Author Topic: 329PD questions (Read 1994 times)

Brac2005 · « **on:** March 06, 2005, 06:28:04 AM »

I just picked up a new 329PD and have some questions about it. How durable is the finish on these proving to be? Is it possible to magnaport these? And last, will it fit in a normal leather model 29 holster? The full lug and huge front sight have me wondering.

Thanks,
Rob

NRA Dave · « **Reply #1 on:** April 19, 2005, 02:19:07 PM »

Rob

I've had mine since they first came out. I've shot over 1000 rounds thru it. It will fit a M29 leather holster. I bought a Kydex holster by BladeTech though. Magnaport does something extra to port it since it is shrouded so it cost $140 to port it. Let mek now if you need more help. Oh I switched to a regular square notch and front post.

Dave

Nanook 450 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 26, 2005, 03:11:32 PM »

Love mine - using Buffalo Bore heavy special and light magnum loads for hunting . . . took the corners off the factory rear sights; installed Meculik springs, deburred the hammer, did a trigger job. Got some of those S&W 500 Hogue Grips. i would port mine, but my fear of muzzel flash keeps me from that. S&W would fix the finish if you have problems - I have not had any problems with the finish.

Would recommend cleaning the cylinder well, after shooting specials, before shooting magnums, otherwise the magnum cases could become stuck.

TRick · « **Reply #3 on:** October 03, 2005, 07:51:20 AM »

I'm in the market for a 329PD, but I'm a bit concerned with the recoil of a 26oz, 44mag revolver. I've read a report on the net that the author thought it was the second worst recoiling handgun he had shot.

Any and all thoughts appreciated.

Thanks

Todd

TRick · « **Reply #4 on:** October 27, 2005, 02:03:14 AM »

OK, I went and got the 329PD. OUCH ! My plan for this pistol was/is to shoot a 300 grain bullet at whatever velocity I can withstand.

After a few warmup shots with 240 grain "light" loads, I proceeded to the "light" (1000-1100fps) loads, two shots, and took a piece of the web of my hand off ! (actually a 1/2" square piece of skin) Back to the loading bench. I loaded the 300 grainers down to about 850fps, and although still a hellofa handful, I could stand the recoil, at least for a few shots. This 300gr @ 850fps did produce a group of three shots touching at 25 yds - even with my sore hand firing them.

IMO - the 329PD is without a doubt, the worst recoiling handgun I have ever shot - this includes various 44 mags with hot handloads, the 500S&W, and 375JDJ Contenders. That said, I beleive I will have this handgun for a long, long time due to it's incredible light weight, and initial exceptional accuracy.

Todd

thales · « **Reply #5 on:** October 28, 2005, 11:55:38 PM »

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Get the S&W 500 grips. They fit adequately on the 329 and take a lot of the pain away. I find .44 Special loads to be authoritative but still fun to shoot. Full power .44 Magnum loads aren't that much fun, but I have had no particular problem with the Federal 300 grain Castcore load. Twelve of those is about enough for me at the range. The main idea behind this revolver is carry it a lot and shoot it only a little.

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DELETED · « **Reply #6 on:** November 01, 2005, 11:11:34 AM »

DELETED

patrick.hover · « **Reply #7 on:** December 18, 2005, 07:30:02 AM »

do any of you have a picture of your 500 grips on your 329pd?

Did you have to modify in any way?
how is the fit ?
tight or sloppy?

Thanks.
Patrick.

thales · « **Reply #8 on:** December 30, 2005, 07:34:47 PM »

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The 500 grips screw on easily with no modification. The fit is not quite perfect, but not quite what I would call sloppy. There is a visible gap at the upper outline of the grip, but the grip is stable and doesn't move. This grip does such a good job of reducing felt recoil that the elegant precision of its fit, or lack of it, is of secondary importance. Maybe somebody will make a better grip someday (are you listening, S&W?) Until then, the 500 grips are the best.

*

JD11 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 05, 2006, 08:32:27 AM »

I just got my 329 4 days ago and it turns out the Bianchi #7001 4B(thumbsnap for 4"barrel N frame S&W's) that I ordered for it at the same time fits it like a glove if you're interested in that type. I have an Uncle Mike's for my Vaquero, but I must say I like the preformed or moulded feature of the Bianchi Accumold holster better.

I ordered a box of the specially made lower recoil (but nasty) Buffalo Bore stuff they designed especially for the lightweight 329 that I'll use for grizzly bear loads when I'm out in griz country here instead of hot 45LC handloads. I also just ordered 44Mag dies, cases, and some 180 gr. bullets for low powered plinking loads. One of the handgun mag authors likes 5gr. of Titegroup with 180 grainers for plinking. Anyone else like anything along those lines with Titegroup or H110?

Nanuk · « **Reply #10 on:** April 25, 2006, 12:15:36 PM »

My 329 PD is a pussy cat compared to my 360 PD. I really dont think the 329 PD kicks any worse than my mountain gun, but is far more picky about ammo.