S & W 329PD for bear.

[birddog]

Hey folks,
I'm headed for my 5th Maine bear hunt in '04, and this time it's going to be with archery equipment only. I am eagerly awaiting my NY State Pistol Permit application to be processed (we're up to 6 months wait now), and in the meantime, I am searching for the best sidearm to carry as a backup while bear hunting. I've twice had bears climb the trees I was hunting from for a sniff, and don't want the third time -- when I am armed only with arrows -- to be the time that a hungry bear decides he likes the smell and wants a taste! I've been looking at a variety of revolvers, and have pretty much settled on the .44 magnum S&W 329PD.

My question is this...I've shot .44 mags on several occasions, but never one with a scandium frame. The .44 mag recoil was impressive, but not horrible, in my recollection. However, the Guns & Ammo writeup on this gun said the "percieved recoil" was a lot more than a standard steel-framed 629. This is not going to be a plinking gun, it's going to be a short range, bear-defense gun, and I don't mind a handful of recoil, and with the considerable distances I'll be hiking, I like the thought of that light revolver. I wondered though, if that "perceived recoil" increase is enough to be considered unmanageable. Anyone out there with any opinion, or experience with this "Air Lite" revolver?
Thanks.
Joel Spring

 

[Obiwan]

I have read a review somewhere that said some shooters quit after a couple rounds.

I won't "go there" on effectiveness on bears...but.

Follow up shots won't be quick

Recoil will be stout

Any gun is better than NO GUN...

As long as you already know how to climb a tree..........

Look at a Serbu shorty shotgun with slugs!

 

[birddog]

Thanks, Obiwan.
Being friends with the Maine guide, I've been involved in some tracking scenarios and have seen several bears (big ones, too) "put down" at short range with the .44 mag, so that isn't even an issue in my mind. Most bears are curious, and I wouldn't even pull the trigger until my boot was almost in his mouth, and at that range, I know the .44 is potent on bears. That follow-up shot is what I am worried about, as you said, and I wonder if the standard 629 might be a better choice. Looking forward to hearing more opinions on this.
Joel

 

[Robert inOregon]

They're being bought up in Alaska like candy. If its good enough for the bear capital of the world, its good enough for everywhere else.

 

[JohnK]

However, the Guns & Ammo writeup on this gun said the "percieved recoil" was a lot more than a standard steel-framed 629.

It has a lot more physical recoil than a steel frame 629 as well. It just stands to reason - the gun is 1/2 as heavy so if you fire the same rounds it's going to recoil more, perceived or not. Wether that extra recoil bothers you is something no one else can predict. If you think nothing of shooting heavy loads in a 4" 629 then the recoil of a 329 might not bother you at all, other people can't handle more than a cylinder of it.

I hope never to find out, but I doubt I'd notice the recoil while a bear was chewing on my foot.

 

[kentucky bucky]

If a bear is going to eat you, I Guar-on-teeeee you won't even feel the recoil!!

 

[Fed168]

I just shot one this week. I expected the recoil to be a real beast, the gun is only 29 odd ounces after all. It really wasn't that bad. Now with that caveat, I wouldn't want to shoot it rapid fire, and I would change the wood grips out to Hogues. The recoil seemed to bite more towards the web of the hand, a short sharp sting and that was about it. We were shooting a 240 grain load.

I think the weight of the gun freaks people out- it did me when I first held it. It rides recoil better and handles better then the Mountain Gun, and feels like a better backpacking/ woods gun than the other.

 

[Wildalaska]

I have only shot a few cylinders of 300 grain heavy loads through one...I am a recoil wimp btw...I found it with the wood grips to recoil LESS than a Mountain Gun (which I have)...the MG comes back in the web of your hand, while the Scandium Gun jumps more...seesm to me to be less painful..

I prefer the wood grips...

If I didnt have a pre lock Mountain Gun, Id get a scandium...

We are getting a bunch in called the Alaska Backpacker...has a bear engraved on the side..

WildbigbangAlaska

 

[gulogulo1970]

I put Pachmayr decellerators on mine. Recoil is not too bad. The houges exposed backstrap hit the palm of my hand with more force than I liked. The heaviest load I've fired is a 240gr load. 300's and I'll use my P.A.S.T. gloves.

 

[MCNETT]

I have shot one on more than one occasion and like it. It "snaps" upward like my .454 Casull, but it doesn'trecoil as much. It definitely exhibits more recoil than my Anaconda. Like someone else said, you will not notice the recoil when the chips are down. As far as effectiveness, get a bullet that is heavy for caliber (nore than 240gr) with the ability to hold together (preferably hardcast) and this will be an excellent choice for defense against any black bear.
-Mike

 

[birddog]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. Good information, there.

Joel

 

[Wedge]

What county in NY

Hey Birddog, what county are you in in NY? I am in Monroe and the wait wasn't anywhere near 6 months. Genesee county is around 4 months right now. Hang in there you will get your permit soon. I hope that you will be able to get it with no restrictions.

I think I would rather have a slightly heavier gun. A heavy gun won't feel all that heavy if you have a good, quality rig to carry it around. I know you said the gun won't be a plinker, but do you want to trust my life to a gun that has has only a handful of full-house rounds through it.

 

[birddog]

Wedge,
I am in Niagara County. I guess they were down to only a 90 day wait a few months ago, but a paperwork backlog increased things to about 6 months again, acording to the Permit Office. As far as the restrictions go, luckily, Niagara County doesn't give you any restrictions normally. So that is a plus. Heading up to the Adirondacks this week for opening weekend of muzzleloader season this weekend (the 11th) and I can't wait! Thanks for the note and the info. I am leaning toward just what you said, maybe a 629, 4".
Take care,
Joel Spring

 

[Wedge]

Glad to hear that you should be able to get it without restrictions. Yeah you may not consider packing now but it is a lot nicer to have a full carry permit and not have to worry whether you are doing a 'legal' activity or not. My buddy is stuck with Hunting and Target only.

Good luck with choosing a firearm and good luck up in the 'daks. My first pistol I spent a ton of time trying to decide what to buy. I ended up with a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt / .45 ACP and have been very happy with it.