S&w Pc 329pd
- Thread starter Highland Ranger
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Highland Ranger
Member
Haven't shot it yet, hopefully tomorrow if it's not snow/raining/sleeting/icing etc.
It does have a compensator . . . . makes up for the missing inch.
It does have a compensator . . . . makes up for the missing inch.
MrPink
Member
Highland Ranger,
I too just picked up a Lew Horton 329 PC, also in the black PD finish. Haven't shot it yet - still waiting for the factory mid-velocity & lite ammo to arrive.
Over all, I'm pretty impressed by the gun - like all of my PC guns it locks up tight,has a great SA trigger and wonderfully finished. Two nits about the gun are 1) the cylinders aren't camfered and 2) the DA trigger seems to "stack" more than other N frames. It seems related to the cylinder turning, not the mainspring. I wonder if this is due to the lightness of the Ti cylinder - the only other Ti gun I have is a 340 and I never expected a great trigger on that gun.
Have you had a similar experience with your 329?
I too just picked up a Lew Horton 329 PC, also in the black PD finish. Haven't shot it yet - still waiting for the factory mid-velocity & lite ammo to arrive.
Over all, I'm pretty impressed by the gun - like all of my PC guns it locks up tight,has a great SA trigger and wonderfully finished. Two nits about the gun are 1) the cylinders aren't camfered and 2) the DA trigger seems to "stack" more than other N frames. It seems related to the cylinder turning, not the mainspring. I wonder if this is due to the lightness of the Ti cylinder - the only other Ti gun I have is a 340 and I never expected a great trigger on that gun.
Have you had a similar experience with your 329?
Highland Ranger
Member
Finish is flawless. Looks like the trigger stop will eventually put a shiny spot on the frame, guess a rubber booty is getting carried away.
Didn't care for the Cocobola grips (grain is a bit coarse) but the hogues look sharp. I'm recoil insensitive but if there is a recoil issue, I heard Pachmyr decelerators are the way to go.
Did notice that they test fired all six cylinders, instead of the normal two. Not sure if that's SOP for scandium guns - this is my first.
Bought 44 specils for the break in but plan on shooting full house loads just to see how bad it is . . . . . make sure you read their instrucions on how to check if ammo is ok to shoot in the gun - apparently a problem with bullets backing out of the casing and jamming the gun on some factory loads with nominal crimps because of the light weight of the frame.
Did not notice the trigger issue, but I need to get the gun in my hand and compare it to my PC 629. I bought it, held it for a while then had to go out of town. (bummer)
Seems like the cylinder drag mark will be fainter than on my 629 PC - guess that's a difference in the materials rubbing? (Titanium Vs SS)
The finish on the trigger and hammer was different. Guess I don't mind it but would have been nice if they made it look like the cyclinder, not that heat treated look or whatever it is.
Re chamfering - need another look at it, I'll take a look on the weekend.
Funny thing, first time dealing with Lew Horton, they just emailed me the distributors price for the gun - $799; so I figured wow how can this gun be so cheap . . . . . then I found out how! (Paid $935)
Distributor was annoyed that they gave me their cost but everyone has to make a buck so no foul from my end. We all have to eat and the guy took a fair mark up.
Shoot it in good health, let me know if you get out to the range and try it out.
Didn't care for the Cocobola grips (grain is a bit coarse) but the hogues look sharp. I'm recoil insensitive but if there is a recoil issue, I heard Pachmyr decelerators are the way to go.
Did notice that they test fired all six cylinders, instead of the normal two. Not sure if that's SOP for scandium guns - this is my first.
Bought 44 specils for the break in but plan on shooting full house loads just to see how bad it is . . . . . make sure you read their instrucions on how to check if ammo is ok to shoot in the gun - apparently a problem with bullets backing out of the casing and jamming the gun on some factory loads with nominal crimps because of the light weight of the frame.
