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

[mrheythere]

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


I picked a new nightguard 329 (44 mag) at the local store for $849 (ouch).

After a little work, the lock was gone.

Pictures are below. The details are:

Model: 329 Nightguard converted to prelock model
Safety: between ears
Number of time checked to be empty before work started: 3
Duration of project measured in beers: 1/3 beer
Complaints about beer can be forwarded to [email protected]
Screwdrivers: Wheeler
Gun mat: Old, but cleaned, diaper (thanks kids)
Observations: Gun was a slightly dirty inside. No big deal, as a little wipedown helped. Dirtiest part was cylinder and crane. Trigger pull longer than usual due to grips. Those with small hands may want to switch grips. Trigger was heavy but smooth. Range report to follow in a few days.

Notice lock flag up and hammer back...lock post was filed down to disengage ability to lock.

 

[mrheythere]

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


I picked a new nightguard 329 (44 mag) at the local store for $849 (ouch).

After a little work, the lock was gone.

Pictures are below. The details are:

Model: 329 Nightguard converted to prelock model
Safety: between ears
Number of time checked to be empty before work started: 3
Duration of project measured in beers: 1/3 beer
Complaints about beer can be forwarded to [email protected]
Screwdrivers: Wheeler
Gun mat: Old, but cleaned, diaper (thanks kids)
Observations: Gun was a slightly dirty inside. No big deal, as a little wipedown helped. Dirtiest part was cylinder and crane. Trigger pull longer than usual due to grips. Those with small hands may want to switch grips. Trigger was heavy but smooth. Range report to follow in a few days.

Notice lock flag up and hammer back...lock post was filed down to disengage ability to lock.

 

[deckert]

Nice job and great pics!

I, however, refuse to pay that kind of cash for a gun I have to immediately go to work on to render reliable. However, I respect others who feel differently.

That's a MIGHTY small .44 Mag and I doubt I'd ever shoot more than .44 Specials in it myself. I'm anxious to heat your range report.

 

[Firehouse]

I paid near $700 for my M&P 340 and had to get the lock out. Oh well. I just have a hole there where it was.

 

[mrheythere]

No need to remove the whole lock. Just grind down the flag post. No one can tell from a simple visual inspection.

 

[pinkymingeo]

The first thing some guys do when they buy a HP is remove the magazine interlock. 1911s have way too many safeties, especially that one on the grip. First thing I do with a new S&W revolver is pull the sideplate, replace springs and lubricate. I can't imagine not messing with a new gun.

 

[cowboydave]

Nice post!! Can't wait for range report.
Dave

 

[GF]

That model is probably the only new Smith I'd consider buying.
Let us know how it shoots and your thoughts on ammo for it.

 

[mrheythere]

This weekend I plan on testing Speer Gold Dots (short barrel), Winchester Whitebox, and a couple of Corbon's hotter loads. I can feel my hand hurting already

 

[crofoot629]

Wish it were mine!

Great pics.

Emory

 

[shortdog]

I picked one up a few weeks ago & like it a lot so far. Ran 30 rounds through it (240 gr. JHP and a few Corbon 320 gr HC lead - recoil wasn't bad at all IMO) before taking it on a pack trip in the Wind River Range. Really a nice gun for my purposes. Paid $858 so I guess you got the better deal!

 

[mrheythere]

Range Report

Background. I presently own 5 - 44 mags and a 454 Casull so I am not new to recoil.

I also own a Scandium 340 M&P and am aware of how painful 125 grain Federal classic JHPs are when shot from that gun. This unit of pain measurement is known as "one hammer" ... to the hand

I shot three kinds of ammo in the 329 Scandium...hurt the the handium... hand torturer

Winchester whitebox 240 grain soft point
Notes: muzzle flash was huge and intense; recoil was rated as 1.50 hammers hitting hand. FPE unknown. Has anyone chono'd this load? OUCH OUCH OUCH This load is too intense for any practical purpose besides watching your friends shoot it and hurt their hand and cry out in pain. People at the range were watching our reaction when we shot it. I offered anyone a chance to try and EVERYONE declined.



Corbon 305 grain FMJ flat point penetrators
Notes: Little muzzle flash; 0.9 to 1.0 hammers hitting hand in recoil. Box stated FPE = 1145 I thought this load would be much worse than the Winchester WB rounds. I was stunned as this was actually quite stout but controllable for repeat shooting. This is the anti-bear round I use in all my 44 mags. Highly recommend for those choosing a 44 in the woods. (please save your replies telling my how lame a handgun is against bears...I get that)


Speer 200 Gold Dot Short barrel
Notes: Easy and much more comfortable to shoot. Stated FPE is a downloaded 513. This would a really nice defense round for people. .75 Hammers

In the future I will try the Corbon 44 special DPX. A member of Teamcorbon told me that in their testing the round penetrates to the same depth as their 44 magnum loading. Performance is awesome as is most DPX loadings. From all the testing I have read about it on the web, this will be a really nice urban defense round. But at $46 a box of twenty, I am in no hurry to try it, though.

