Whats up with the 329pd?

[FTG-05]

Count me in as someone also looking for a 329PD. I've had a .44 mag for years, but it wasn't in a carry package with it's 6 1/2" barrel and M-4 Sherman-like weight.

I don't have to worry about bears, black, brown, grizzlies or whatever. The biggest thing I have to worry about is maybe hogs or my son trying to steal my AR-15 carbine. Oh well, life could be worse.

Thanks,

 

[geronpg]

My $.02 - every handgun is a compromise. If you knew you'd meet the bear, you'd take a .338 mag., or at least a super Redhawk in .454 Casull. The 329pd is about the most power you can get in a package that's light enough to carry all day without noticing it. I love mine. Yes, it hurts to shoot full power loads with the wood grips. The hogues that come with it are probably more comfortable, but I've not put them on because the wood ones fit my hand so well. I practice with mild loads, and occasional full power loads. It's a good idea to practice with other handguns - you can develop a flinch if you only shoot the 329pd, due to the very quick and sharp recoil.

 

[zorba]

I would recommend the standard 629 with a 4" barrel. Yeah, I know it's too heavy to use for ccw at home. With a 4" 629 you will have a good all around field revolver that is fairly comfortable to fire factory magnum loads. Invest a little extra in a good holster and a quality stiffened gun belt. I can wear mine comfortably all day on my trouser belt. You might also look at chest carry holsters, too. I share your fascination with titanium firearms, but I think there are other lower recoil applications where it would be more practical. I'm saving up for a lightweight hunting rifle myself.

 

[WNC Seabee]

I picked up my 329PD a couple weeks ago and it's quickly becoming my 2nd favorite revolver.

If you want it, get it. Gun prices are fairly stable, so if you don't like it you ought to be able to move it on. If you lose a few dollars just consider it a rental fee.

 

[CWH44300]

I would recommend the standard 629 with a 4" barrel. Yeah, I know it's too heavy to use for ccw at home. With a 4" 629 you will have a good all around field revolver that is fairly comfortable to fire factory magnum loads. Invest a little extra in a good holster and a quality stiffened gun belt. I can wear mine comfortably all day on my trouser belt. You might also look at chest carry holsters, too. I share your fascination with titanium firearms, but I think there are other lower recoil applications where it would be more practical. I'm saving up for a lightweight hunting rifle myself.

what do you carry your 4" 629 in?

 

[BKDinTexas]

I back-packed the Alaska wilderness for two weeks straight, back in '04. I carried a .44 Mountain Gun. Even it got a little heavy by the end of the day. That said, I don't think a 329 would be near as fast in recoil recovery if I'm wailing away at a bear. I felt the Mountain Gun was the best compromise between weight and shootability. I would leave the 329 at home and pick up a Mountain Gun.

BTW, take a .22 if it's spruce hen season. That's the only thing I wound up shooting with my .44 and it tears 'em up a little (OK - a lot). Next time I will take my model 63 as well. It will get used a lot more.

 

[blueknight7]

BKDinTexas, everything you have hung around your middle gets heavy by the end of the day. Between the years as a soldier, in sunny southeast Asia and 30 years as a cop, It all started off with either nylon web, canvas, and some sort of very old WW II leather, and then steel service revolvers, and heavy leather duty belts. Weight does matter.

Your mountain revolver, and the 329PD probably would not have much difference in firing time, if a bear had you in its crosshairs. Would you be able to stop it with either? I personally doubt it, unless you were extremely lucky. I suppose its better than a frying pan, or a fly rod. Or, any lesser caliber, for that matter.

If you have time to see the attack or ambush forming, you have the chance to extracate yourself from it. If you don't see it, or preceive it, whatever you are using is going to be contact shots, up close and personal. Its not going to matter if its an 8 3/8" .500 S&W., or an American Derringer in .45-70. It will be close, it will be messy, and you are going to get hurt.

From what I am led to believe by people that have actually experienced a bear attack, the initial attack is about once removed from being hit by a truck. Except the bear stops on top of you and starts tearing away parts.