329PD with .44 Special loads

[Landlubber]

I'm a .44 Special fan and am looking for a lightweight revolver in that caliber to carry while hiking in black bear country. I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk (7.5-inch barrel) in .44 Magnum, which of course can handle .44 Special, but the gun is just too heavy for extended hikes. So I'm considering the 329PD in .44 Mag. for its 25-ounce weight. I am aware of that model's reputation for vicious recoil in .44 Mag. I'd use only .44 Special factory loads in it, but am concerned that shooting even .44 Specials might be unpleasant in a 25-ounce gun. (My Ruger weighs about 48 ounces and is very comfortable with .44 Specials). So before I spend a lot of money for a 329PD, I'd appreciate comments from 329PD owners about the gun's handling qualities with .44 Special. Many thanks.

[Radny97]

I regularly carry mine in the back country of Utah and Idaho and it’s a pleasure to carry. I generally have it loaded with 3 44 special handloads (240 gr SWC) and 3 full house 44 mags (240 gr SJFN).
When shooting 44 special out of it, it feels like shooting 357 mag out of a 3 inch K frame. Definitely a kick, but nothing bad. 44 mag is downright harsh. First time at the range i didn’t want to shoot more than three rounds. Lots more recoil that my 454 Casull. But with practice it became manageable in small doses.
On one occasion i had the chance on a hunt to try and take some small game with it. It was a long shot and i used a couple of 44 mag rounds before taking the animal. Even with that small amount of adrenaline shooting at small game, i didn’t notice the recoil of the 44 mag at all. It gave me confidence that if i ever had to use the thing to defend myself against a predator, the recoil would be the last thing i would notice or worry about.


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[Radny97]

One other thing. I shot it with the stock v-notch rear sight blade for a while and ended up not being a fan of that sight blade, so i switched it out for a square notch.


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[jack the toad]

In my limited experience, both the 329 and 340 can be some of the most severe kickers in the handgun world. Proper grips (Hogue Tamers on the 329) can make a lot of difference. Most all Special rounds shouldn't be a problem.

[steelslaver]

I don't have a 329, but I have 2 325s, a 296 and a 396. A 325 with wood grips was unpleasantly painful. With rubber that covers the back strap its not bad, I would think a 329 with 44 specials and the absorbing grips would be the same. The 296 and 396 with rubber grips and 200gr bullets are not bad and they are lighter than a 329. I would think 240s might be a bit worse.

These new alloy framed N and L framed guns are great to carry for sure. Recoil can be nasty, but like I said the grips are a real game changer. Then some range time to get used to them. Part of it is mental, plus, its not just the feeling of the recoil but how it moves the gun more. Mine are all less than 3". How much muzzle rise effects point of impact with heavier bullets and using longer barrels would be an interesting comparison.

[cowboy4evr]

I had one . Yes , the recoil was " brisk " with 44 magnum loads . My problem was I just couldn't hit the broadside of a barn if I was standing inside the barn . I loaded it up and loaded it down , still no luck . My group size @ 25 yds was almost 8" . I'm not blaming the gun , for me it just wasn't a good fit . I was not crazy about the blast shield on the underside of the top strap . Mine was showing signs of cutting in two by the time I sold it . Then it would of required a trip back to the factory to either replace the blast shield or a complete new frame . Neither choice was I very excited about . I took a loss to get rid of it , but had no regrets . Regards Paul

[michpatriot]

A few months back I picked up a 329PD, and the 44specials felt like a 45acp to me. The 44sp bullets out of my 329 also hit low off to one side when sighted for Magnum, easy to remedy with a simple readjust of the rear sight..but I've found the best accuracy with 44mag hardcast. If you find the recoil harsh order a x frame hogue grip it makes a great improvement in this revolver. There are lots of different loadings to suit just about any taste in 44special. I hope you enjoy your new revolver as much as I am..it really carries like a dream, so light and with the Hogue grip that came on the S&W500 it shoots great! I'm very happy with the accuracy after changing out the v-notch rear sight to a square notch, best $20 I ever spent on sights. I would not be concerned with recoil with 44 special, and if you look to Buffalo Bore there's a good load for 44special that is a good match for the 329pd. I bought a Guides Choice leather chest holster from Diamond D and would recommend the holster to anyone looking for trail/woods carry it fits well and works great. Easy on easy off and great craftsmanship.

[m657]

I second the vote for x-frame 500 grips on the 329PD for taming the 44mag recoil. My buddy installed his right before we put 6 cylinders full of heavy 240g 44 MAG loads down range, as a suitability test.


We hit most of the 6" falling plates at 50' and nearly all of the larger steel at 100' standing freehand.



Later we used same grips for 200g 44 special loads, which were very pleasant.


