Does anybody really LIKE the 329PD?

[YkcorCal]

If you ever see a live grizzly in the wild and need a gun the last thing in your mind will be the weight of your gun.

Bear Spray first and gun as a last resort. I carried a Ruger Redhawk 5.5" loaded with Randy Garrett 330gr. Hammerheads for 10 years when I lived, scouted, and hunted in grizzly country in western Wyoming. Garrett Cartridges Inc.

S&Ws take the 310 grain Hammerheads

 

[smithman]

I’ve got a 2.5” Tracker 5 shooter in 44 magnum. I can’t explain it, but is is easier to shoot than my 4 and 6” model 629s. It just fits my hand great with hogue rubber grips on it. Maybe that does explain it…

 

[S&W-Keeper]

My friend has one, it is like shanking hands with the Devil.

 

[Hondo44]

I've heard the 329 PD referred to as a hand grenade rather than a handgun.

 

[Hondo44]

Having read every one of the bear attacks in the following link I feel the 329 PD is one of the good choices.

Handgun or Pistol Against Bear Attacks 104 cases, 97% Effective

My thoughts:

One problem with long guns no matter how short is that when needed they tend to be somewhere else when you need them most, instead of on one's shoulder, unlike a handgun in a holster on your hip.

Another problem with a long gun illustrated in the bear attacks was if the bear gets to you, trying to get a long gun pointed at the bear and working the action if the bear has gotten a hold of you and tossing you around can be a real downside! Even a long barrel handgun can be a detriment.

And as much as I like and use single actions for most of my shooting, having to cock the hammer for each shot doesn't appeal to me when milliseconds can mean the difference between life and death!

Also if you use a long gun to shoot the bear at too great a distance, you risk being second guessed and be in trouble by someone who "thinks" you weren't in enough danger to shoot or kill a bear too far away!

I guess the best advantage is a long gun and a DA revolver or auto handgun of sufficient caliber, and bear spray.

 

[CWH44300]

I couldn’t imagine being without one
The one I have now is my third
A guy can probably pretty much wear one out in a summer of high volume shooting (2k-3k) rounds but they are re-buildable
They are not plinkers
Shoot it enough to hit with it and carry with confidence!!!
Mine does not see much use now a days
I have a 4” rig from simply rugged and it seems heavier than the gun
Also have a beautiful rig from passo for the 4” guns that I really enjoy
I truly believe the 329’s are the real mountain guns
Mine is going no where without me
An old photo of a fresh one

 

[racoonbeast]

Nothing that I would want. I do all of my shooting at the range these days. I no longer hunt or spend time in the back country. Age caught up with me. It doesn't look like it would be much fun banging away with for an afternoon at the range.

 

[triple-tap-FL]

Had one of these a few years ago. Not the most fun to shoot. I opted to move on to other guns as well, including a Glock 20 Gen 4. I've heard that a full magna port job can help tame the 329 a bit, but its still a handful to shoot. I'd hate to spend that money only to find that the difference was negligible.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

No Not Really...............

 

[Joe4d]

I carry my M65 stoked with Buffalo Bore 180 grain hard cast magnums which are about the best 357 bear load made. Admittedly, the 357 mag would not be the best choice when purposely bear hunting as it is just a minimum for the purpose. A 44 Mag is a much better choice but many (including myself) don’t want to lug a huge and heavy gun all over the woods just on a walk or hike. The M65 has always been with me in the woods and would be a whole lot better than the 44 Mag left in the safe. If I was actually setting out on a bear hunt, then a 44 mag or 500 S&W wound obviously be a better choice.

I ended up with a 386,, 3" L frame 7 shot scadmium frame but steel cylinder,, about perfect balance between light weight and shootability. I used my bowling pin loads. 180 grs over BE 86, I was in black bear country.. and been involved in one to many Black bear encounters horse riding in various parks where the bears are protected and have lost their fear of man.

 

[Joe4d]

no love for the steel frame 5 shot 44 mag ? Model 69 IIRC

 

[mchom]

Cyclopius
I would like to get one too. Or even a model 357PD (?) in 41mag. From what most have suggested using a better grip and a bit of practice will help w/shooting. I think its an awesome gun that you should get familiar with before you opt for a glock 20...although I like the 10mm as well

 

[BLUEDOT37]

no love for the steel frame 5 shot 44 mag ? Model 69 IIRC

Nothing wrong with the M69. I like the 2.75" version at 34 oz.

The shorter barrel & having just (5) rounds might be a detraction for some but the L-frame's size & the way it handles recoil offsets that, IMO.

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[Paul105]

Big fan of the M69, especially the 2.75". Been my go to 44 mag for some time now.

Paul

 

[dave1918a2]

I love My 329PD. Stings a little with full power 44's, but very manageable. The 10MM isn't in the same zip code as a 44 and when You try to put it there in a semi be careful. When in bear country I still carry My .475 Linebaugh. Only 5 shots, but bigger is better. I do shoot around 50 rounds a month of the .475, so going down to a wimpy 44 is very nice,,, and fun.

 

[akaviator]

Such excellent info here. Thank you for all the replies. I'm taking Buffalo Bore lower recoil hard cast 255 gr. I know the chances are almost zero that I encounter a charging bear, but I feel better about the 329. Can't wait to shoot it.

I did install the rubber grips that S&W provided with it. Would the Hogue tamers be even better?

The Hogue tamers are a great addition. I have a bone spur at the lower joint of my thumb that when firing my 329PD with either of the stock grips felt like I was smacking that spot with a hammer. No more with the big Hogues. I was literally going to sell the gun before I found those grips.

 

[CH4]

It will ride in an El Paso Saddlery tanker rig all day long with no discomfort at all. Is it fun to shoot with hot loads, not really. But I have confidence in it being a serious show stopper. Definitely my choice over any 10 mm which I also have. Here it is with my wife's model 66 in a similar rig.

Doesn’t the holster weigh more than the 329?

 

[Radny97]

I love it when I’m carrying it on my elk hunts. 6 rounds out of it are just fine and manageable. It’s not a target gun. Those who dont like it are the ones who try to use it for some thing it’s not made for.

 

[DevilDog72]

I would hazard a guess that if you do have to shoot at a bear with that thing you will not feel the recoil and most likely wont hear it either... just say"n.

I have had a couple of close encounters with bears over the years... adrenaline is a thing for sure.

 

[dogdoc]

Had one for almost 20 years. Love it. Shoot mostly downloaded ammo but full house on occasion. Have a Glock 20 as well. I think the Glock is easier to shoot but not as powerful as 250 grain bullet 44 mag at 1300 fps.