New 329 Nightguard - NEW RANGE REPORT ADDED -- GO TO 01/11/09 POST

[rburg]

If you intend to shoot specials, you can save significant money and weight by looking at a 396. Some of those have the added advantage of being "lock free". Its a smaller gun, in a lighter package, and you do only get 5 shots. I have both, and like each for what they are and can do. But I still like my 329 as a 6 shot 44 special a lot more than as a 6 shot 44 mag. They make genuine steel guns for magnum loads, and they're much easier to control.

 

[scout]

Thanks for the posts.

For defense against criminals, I would prefer the CorBon .44 Special DPX in this gun (and all other .44 caliber guns, I believe) even if the .44 Magnum did not jump crimp.

 

[starbuck]

I think that Buffalo Bore makes a special low recoil round for the 329. I have the website bookmarked---but it is on the computer in the shop. You should be able to check it out on their website.

 

[mrheythere]

Originally posted by scout:
Thanks for the posts.

For defense against criminals, I would prefer the CorBon .44 Special DPX in this gun (and all other .44 caliber guns, I believe) even if the .44 Magnum did not jump crimp.

I agree. I was going to try the 44 special DPX but ordered the magnums through forgetfulness.

 

[mrheythere]

DPX .44 Special update.

I tested the .44 special DPX today. This round is stout for a .44 special. It still does not make the 329 comfortable to shoot. It is about 90% of the Speer Gold Dot in perceived recoil for me.

The round was accurate and resulted in only minor crimp jump after 8 rounds.

Team Corbon told me it penetrates 17 inches in ballistic gel; the same as the DPX 44 magnum. Pretty nice defensive round.

 

[skeete]

I have had very good experience with CTC. The set on my 1911 start having the red dot get really large, like 1 1/2" @ 30 feet. I called them up and before I even mailed back the defective unit they sent me a new grip set that has been working fine. It took 4 days to get the new grips.

 

[Deputy]

I recently purchased a 329 Nightguard. Very happy with it. Here's the holster I'll be using.

I'm not a big fan of leather because it retains moisture and tends to wear the finish off the gun. My ammo will be a pre-fragmented .44 magnum load...Glaser, MagSafe, or Extreme Shock. I don't much see the point in buying a magnum to shoot .44 Special in. Might as well buy a .44 Special.

And I've never seen a block of ballistic jello walking around town.

 

[TN RAT]

Originally posted by Deputy:
I recently purchased a 329 Nightguard. Very happy with it. Here's the holster I'll be using.

I'm not a big fan of leather because it retains moisture and tends to wear the finish off the gun. My ammo will be a pre-fragmented .44 magnum load...Glaser, MagSafe, or Extreme Shock. I don't much see the point in buying a magnum to shoot .44 Special in. Might as well buy a .44 Special.

And I've never seen a block of ballistic jello walking around town.

You're going to buy a $10 holster to carry a revolver around that cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,000? Seriously?

Live a little.

 

[starbuck]

I also have about 5 Barsony holsters that look identical to the one shown. They are soft against the skin, have 3 moisture barriers, and is sewn to allow for re-holstering. I use then on my J frames, Colt Agents', S&W 296, 386, 329pd and several others. I have worn many leather holsters over the years and will gladly pay the $10.00 for the difference in comfort. Also, the blueing stays' on the gun where it belongs.

 

[Deputy]

Originally posted by TN RAT:


You're going to buy a $10 holster to carry a revolver around that cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,000? Seriously?

Live a little.

Why would I buy a $40+ dollar holster that will wear the finish off or retain moisture???? The holster is supposed to carry and protect the gun. It's not a status symbol. If you want a status symbol buy some Gucci sunglasses or something. Geez.

 

[Deputy]

Originally posted by starbuck:
I also have about 5 Barsony holsters that look identical to the one shown. They are soft against the skin, have 3 moisture barriers, and is sewn to allow for re-holstering. I use then on my J frames, Colt Agents', S&W 296, 386, 329pd and several others. I have worn many leather holsters over the years and will gladly pay the $10.00 for the difference in comfort. Also, the blueing stays' on the gun where it belongs.

I checked out the Barsony website. Looks like good stuff!!!

As to the ammo that has been tested so far...I am a bit surprised that people are testing such heavy loads in a gun this size and weight. I mean super heavy 300 grain loads are fine for dropping large animals, but if you bought this gun to kill humans, you don't need anything anywhere near that powerful. There are many magnum cartridges that are less punishing and extremely effective that can be used. I am a fan of the pre-fragmented loads (Glaser, Magsafe, Extreme Shock). They are light on recoil and have been proven to be effective.
Even if you don't like pre-fragmented loads, there are a bunch of conventional loads that are effective. The Winchester Silvertip is only 210 grain and has been pretty effective. Corbon Makes a 180 grain load. Buffalo Bore makes a special load for the 329 Nightguard, ITEM 4E 255 gr. Keith-Style GC(1350 fps me. 1032 ft.lbs.
"In order to alleviate the recoil, crimp jump and sticky extraction, we have developed this load. It is still full power, but uses a lighter weight, super hard cast, gas checked bullet and will still penetrate very deeply in big game despite its lighter weight. This load is ideal for those of you who carry the S&W model 329PD. This load will not lead your barrel."

