329?s A bit subjective?

[C.S.63]

I am thinking of 329 as my next purchase being a 44 junkie and all not sure on the backpacker NG or PD I know the PD is a 4" version anyone have some thoughts or first hand experience? Please chime in.
Durability?
I will be shooting milder reloads and carrying with 44spl's when CCW with it, I also usually average about 50-100 rounds a month.
I also do not hike or hunt where it would be needed for protection from BEARS and such.
Thinking of the 329 instead of a custom or semi custom from Magnaport.

 

[44Steve]

Hi, Steve here. I have a 329 PD. I am all so a 44
mag /Recoil junkie, I have found the 329PD to be a large challenge. All so owning the 460XVR and the 500 Mag, the 329Pd can be the meanest gun i own. I mostly shoot 44 spl. out of it. But when i shoot 44mag.Little red horns come out of the side of the gun. I all so reload for everything i have,and again the 329PD calls for special ,and heavy crimping.Hard on the brass.I recomend that you shoot one first if possible. Then go out and get one.

 

[C.S.63]

Thank you, 44steve I have a 396 44spl and a Taurus 445 both very tolerable in 44spl The 329 thought was snub 44. I know with full mags it would be mean. How is the 329pd with specials and milder 44 mags also how is the 329s durability?

 

[VaRecon]

I had the 329NG.
I'm ashamed to say it was a little too much gun for me.
It was incredibly accurate, in the right hands.
An older and more experienced shooter put me to shame at the range using some Magtech 240 gr.
However, if you are proficient with this gun it is a great CCW and one that nobody wants to be on the wrong side of.

 

[44Steve]

Hi, C.S. , Steve here. First of all ,i really like my 329PD.As i said, i mostly shoot 44spl. out of it . It is very managable and fun to shoot with44 spl..I had bought it for conceal carry, and to carry in the woods.It again is a challenge to reload. You all so have to keep an eye on the burn shield above the forcing cone. If you reload you have to watch for bullets pulling out of the case , after a few rounds.

 

[J-FRAME]

The 329 PD is a fine carry gun with the 500 Hogue grips. It is not a range gun and is a pain to shoot very much.Very hard on my wrist but I do love its weight in the field.That being said they are in high demand here in Alaska as everyone wants one for ease of carry.

 

[Rangerpat]

I have a 329NG that I carry a lot due to hunting in Black bear country but honestly, hardly shoot it, only for target practice with .44 Special.
I would only shoot a bear if it was right on top of me because they are protected here in Florida.
The 329 is a, "Carry a lot, shoot a little" type of firearm...
I personally think it is too big for concealed carry (mainly because I live in FL and don't wear heavy clothing to conceal it) but is a great home defense gun loaded with .44 spl ammo. It is well made, the front sight is excellent for low light conditions. I think you will really enjoy owning one if you don't plan to shoot it a lot. I usually take it and my Ruger Super Blackhawk together to the range and shoot the Blackhawk 4 times more than the 329.
Hope this helps, good luck in your decision.

 

[C.S.63]

Great input here, The 329 would be a shoot and carry option I was leaning towards the 329 because I would carry it more then say a 2" 29 or 629
I suffer from the type of build to heavy a six gun causing the need for suspenders.
I would carry it with factory SD 44spls, Range fodder would be the 44 mag loaded to replicate the keith 44spl load.

 

[CWH44300]

They are great guns, if your "man enough" for them, I have a pair of them and don't plan on getting rid of them, they are a pleasure to carry, shooting wise all I can say is recoil can be brisk, one of mine is approaching the 2K mark and so far so good. Its already been brought up, they are tac drivers if you can hold them, I've shot some 1.5" groups at 25yds

 

[Shuz]

The 329PD is a great gun with the 500 X frame Smith grips. I love mine. The only caveat with this gun is the top strap shield which will erode and break over time if you shoot it a lot. Mine has been back to the factory twice for top strap shield replacement. The "jury is still out", but I have mitigated the top strap shield wear somewhat by applying a thin, very thin, layer of J-B Weld in the top strap where the erosion occurs. Have any of you other Scandium framed gun owners tried this?

 

[C.S.63]

Shuz,
The top strap shield issue is the one factor that has me a bit unsure of the 329.
Would specials or mild reloads create the same issue with the top strap?
I know the earlier 396s and 315s did not have the blast shield but the 38 and 44 specials work at a substantially lower pressure then 44 mag.
Thank you all for the input!
carl

 

[tek4260]

I've only fired mine about 20 rounds, maybe... I was quite disappointed in the recoil, or lack there of. I guess I am a recoil junkie and the 329 with 300gr cast boolits over a case full of H110 does not deliver even with the factory wood.

 

[Shuz]

Shuz,
The top strap shield issue is the one factor that has me a bit unsure of the 329.
Would specials or mild reloads create the same issue with the top strap?
I know the earlier 396s and 315s did not have the blast shield but the 38 and 44 specials work at a substantially lower pressure then 44 mag.
Thank you all for the input!
carl

I don't know the answer to your question, but it sounds reasonable that less pressure should result in less erosion. I have heard that the blast shield erosion may be increased by the type of powder utilized. I have fed mine a diet of Green Dot,2400,and WC-820. I also only shoot cast bullets. I have never shot a .44 special load in any of my .44 mags. If I want less power, I just use Green Dot and load accordingly.

 

[CWH44300]

I know 296 and H110 are pretty erosive powders much more so then 2400, theirs a member here DLA I think his name is, he did a very nice piece on the 329 maybe he'll chime in or someone will find it and post a link to it, its a great read as is Hamilton Bowens article on it

 

[SAWMAN]

I shot a co-workers 329PD several times and my opinion it would be a fantastic pack gun. Quite light and accurate. The 44 gives a lot of versatility for 44 special light loads for plinking and some really heavy stuff for hunting and defense.

Now with that said... I did not find it unpleasant at all when shooting with 44 Special. I wouldn't mind taking it to the range for some fun all day plinking.... But full power magnums... well recoil is substantially increased! It's not anything I would want to shoot all that much and only reserve for protection or hunting purposes.

Perhaps another possibility for you is the performance center 629 with the 2 5/8" barrel?
Product: Model 629