All in all, I like this gun's ruggedness. There were no malfunctions. My deactivated flag did not engage. Trigger was heavy but smooth and as such I could keep it on target better than my Ruger Alaskan.

I was thinking about adding wood combat grips, but I think that might be a mistake due to the intense recoil. Those of you packing snub 44 mags, what do you think?

Sum: This is a lightweight defense gun. Do not buy this if you are looking for a range shooter

 

[mrheythere]

Holster report.

I picked up a Kramer horsehide holster at the local gun show today. The salesman was very helpful and got me into a nice horsehide RH belt scabbard model designed for a model 27. Being that a model 27 and 29 both share the n-frame, the holster worked great and is a perfect fit. I was concerned about the prominent night sight on the nightguard being a problem but it posed no difficulty. The belt scabbard kept the 329 NG high and close to the body. This is a great holster for snub 29s.

 

[xaman]

Thanks for the report, this was VERY helpful to me.

I'm really thinking about picking up one of these primarily for a woods/trail gun but also for SD especially when travelling, etc...

I've never fired a 44mag, and reading most opinions, you would think this gun would be absolutely painful and uncontrollable.

I have fired the 360pd in 38, 38+p, .357 semi wadcutters and CorBon 140gr JHP (1325 fps). It seemed to be mostly a *****-cat with the 38s, recoil was sharp and noticeable with 357 and really got my attention with the Corbons. But it didn't make me NOT want to shoot. In other words, I always ran out of ammo (or money) before I ran out of desire to keep shooting.

I gave that gun away to a friend who needed it more than me. Now I'm thinking about replacing it with a 44 nightguard.

If I'm hearing you right, I should be able to manage the gun, especially after finding the right loads? I'm thinking that 44sp loads could actually be ""fun" and "pleasant" to shoot...

Sorry to hijack the thread, but I'm sure open to hearing some opinions on this little big gun. It sure looks like a good one.

 

[cowboydave]

Enjoyed your report. How was the POI compared to the POA? Am I right in thinking the rear sight is non-adjustable?
Dave

 

[ArchAngelCD]

mrheythere,
Thank you for the reports..
As for the recoil, I think if you replace the stock Pachmayr Custom Compac grips with Pachmayr Decelerator Grips you will tame the recoil quite a bit. Check them out on the Pachmayr Site.

 

[animalmother]

Thanks for the report and pics.

 

[mrheythere]

Originally posted by xaman:
I've never fired a 44mag, ....
If I'm hearing you right, I should be able to manage the gun, especially after finding the right loads? I'm thinking that 44sp loads could actually be ""fun" and "pleasant" to shoot...

Thank you for your remarks. The .44 Mag is a robust pistol caliber and is not for everyone. I would really encourage you to rent one before you buy if you can do that. The Scandium pistols have a more severe recoil since they are so much lighter.

I think you will find 44 special OK to shoot and fun. Let me know if you find an inexpensive source. Most suppliers in my area charge as much for 44 special as they do the magnums (if not more). I think a lot of people who shoot this load actually load their own.

The Nightguard would not be the gun I would choose to take plinking or to the range on regular basis. However, it is a gun I would rely on to save my life while in the woods. In the city I would use a completely different set up.

The Nightguard's light weight makes it a fine gun to carry out in the bush.

If I get a chance to pack it around in the next couple of days I will update the holster report.

 

[mrheythere]

Originally posted by cowboydave:
Enjoyed your report. How was the POI compared to the POA? Am I right in thinking the rear sight is non-adjustable?
Dave

I think you are correct as to the sight (nonadjustable). I see no adjustment that I can recognize. I was only shooting form 21 to 30 feet so my accuracy response is limited to those distances. The pistol's POA and POI were close using a unsupported offhand shooting. The pistol is more accurate than me. No know POI/POA issues to report.

 

[mrheythere]

Originally posted by ArchAngelCD:
mrheythere,
Thank you for the reports..
As for the recoil, I think if you replace the stock Pachmayr Custom Compac grips with Pachmayr Decelerator Grips you will tame the recoil quite a bit. Check them out on the Pachmayr Site.

Great recommendation! You read my mind. I have the Decelerator on a 4 inch 629 purchased from another forum member. I totally agree on the ability of that grip to absorb recoil. Also the Decelerator results in a shorted reach to the trigger by a significant margin. For me the Decelerator is much more comfortable. I compared the 329 (compaq) and 629 (Decel) side by side today. The decelerator will add 1/2 inch length to the grip but will shorted the reach to the trigger more than 1/8 inch for me This results in a lighter perceived feel on the trigger. All this being said I do not know if I will change. I like the look of the compaqs on the 329.