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#44

Note that S&W doesn't recommend bullets heavier than 240 grain in any of the 329 guns.

 

[mrheythere]

Originally posted by Deputy:
As to the ammo that has been tested so far...I am a bit surprised that people are testing such heavy loads in a gun this size and weight. I mean super heavy 300 grain loads are fine for dropping large animals, but if you bought this gun to kill humans, you don't need anything anywhere near that powerful. There are many magnum cartridges that are less punishing and extremely effective that can be used.

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#44

Note that S&W doesn't recommend bullets heavier than 240 grain in any of the 329 guns.

Thank you for your helpful post. My pistol is dual duty. I use the Gold Dot and Corbon Special loads for urban self defense and use the Corbon full power penetrators in the woods (all tested as in above posts). The Buffalo Boar load you mentioned looks really great, so I am going to try some out, especially since it looks like they have done a lot of research.

Where can I find back up for your comment that SW does not encourage heavier rounds in the 329 series? Thanks

 

[Deputy]

I have heard the comment about not using heavy loads in the 329 on a number of forums. Some guys called up S&W and this is what they were told when they enquired about loads to use in the gun. I have no reason to doubt it. Even the older Model 29 Smiths are not recommended for heavy 300 grain loads. The newer 629s that have had major improvements to them are okay for those loads. This came out when people started using early Model 29s for silhouette shooting. That resulted in S&W coming out with their "Endurance Package" (Interior parts were fitted tightly, studs were radiused, a new yoke retention system was designed, a bolt block was installed, and the cylinder locking bolts were cut longer.)

I suggest you contact S&W and ask them what the recommended cartridges are for the 329 Nightguard...then report back here. I am curious to hear the answer too.

Dep

 

[conchmariner]

I did in fact call S&W with this very question because I was concerned about using Hornady 300 grain .44 Magnum in my NG329. The rep I talked to only said the gun would handle all factory loads manufactured to SAAMI standards. I'm still uneasy about it, and am considering adding a heavier .44 Magnum gun for shooting heavier loads if for no other reason than that 300 grain loads aren't much fun in that gun after six rounds.

 

[mrheythere]

I only shoot this pistol infrequently as it a woods self defense gun. I suspect I have nothing to worry about, especially since the loads are within SAMMI standards.

 

[conchmariner]

OK, this is probably common knowledge, but this is what it says in my revolver owner's manual (paraphrasing):

No +P ammo in K frame revolvers made before 1958

No +P+ ammo in any S&W firearms

No rimless cartridges without moonclips

No magnum loads under 120 grains

Only factory loads made to SAAMI specs

Seems like if loads above 240 grain were a problem in 329s the owner's manual should mention it since they were pretty specific about the above.

 

[Deputy]

I know what the manual says. But we are talking about an alloy frame gun. The heavier the bullet and the stronger the charge, the more wear you have on the firearm. That's why, until not that long ago, +P .38 special loads weren't approved for J-Frames. The +P loads literally stretched the frames. Picture a car engine...just because it can reach 6000 RPM, doesn't mean it's gonna live long at that level of abuse.
Ya gotta use some common sense with this stuff.

I wouldn't hesitate to use loads heavier than 240 grain in my other .44 mags because they are all steel or stainless frames. And they all have the Endurance Package on them.
This situation also exists with the K-frame magnum guns (Model 19 and 66). Use .357 magnum in them exclusivly and it WILL stretch the frames. And the manual doesn't say squat about it. That's WHY S&W came out with the L-Frame. It can take magnum loads all day with no problemo.

Dep

 

[Deputy]

No magnum loads under 120 grains

I read this a second time and found this in error. I looked in my owner's manual concerning using magnum loads under 120 grains. The manual says "Do not use Magnum loadings with bullet weights of less than 120 grains - This will reduce the possibility of erosion in TITANIUM ALLOY CYLINDERS.

The 329 Nightguard and Backpacker don't have titanium alloy cylinders. The 329 PD DOES. The Nightguard and Backpacker have a stainless steel cylinder. Gotta read the directions carefully before posting stuff like this.

Dep

 

[mrheythere]

Gents,

All of this is very interesting and informative. Thank you. I think we have made an informative Nightguard 329 thread.

 

[conchmariner]

Originally posted by Deputy:

No magnum loads under 120 grains

I read this a second time and found this in error. I looked in my owner's manual concerning using magnum loads under 120 grains. The manual says "Do not use Magnum loadings with bullet weights of less than 120 grains - This will reduce the possibility of erosion in TITANIUM ALLOY CYLINDERS.

The 329 Nightgurad and Backpacker don't have titanium alloy cylinders. The 329 PD DOES. The Nightguard and Backpacker have a stainless steel cylinder. Gotta read the directions carefully before poisting stuff like this.

Dep

Guilty as charged. Now how about a mea culpa about posting that S&W doesn't recommend bullet weights heavier than 240 grain for 329s