Did not notice the trigger issue, but I need to get the gun in my hand and compare it to my PC 629. I bought it, held it for a while then had to go out of town. (bummer)
Seems like the cylinder drag mark will be fainter than on my 629 PC - guess that's a difference in the materials rubbing? (Titanium Vs SS)
The finish on the trigger and hammer was different. Guess I don't mind it but would have been nice if they made it look like the cyclinder, not that heat treated look or whatever it is.
Re chamfering - need another look at it, I'll take a look on the weekend.
Funny thing, first time dealing with Lew Horton, they just emailed me the distributors price for the gun - $799; so I figured wow how can this gun be so cheap . . . . . then I found out how! (Paid $935)
Distributor was annoyed that they gave me their cost but everyone has to make a buck so no foul from my end. We all have to eat and the guy took a fair mark up.
Shoot it in good health, let me know if you get out to the range and try it out.
MrPink
Member
Highland Ranger,
Thanks for the feedback about your specific gun. This gun, like any super lightweight scandium gun can "jump" bullets. I can see where the trigger stop is going to wear away the finish on a small spot on the frame. I did take a fine stone to the trigger stop to smooth out the burr so it seems to rub less (no real removal of metal though!!)
All PC guns I've bought seem to be test fired with a full cylinder of ammo. By the way the loads I plan to shoot are Proload 200 grain "tactical lite" (a Golddot HP at 1050 fps) and Corbon 165 grain JHP at 1300 fps. Probably the heaviest I'll take to the range are 210 grain Silvertips.
I'm figuring the Proload ammo should be like shooting 45ACP +Ps out of a lightwieght Commander. Range report this weekend.
I didn't care for either the cocobolo or rubber grips that came with the gun. I like roundbutt grips myself and have a pair of Craig Spegel's grips on order.
Thanks for the feedback about your specific gun. This gun, like any super lightweight scandium gun can "jump" bullets. I can see where the trigger stop is going to wear away the finish on a small spot on the frame. I did take a fine stone to the trigger stop to smooth out the burr so it seems to rub less (no real removal of metal though!!)
All PC guns I've bought seem to be test fired with a full cylinder of ammo. By the way the loads I plan to shoot are Proload 200 grain "tactical lite" (a Golddot HP at 1050 fps) and Corbon 165 grain JHP at 1300 fps. Probably the heaviest I'll take to the range are 210 grain Silvertips.
I'm figuring the Proload ammo should be like shooting 45ACP +Ps out of a lightwieght Commander. Range report this weekend.
I didn't care for either the cocobolo or rubber grips that came with the gun. I like roundbutt grips myself and have a pair of Craig Spegel's grips on order.
Highland Ranger
Member
No - same Hogue grip that came with my 629PC - exposed top strap right by the web of the hand.
Highland Ranger
Member
Need to take it out and measure but yes, you can see it in the picture, looks like less than an inch.
The 629 I have is the Performance Center Light Hunter so I guess they use the same grips. Came with rosewood grips too, very nice - like them better than the cocobola that came with this gun; grain was too coarse.
In the stainless gun, the Hogue grips make a difference, still need to get out there and shoot the 329, but I'm told that Pachmyr decelerators are the way to go.
The 629 I have is the Performance Center Light Hunter so I guess they use the same grips. Came with rosewood grips too, very nice - like them better than the cocobola that came with this gun; grain was too coarse.
In the stainless gun, the Hogue grips make a difference, still need to get out there and shoot the 329, but I'm told that Pachmyr decelerators are the way to go.
Highland Ranger
Member
329PD Range Report and a few corrections
Finally got out to the range yesterday - what a sweet gun!
Using the PC Hogue grips (correction from above: which are identical to the 629 PC grips - almost whole metal backstrap exposed - ouch)
Started with CCI Blazer 200gr GDHP 44 Specials - almost no recoil (again, I'm not sensitive and have a big well padded hand) and surprisingly accurate for a short barrel gun - two handed at 20' all shots within about a 2.5" circle (a ransom rest I'm not!) No bullet back out issue but I wasn't expecting a problem with 44 Specials.
