Buy a Ruger then.
As long as you mentioned Ruger, I'd get a Redhawk .44 mag. If not, then I'd get the Mountain Gun.
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Keep this 329PD or trade for a mountain gun???
- Thread starter triple-tap-FL
- Start date
As long as you mentioned Ruger, I'd get a Redhawk .44 mag. If not, then I'd get the Mountain Gun.
The 329pd is a purpose built 44mag - not a rsnge toy. Only those serious about carrying a 44mag should own a 329. And I don't mean "carry" from the safe to the truck and back again.
At 31oz loaded, it will have some serious recoil - but you won't notice that when a bear is closing on you.
At 31oz loaded, it will have some serious recoil - but you won't notice that when a bear is closing on you.
Mike_Fontenot
Member
Another vote for the 5" full-underlug 629, and for the X500 grips. It's been my EDC for a year or so. Very pleasant to shoot, especially with the very relaxed grip (and relaxed and flexed elbows) I use.
Homesteader
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You bought the 329pd for a great price, so you have room to make some choices. Like Paul, I've sent thousands of full house loads downrange and actually had a heavily used 329pd of the three I own, replaced by the manufacturer (stretched frame). Now, after adding years (and some wisdom) I practice and load develop with an inexpensive Taurus with a 4" bbl. Same size and similar trigger, it's just easier on me and the guns. I share the 329pds with my son and friend when we bow hunt so I want to keep the revolvers in good shape. The Taurus is sacrificial, but the way it's holding up it will likely outlast me. I'll never be without a 329pd for lightweight carry though.
I used to carry bear spray religiously. But something changed as I got older and now I'm more bloodthirsty. I want something that will drill a 1/2" hole from nose to anus on a bear. My only remaining can of bear spray expired 5 years ago, but I still carry it in my truck for some reason (hot sauce? ).I understand it's not as manly as a gun, but bear spray only weighs 9.2 ounces and there's no recoil, making follow up shots much easier and effective.
2000Z-71
Member
I recently bought a 329 because I, "Needed" another .44 Magnum for a photography trip. I'll be going to Haines, Alaska for a brown bear photography in July. In order to get there from Anchorage, I have to drive across part of the Yukon Territory and cut off a corner of British Columbia, Canada before re-entering Alaska.
Communist Canadian gun laws prohibit transporting a handgun with less than a 4.1" barrel so my 629 Mountain Gun has to stay home. I've carried that gun for several years as my hunting sidearm and backpacking gun. The 329 at 4.125" is legal as well as the 69 at 4.25". I do have a 5" 629 Classic, but it is pre-lock and has an action tune by Milt Morrison when he still ran Qualitee Pistol and Revolver in Denver. There's no way I want to risk losing that gun to a Canadian Customs agent having a bad day.
The 329 is a specialized piece; lightweight for carrying when every ounce matters, it's not a range toy. The lightweight is what made the decision for me over the 69. I can practice with my 629 Mountain Gun or my 629 Classic without issue. After shooting 24 full magnum loads through the 329 today I was done. Also helped that the 305gr. Underwood loads wouldn't eject so it made the decision to go home early easier.
I'm going to try using some of my, "Cowboy Loads" in the 329, a 240gr SWC at about 900fps. That may tame it for range sessions. If you need a lightweight revolver for packing in the woods, the 329 is a great choice. If you're looking for a range toy, there's better choices. I'm actually thankful I got the 329 it's going to work out great for my photography trips. I have no plans to sell my 629 Mountain Gun, it's too useful of a gun and I'll probably continue to carry it in the woods when I'm not packing photography gear.
Communist Canadian gun laws prohibit transporting a handgun with less than a 4.1" barrel so my 629 Mountain Gun has to stay home. I've carried that gun for several years as my hunting sidearm and backpacking gun. The 329 at 4.125" is legal as well as the 69 at 4.25". I do have a 5" 629 Classic, but it is pre-lock and has an action tune by Milt Morrison when he still ran Qualitee Pistol and Revolver in Denver. There's no way I want to risk losing that gun to a Canadian Customs agent having a bad day.
The 329 is a specialized piece; lightweight for carrying when every ounce matters, it's not a range toy. The lightweight is what made the decision for me over the 69. I can practice with my 629 Mountain Gun or my 629 Classic without issue. After shooting 24 full magnum loads through the 329 today I was done. Also helped that the 305gr. Underwood loads wouldn't eject so it made the decision to go home early easier.
I'm going to try using some of my, "Cowboy Loads" in the 329, a 240gr SWC at about 900fps. That may tame it for range sessions. If you need a lightweight revolver for packing in the woods, the 329 is a great choice. If you're looking for a range toy, there's better choices. I'm actually thankful I got the 329 it's going to work out great for my photography trips. I have no plans to sell my 629 Mountain Gun, it's too useful of a gun and I'll probably continue to carry it in the woods when I'm not packing photography gear.
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Mike_Fontenot
Member
WOW! You must be the world record holder for the most magnum-load shots out of a 329 in a single range session.
Neversink n Klapperthal
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the 329 is a specialized gun,ideal for a hiker,but not so great as a gun for a range gun. I had one years ago and could kick myself for selling it
OP
triple-tap-FL
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Thanks all. On Wednesday, I actually posted the gun on a local firearm board for trade with a mountain gun, and thought I might get someone willing to do an even/up trade rather than buying outright.
I took the 329 to the range on Saturday while sighting in a new scope on my rifle. Shot 6 rounds out of the 329, 6 rounds out of my 686, then 3 rounds out of a friend's .500 magnum...
When I got home, I had a few trade offers (including a straight trade for a 6.5" .500 magnum with a two boxes of higher end ammo). I thought about it for about 60 seconds, and agreed.
Completed the trade this morning, and I have to admit that I am pretty psyched. I will still end up buying a mountain gun in a few weeks.
I took the 329 to the range on Saturday while sighting in a new scope on my rifle. Shot 6 rounds out of the 329, 6 rounds out of my 686, then 3 rounds out of a friend's .500 magnum...
When I got home, I had a few trade offers (including a straight trade for a 6.5" .500 magnum with a two boxes of higher end ammo). I thought about it for about 60 seconds, and agreed.
Completed the trade this morning, and I have to admit that I am pretty psyched. I will still end up buying a mountain gun in a few weeks.
Sounds like a good trade to me. I'm of the opinion you should try everything you can while you can as long as you have the resources to do it. Nothing lost but a little money which you won't miss a year from now.
Post some of your thoughts when you get to banging away with that 500.
Enjoy,
Paul
Post some of your thoughts when you get to banging away with that 500.
Enjoy,
Paul