A little practice/conditioning as well would benefit. A suitable 329 deal has yet to come along for me, but I'm ready for one as soon as it shows up.

[Neal]

Originally Posted by michpatriot

A few months back I picked up a 329PD, and the 44specials felt like a 45acp to me. The 44sp bullets out of my 329 also hit low off to one side when sighted for Magnum, easy to remedy with a simple readjust of the rear sight..but I've found the best accuracy with 44mag hardcast. If you find the recoil harsh order a x frame hogue grip it makes a great improvement in this revolver. There are lots of different loadings to suit just about any taste in 44special. I hope you enjoy your new revolver as much as I am..it really carries like a dream, so light and with the Hogue grip that came on the S&W500 it shoots great! I'm very happy with the accuracy after changing out the v-notch rear sight to a square notch, best $20 I ever spent on sights. I would not be concerned with recoil with 44 special, and if you look to Buffalo Bore there's a good load for 44special that is a good match for the 329pd. I bought a Guides Choice leather chest holster from Diamond D and would recommend the holster to anyone looking for trail/woods carry it fits well and works great. Easy on easy off and great craftsmanship.

Re the Guides Choice holster, I just went to the Diamond D website and looked at it. Looks like one of the best chest holsters I have seen listed. However, the model wearing the holster in the pics has a nice slim body. My torso is much larger. Just wonder how a chest holster would work for me (a fat guy)while mowing, mushroom hunting or otherwise working around the farm. Thoughts?

[michpatriot]

Originally Posted by Neal

Re the Guides Choice holster, I just went to the Diamond D website and looked at it. Looks like one of the best chest holsters I have seen listed. However, the model wearing the holster in the pics has a nice slim body. My torso is much larger. Just wonder how a chest holster would work for me (a fat guy)while mowing, mushroom hunting or otherwise working around the farm. Thoughts?

I'm 5'10" 235 and there's more adjustment in all directions both the shoulder and chest dimensions than I need. I've worn it with jackets and also in just a shirt , fits great and the revolver fits well. When I first inserted the 329 it was tight so I wet the inside of the holster with water and lightly wrapped the revolver with about two layers of clear kitchen wrap, inserted it with a little bit of force, and let it dry\stretch for about 6 hrs now it fits just perfect. The holster had a tension screw that I haven't had to adjust, it also has a leather hammer loop for extra security. I'd buy another in a instant if I had to...Get It..you will thank me if your looking for this type of carry. It's the cats meow.

[Loyaljeeper]

I owned a 396NG and obviously shot specials out of it. It reminded me of shooting 357 in a similar weight gun for the most part. Unless you are recoil sensitive I believe you will be happy with the 329.

[Neal]

Originally Posted by michpatriot

I'm 5'10" 235 and there's more adjustment in all directions both the shoulder and chest dimensions than I need. I've worn it with jackets and also in just a shirt , fits great and the revolver fits well. When I first inserted the 329 it was tight so I wet the inside of the holster with water and lightly wrapped the revolver with about two layers of clear kitchen wrap, inserted it with a little bit of force, and let it dry\stretch for about 6 hrs now it fits just perfect. The holster had a tension screw that I haven't had to adjust, it also has a leather hammer loop for extra security. I'd buy another in a instant if I had to...Get It..you will thank me if your looking for this type of carry. It's the cats meow.

I do not have a 329, but I do have a 29 Classic 5 inch (L frame style underlug barrel) and I believe a chest holster is about the only way I can carry a gun this heavy comfortably. I'm 4 inches shorter than you and just a few pounds heavier. Thanks much for the information. Sorry for the thread detour.

[BLUEDOT37]

Originally Posted by Landlubber

I'm a .44 Special fan and am looking for a lightweight revolver in that caliber to carry while hiking in black bear country.
So I'm considering the 329PD in .44 Mag. for its 25-ounce weight.
I'd use only .44 Special factory loads in it, but am concerned that shooting even .44 Specials might be unpleasant in a 25-ounce gun.

I added a stainless steel cylinder to my 329PD (mainly so I wouldn't have to be concerned with the Ti cylinder's less durable finish) which bumped the weight up by about 3.6oz.

Definitely take the wood grips off & put a good set of rubber grips on that cover the backstrap. I use the Pachmayr Diamond Pro grips on mine & they are very cushie.

Shooting a lighter weight bullet (180gr JHP) will change the felt recoil considerably but lower the POI requiring adjusting the rear sight up.

Are you going to feel secure carrying just "factory 44 Special loads" in it against a bear?

I suggest practicing mainly with low power ammo that has the same POI as the magnum load you actually carry against bears (but won't likely need) because you won't care about the recoil if you really do need to shoot it & save your life.

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Diamond Pro grips
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[smithman]

If you insist on shooting only 44 specials, the Charter Arms Bulldog weighs about nothing.