Next went to American Eagle 240 Grain JHP - yowzer, if you're not holding it right, you'll know it. I did notice some back out initially (fire 5 look at the 6th), but when I compared to other rounds remaining in the box I noticed that some of them already looked that way in the box. Put that 6th round back in the chamber and fired it last, no problem. Not sure what to make of this because I'm not sure how tight the bullet height spec is . . . . let's call it jury out for now.
Finally, being a glutton for punishment, I shot some Black Hills 300 gr JHP . . . . man, I miss gripped a little and really felt it in my wrist. No after effects the next day but you really need to hold tight. Bullet back out - again, indeterminate but no problem reusing the 6th bullet as the 6th shot on a second cylinder . . . .
In both case I did the first shot DA a a safety precaution then switch to SA - again no cuts or bruises today. But if you don't hold tight, your wrist will tell you something's wrong . . . note that my brother (smaller thinner hand) shot a few of the 300 grs and put it down. Definately not a gun for everyone with those 300 gr rounds.
Same loads are no problem recoil-wise in my stainless 629 PC . . . . very noticeable difference.
Other comments:
Initially had some trouble extracting the magnum cases. Not sure if this was because I shot the specials first (which always seem to be very dirty) and they gunked things up, or because it was really cold out and the cases were hot . . . . when they cooled they came out ok and the problem seemed to go away after the third box of ammo, so maybe it was a ridge of grit from the specials (shot magnums last two boxes)
Overall, very impressive gun, make a great around-town CCW piece with those 44 specials (44 mags, not the ideal CCW load unless you are around bear or want to shoot through cars)
I am going to get the Pachmyr Decelerators and see if they make a difference. I didn't even try the Cocobola grips . . . don't like how they look and I would think they'd hurt.
We were shooting a Smith 686 and this at the same time . . . POP . . . then B-O-O-M.
hehehehehe - lot of fun. Too bad it was so cold out . . . . . can't wait for Spring.
Oh - one more thing, forgot the camera but it's a bit of a flamethrower. I'll try to get some pics next time out.
Finally got out to the range yesterday - what a sweet gun!
Using the PC Hogue grips (correction from above: which are identical to the 629 PC grips - almost whole metal backstrap exposed - ouch)
Started with CCI Blazer 200gr GDHP 44 Specials - almost no recoil (again, I'm not sensitive and have a big well padded hand) and surprisingly accurate for a short barrel gun - two handed at 20' all shots within about a 2.5" circle (a ransom rest I'm not!) No bullet back out issue but I wasn't expecting a problem with 44 Specials.
Next went to American Eagle 240 Grain JHP - yowzer, if you're not holding it right, you'll know it. I did notice some back out initially (fire 5 look at the 6th), but when I compared to other rounds remaining in the box I noticed that some of them already looked that way in the box. Put that 6th round back in the chamber and fired it last, no problem. Not sure what to make of this because I'm not sure how tight the bullet height spec is . . . . let's call it jury out for now.
Finally, being a glutton for punishment, I shot some Black Hills 300 gr JHP . . . . man, I miss gripped a little and really felt it in my wrist. No after effects the next day but you really need to hold tight. Bullet back out - again, indeterminate but no problem reusing the 6th bullet as the 6th shot on a second cylinder . . . .
In both case I did the first shot DA a a safety precaution then switch to SA - again no cuts or bruises today. But if you don't hold tight, your wrist will tell you something's wrong . . . note that my brother (smaller thinner hand) shot a few of the 300 grs and put it down. Definately not a gun for everyone with those 300 gr rounds.
Same loads are no problem recoil-wise in my stainless 629 PC . . . . very noticeable difference.
