New Pretty...329PD

I made a deal with my wife. When our Rona stimulus check came in, she could stimulate the economy how she wanted with her half, and I'd stimulate it my way, as long as we both agreed to buy local and buy American!

Sooooooo……. off to my LGS I went.

Picked up my new 44 Special with Magnum capabilities today!

A S&W 329PD


I knew the sharp edged on these factory stocks would tear me up (speaking from previous experience with Altamont stocks on a S&W 69). They looked cool and all, just not going to do that to myself with this Air Lite war hammer!



I ordered a set of VZ 320 R2S Conversion grips for it. The grips arrived well in advance of the conclusion of my 10 day wait (which actually turned into 13 days ... Thanks CA!). Not only do I like the looks of the VZ's, I am really liking the feel. The proof will be in the pudding when I get her out to the range, but as I said at the beginning, this is a Special that will see some moderate Mags if the need arises.

I keep a bunch of Skeeter Loads worked up for my dedicated 44 Special revolvers, and I'm thinking this may be the favorite load for out kicking in the boonies around here. Nothing I am likely to run into in the Sierra Nevada what might need shootin' cant be handled by a big, plodding chunk o' lead.


I'll report when I get to shoot her this weekend.

2 Crow

Gordon said:

I like your 329, a very good choice for most anything other than a lot of range use. VZ grips can be abrasive on a high recoil pistol, but I still use them.

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Gordon, this is my first set of VZ’s and was a little concerned about the texture as I have read the reports of aggressive checkering. I have to say though, these 320’s are almost smooth to the touch, with just a hint of texture. I’ll find out when that first round goes off!!

paul105 said:

If the VZs prove to be too sharp, they can easily be sanded to you comfort level. It is the base of my thumb and the web of my hand that takes the beating with all double action magnum handguns. For that reason all grips with an open back strap just don't work for me. Doesn't mean they won't work for you.

Paul

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Exactly Paul. I made sure to contact VZ in advance to confirm that these conversion grips were closed back. I didn’t need 3/8” of metal coming back at my palm with that kind of authoritay!!

paul105 said:

Picked up this 2 1/2" M329 Alaska Backpacker a while back. It has a stainless cylinder and weighs the same as the 4" PD IIRC. Sort of an adjustable sight version of the Nightguard series. Really neat little gun. The older I get, the more appealing these shorter, lighter weight guns become.

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Sorry for the thread drift.

Paul

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I have found myself gravitating back toward revolvers of late because of some nerve damage to my left hand caused by a back injury. I have limited strength/ dexterity in that hand and I find it more and more difficult to operate a slide on a semi-auto. I guess there are worse things than to have to carry a big bore wheel gun.