got PrecisionOne rounds and hoping they're not like the 240grain I'll know tomorrow.

Pictures as requested have been uploaded (S/N removed).
I think they show the gentle wear from sitting in the dealer's case (for close to 5 years?, who knows), and the potential buyer's handling. There were no burn marks until I fired it.

It's a really unique gun in the library of firearms.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Congrats on your new addition.

Maybe it's time for you to get into handloading? 44's are best served with a big helping of your favorite recipe.

Handloads in the 1050-1100fps range are all-day loads but still let you know it's no push-over. I really like shooting these lightweight Sc framed revolvers with range loads. Big difference from holding up a heavyweight long barrel revolver after 100 rounds.

Those 200gr. rounds will likely have less recoil. Bullet weight is a big factor & the lighter one will print lower than the 240gr.

Some people (myself included) aren't too keen on it's V-notch rear sight blade for target shooting. You can leave the .264" tall front sight in place & just replace the .200" tall V-notch with a black .196" square notch blade (S&W PN# 033020000).

And since that blade also has a .104" deep notch you get a better sight picture.

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329PD with square notch rear blade & Ss cylinder
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[Undermoose]

I am planning to replace the rear site, but might go with the white border style. .196 vs .160? I'm only finding a .160 so far on MidwayUSA: Smith & Wesson Rear Sight Blade .160" White Outline K, L, N-Frame.

The solid steel cylinder, is that something S&W offers as a courtesy? I heard one report that it does. It looks nice, but I don't mind the burn marks on the titanium. It's long term wear I'm a bit concerned about since this revolver will likely never leave my collection.

I haven't ventured down the path of reloading for a few reasons, but have had a friend who was an avid re-loader at one point. Maybe one day

 

[Lou_the_welder]

I dislike the V-notch rear sight on the 329 and the 327 R8. So far I've only replaced the R8 one.
I'd go with a similar setup like the kind blue dot above has.
I found the 200 gr magnums kicked less than the 240 gr. ...

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[g-dad]

Undermoose, that's a fine looking revolver you have there.

When it comes to cleaning the cylinder I use G96. I purchased a JM 625 from a forum member several years ago and he recommended it for cleaning the satin finish. It works great for me along with a stiff tooth brush. Actually that's all I use now for every gun I have.

 

[Undermoose]

I own and use G96 CLP, and just picked up some Break-Free CLP today to try out. On my 1911's I've tended to use Hoppes solvent and oil, but recently just use CLP.

Being new to 44magnum, I can tell you after 2 visits to the range that all 44 loads are not the same. In comparison, it seems to me that 45 ACP, one load vs another, tends to be rather uniform (unless it's marked +P).

I've now shot Federal 240grain JHP, Remington 180grain JSP, and PrecisionOne 200grain FMJ. Each round had some kick, so in order of recoil; 1. 240 JHP, 2, 180grain JSP, 3 200grain FMJ.

Muzzle Velocity Specs:
1. Federal 240 JHP: 1230 FPS
2. Remington 180 JSP: 1610 FPS
3. PrecisionOne 200 FMJ: 1350 FPS

The Federal 240grain makes me stop and think after each shot, the Remington 180grain surprised me, and the PrecisionOne 200grain was what I was hoping for in range 44mag. The PrecisionOne had just enough kick to let me know it's a magnum.

 

[gunnails]

I would like to hear about the air rifle?

 

[Undermoose]

Smith & Wesson 22 cal Pump Action Rifle with a Scope.

I would like to hear about the air rifle?

It was a Smith & Wesson 22 cal pellet pump action rifle with a scope. I owned it and the Sheridan pellet gun. You had to pump the S&W more than the Sheridan, and the round was lighter than a Sheridan, but it worked against varmint just fine.


Last time seen, 1985.
Please contact me if you find it!


(Lol you made me Google it, and what do you know, the Internet has pics!)

 

[gunnails]

It was a Smith & Wesson 22 cal pellet pump action rifle with a scope. I owned it and the Sheridan pellet gun. You had to pump the S&W more than the Sheridan, and the round was lighter than a Sheridan, but it worked against varmint just fine.


Last time seen, 1985.
Please contact me if you find it!


(Lol you made me Google it, and what do you know, the Internet has pics!)

=====================================

Ah yes, 1985, same year I sold my AMC Gremlim and bought a 82 Datsun PU.
I have a Crossman 760 I must of bought in 76/78, still have it and it's still fun.
Never new that S&W made a pellet gun, thanks for sharing.

 

[BarryinIN]

That's the 77A rifle. My first S&W. Loved that thing. I bought another off Gunbroker about ten years ago around Christmas time.

 

[Undermoose]

Mine too, and now my first S&W handgun. I ordered the .196 black square rear sight today. The 329PD is a lot of fun to shoot, so now I need to buy a place where I can shoot it in my back yard