[Paul105]

Regarding grips -- everyone's hand and grip is different, so take this for what it's worth.

I'm a fan of the Hogue X Frame grips. I tried the Pachmayr Diamond Pros and for me they are too narrow at the top and don't have enough depth between the grip frame and the trigger guard. The Diamond Pros hammer my middle knuckle and cause uncomfortable impact to the web of my hand.

Here are a couple of pictures Hogue X Frame and Pach Diamond Pro.

Pach left - X Frame right
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X Frame Left - Pach Right
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My all day every day carry gun for the better part of a decade - 329 with Hogue X Frame grips.

Never shot more than a couple of specials in the 329, so I'm no help with OPs recoil question but I doubt recoil would be noticed under stress with adrenalin dump.
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Paul

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[Neal]

Paul,

After seeing those side by side pics, I think I'll stick with my Hogue X frame rubbers. I don't like my middle finger knuckle to get hammered. A super Blackhawk with the squared off trigger guard does that to me and it is painful. Thank much for posting.

Edit: Do you have an estimated round count on that 329?

[The Norseman]

Great Post. I like the idea of the above Post. Load 3 44S&W
Specials and 3 44Rem Mag in the cylinder.

Synthetic Rubber Grips for sure grip and control.

I have a sneaking hunch if you had to use that light weight
Revolver against a threat, you will not even notice the Recoil.

You will see the threat, adrenaline will spike, tunnel vision will
set in, and you will most likely shoot low missing that Head Shot.
Subsequent shots will probably continue low, and you will be
Dead in a few seconds.

I'm going with Full House Loads, and Harden Lead Bullets.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.

[Paul105]

Originally Posted by Neal

Paul,

After seeing those side by side pics, I think I'll stick with my Hogue X frame rubbers. I don't like my middle finger knuckle to get hammered. A super Blackhawk with the squared off trigger guard does that to me and it is painful. Thank much for posting.

Edit: Do you have an estimated round count on that 329?

Had 3 guns -- still have two. 9,000 rnds thru the three. One had 900, the others shot the rest. If you frequently use hi intensity loads, the guns will require repair/maint quite a bit more often than steel counter parts. Don't know about longevity with .44 special ammo.

Paul

[balin]

I have had my 329pd for at least 10 years. I don't find magnums painful to shoot. It is not a fun target gun, but it is nice to carry. Specials are not bad at all. My 340pd is worse to me and my casulls are for sure. I changed out the rear sight blade for one with a square notch. And I need to tighten my cylinder release screw on occasion.

[SuperMan]

I had to two Of the Model 357 41 Magnums and did not care for either one of them. Two of my friends have the 329. One shoots nothing but 44 Special grade loads and the other shoots Magnums.

I did not find that the accuracy with these guns to be very good. I could easily out shoot my 4" 357 with my Taurus total titanium tracker.

Sold both of mine for a lot more than I had in them, almost double.

The other thing that I do not care for is that eventually the gun is going back to the mother ship for repair because of the flash gap protector. I guess some people don't mind sending their guns in but that's not something I care to do.

I'd look at a 629 Mountain Gun or 69 4" instead.

YMMV...Bob

[Neal]

Originally Posted by Paul105

Had 3 guns -- still have two. 9,000 rnds thru the three. One had 900, the others shot the rest. If you frequently use hi intensity loads, the guns will require repair/maint quite a bit more often than steel counter parts. Don't know about longevity with .44 special ammo.

Paul

That is amazing. I always considered the 329 an emergency use gun with magnum loads. Like the old days when cops practiced with 38 wadcutters, then loaded up with full power 357 mag rounds for duty carry.

I am going to assume you you like your model 69s more than the 329s. True, or no?

[Paul105]

Neal,

The M69 is my current go to .44 Mag. I still carry the 329 when bow hunting elk here in Montana.

Really enjoy shooting the 69s.

Paul

[JustDan]

You can shoot and can handle what you think you can handle - if it psychs you out - you won't enjoy it - nor will you master it - but it is just a mental game - not a physical one. I got mine for defense in the woods from cougars, coyotes, and ornery sow bears in the spring. Eventually I removed the Hillary hole and added some Crimson Trace laser grips - once I did that I immediately saw same a major improvement in accuracy - Jerry Miculek recommended quadraporting from Magnaport - but can't say I needed that and it handles both Speer Gold Dot 270 grain & 240 grain loads as well as Hornady 300 & 240 grain XTP loads with aplomb. With the laser grips I can easily keep my shots within a 2" circle at 50 yards - something I never could manage before the laser grips were added - not super visible though in bright daylight - but it still works for me. Try the loads Tim Sundles makes just for the 329PD - very easy shooting loads and they do the job.