Customizing a 329pd Questions

[Ozarkrambler]

Hi all, new to the forum. Discovered the site while searching for info on the S&W329pd.

I am gathering information, and trying to gather some opinions as well, as to the feasibility of this project. Here is what I'm thinking. I want to replace the factory 329 shrouded barrel with a steel barrel from a mountain gun. I also want to r/p the titanium cylinder with a steel one. What I am hoping to achieve is a 44 mag that weighs around 32oz as opposed to the 26oz that is standard. This should create a gun that is a bit more shooter friendly than the sharply recoiling factory model. It's the recoil velocity that bothers me the most.

One of the things that seems to be posing a problem to the gunsmiths I have spoken with is getting the original barrel removed. It seems to require a special wrench that the factory doesn't sell. If I send this pistol back to the factory, do you think they would remove it for me?

I think that factory bbls, and cylinders are available, at least that seems to be the consensus.

Also, does anyone see any negatives to building this one of a kind piece ..... other than cost!

Thanks for any input.

Ozark

 

[Alk8944]

You can't replace a two piece barrel with a solid shank barrel, the frames are different.

 

[Ozarkrambler]

Well thats good to know. When I talked to Hamilton Bowen the other day he didn't see any reason why it wouldn't work. I guess I'll call him back next week and ask him if he knew that.

Thanks