329PD range report

[redbone]

Stopped by Popguns today and discovered a clearance sale! The 329PD that I've been admiring from a distance was marked down $100 to $599. Needless to say, I'm now the new owner.

Put 50 rounds of mag thru it, and about 1/2 of a box of .44 specials. Only shot with the wood grips. When I cleaned it afterward, I installed the Hogue grips, and I'm anxious to see the comparison with the wood. I've heard both ways regarding the effect of grip type on perceived recoil.

Wow! Recoil is harsh, but entirely manageable. I doubt I'll be going thru more than one box per session, though. It will be interesting to try the Buffalo Bore hard cast loads (my carry load in bear country). Thought I'd wait for next time for that.

The store employee who did the paperwork (a real nice guy) mentioned he'd like to try it. I said "Sure come on out, I'm shooting it now". He joined me on the range, and shot three times (three shots, that is), laid the revolver down and said "that's enough for me!". I know he has a 629 of his own, just wasn't into the recoil from the lighter gun.

I am a happy camper (with a somewhat sore hand)!

RBH

 

[Wedge]

Where do you put the felt recoil at? I have shot a Blackhawk .45 colt with 300 gr @ 1300 fps (Cor-bon) and a Super Redhawk with 300 gr @ 1625 fps (Winchester) and I felt that both were OK. The SRH is a handfull but not awful and I really like the Blackhawk.

I have to say that I love the look of the 329PD and wouldn't mind picking one up when I have some money.

 

[redbone]

Today I shot "standard" 240 grain loads, and recoil was strong, maybe 50% more so than with the same loads in my six-inch Model 29 . I'm thinking this may be a candidate for mag-na-porting, although I'll wait and see how the heavy 300 grain loads feel.

It's not a revolver that I would want to do a lot of range work with and I'll use it mostly for backcountry protection. The exception would be with .44 specials, which felt like .22 rimfire rounds, and I could shoot those all day.

It's hard for me to be very objective about recoil comparisons, because I'm not too recoil sensative (used to be when I first started shooting magnums, but after lots of work I seemed to get over it). The interesting thing abot the 329PD was that the muzzle blast seemed to be much less than my wife's S&W 2-inch 442 with .38 special +P loads. Those things rattle my teeth, and the .44s had much less blast.

It's definately a niche gun, and for what I want it for, it's perfect.

RBH

 

[HLG]

Good price on your 329PD, Redbone.
I got mine about 6 months ago at Plainfield Shooting Supply for $629. I wanted it for camping in bear country. I have shot about 2 boxes of 44 mags and one of 44 special through it. I also shoot about once a week at Pop Guns range. The magnums are not pleasant to shoot, especially the 300 grain Federal castcore bullets.
Herb

 

[355sigfan]

Thats one revolver I don't want to shoot. They took the light weight highpower ratio too far in my opinion. I prefer the standard 4 inch 629. I would not mind a 45 acp version of the 329 PD with a 4 inch tube.
Pat

 

[444]

I would kind of like to have one of those, although I don't really have any reason for it. The only time I camped in bear country, I had my 444 Marlin in the tent loaded with firewalled 300 grain SPs.
I also already own a 4" Model 29 and a 3" Model 629 making it even harder to justify.
I was thinking of buying myself one for my birthday, but have since changed my mind to something I can get more use out of.
As far as recoil is concerned, I have had a few sessions with a buddies .454 Casull. It makes you appreciate just how tame the .44 Mag is. That .454 could injure you if you arn't careful. It isn't just a flip of the wrist.

 

[Nightcrawler]

I would not mind a 45 acp version of the 329 PD with a 4 inch tube.

Me too. I'd like a .45 Colt version, also, as most .45 Colt loads are pretty mild.

 

[355sigfan]

The 45 colt is a fun round and you would have the option of loading it warmer if you chose. I prefer the 45 colt to the 44 special.
Pat

 

[Zundfolge]

I've really been itching for one of these lately ... even though I have reservations about giving S&W any money ("the agreement" and all).

I don't currently own a wheelgun, so this monster would probably not be the best choice for a first one, but I have plenty of autos for self defense so the 329 would probably be a hiking gun and range gun.

I'm not particularly recoil sensative ... but I've never shot a .44mag (shot plenty of .357mag and will enherit an 8" 686 eventualy ... but I'm not in any hurry for my old man to kick off) so I think something like this would be fun.

 

[Wildalaska]

Hi redbone, we have had reports about the Buffal Bore lead hard casts backing out and locking up the PDs, keep your eyes on it....


WildwilllockupthegunAlaska

 

[redbone]

Wildalaska:

Is it just Buffalo Bore, or might it be all heavy loads? Have you heard anything about the hard cast Corbons having problems?

I'm thinking that getting the revolver magna-ported might help with the backing out problem as well as the sore hand issue.

Thanks for the heads up!

RBH

 

[Nightcrawler]

I don't think the hardcast Cor-Bons are anywhere near as hot as the Garrett and Buffalo Bore Loads.

 

[redbone]

Nightcrawler:

Here is some info from mfgs. websites:

weight fps ft-lbs Brand
330 1385 1400 Garrett
310 1325 1200 Garrett
305 1325 1189 Buffalo Bore
320 1270 1146 Corbon
305 1300 1145 Corbon
300 1300 1126 Buffalo Bore
300 1250 1040 Federal
240 1180 741 Winchester
240 750 300 Win .44 special cowboy

The Garrett loads are recommended only for steel revolvers, with the 330 gr. load recommended only for Rugers and Dan Wessons.

Corbon is between the two BB loads (energy-wise). The Winchester White Box I was shooting is anemic in comparison, and the .44 special is downright pitiful! I think I'll try the Federal loads first, kinda work up to the hotter Corbons.

I'll keep an eye on cylinder lockup from bullets backing out. And, this info is making me think harder about magna-porting.

RBH