Other comments:
Initially had some trouble extracting the magnum cases. Not sure if this was because I shot the specials first (which always seem to be very dirty) and they gunked things up, or because it was really cold out and the cases were hot . . . . when they cooled they came out ok and the problem seemed to go away after the third box of ammo, so maybe it was a ridge of grit from the specials (shot magnums last two boxes)
Overall, very impressive gun, make a great around-town CCW piece with those 44 specials (44 mags, not the ideal CCW load unless you are around bear or want to shoot through cars)
I am going to get the Pachmyr Decelerators and see if they make a difference. I didn't even try the Cocobola grips . . . don't like how they look and I would think they'd hurt.
We were shooting a Smith 686 and this at the same time . . . POP . . . then B-O-O-M.
hehehehehe - lot of fun. Too bad it was so cold out . . . . . can't wait for Spring.
Oh - one more thing, forgot the camera but it's a bit of a flamethrower. I'll try to get some pics next time out.
Thanks for the follow-up!
I've been waiting in the wings, thinking about buying one of these to replace my 629. I've heard conflicting reports on their recoil.
My Trailboss (3" magna ported 629) is fine to shoot with 320 grain medium-heavy loads, so it's interesting to hear your comparison of the 329 to the 629.
I'll look forward to hear how the Decelerators change the felt recoil for you.
In the meantime, I'll be here in the wings... with my 629
Thanks again
I've been waiting in the wings, thinking about buying one of these to replace my 629. I've heard conflicting reports on their recoil.
My Trailboss (3" magna ported 629) is fine to shoot with 320 grain medium-heavy loads, so it's interesting to hear your comparison of the 329 to the 629.
I'll look forward to hear how the Decelerators change the felt recoil for you.
In the meantime, I'll be here in the wings... with my 629
Thanks again
MrPink
Member
OK, I finally took my 329PC out this weekend. I wanted to shoot it the prior weekend but forgot that was Valentine's Day......
First up were the Proload Tactical Lite 200gr GDHP. I thought this might feel like shooting 45+P out of a lightweight Commander and I was pretty much right. A bit more muzzle flip - probably due to the higher bore axis - but a similar push/rap to the hand. Not a powderpuff target load, but also not bad at all. Could shoot this load almost all day.
Next up were Winchester 210gr Silvertips. These are suppose to step out of a 4" test barrel about 200fps faster than the Proload with a bullet weighing 5% more. And it feels it. Bigger push/rap and muzzle flip. It seems like sharper recoil than my 3" 629 or Mountain Gun but with less muzzle rise (proabably the comp). Certianly an OK load for the woods of northern Vermont.
I think the compensator - like the 66 F-comp - works. It seems to keep the muzzle down and as a side benefit you sure get a whole lotta muzzle blast.
I'm in a quandry about this gun. I like it: the Performance Center fit and finish, the carry comp barrel has great asthetics. But I don't know what I'm going to do with it. I have the aforementioned 629s for woods carry and while it is light, its a tad big for daily carry (given my preferred carry is my 340PD).
First up were the Proload Tactical Lite 200gr GDHP. I thought this might feel like shooting 45+P out of a lightweight Commander and I was pretty much right. A bit more muzzle flip - probably due to the higher bore axis - but a similar push/rap to the hand. Not a powderpuff target load, but also not bad at all. Could shoot this load almost all day.
Next up were Winchester 210gr Silvertips. These are suppose to step out of a 4" test barrel about 200fps faster than the Proload with a bullet weighing 5% more. And it feels it. Bigger push/rap and muzzle flip. It seems like sharper recoil than my 3" 629 or Mountain Gun but with less muzzle rise (proabably the comp). Certianly an OK load for the woods of northern Vermont.
I think the compensator - like the 66 F-comp - works. It seems to keep the muzzle down and as a side benefit you sure get a whole lotta muzzle blast.
I'm in a quandry about this gun. I like it: the Performance Center fit and finish, the carry comp barrel has great asthetics. But I don't know what I'm going to do with it. I have the aforementioned 629s for woods carry and while it is light, its a tad big for daily carry (given my preferred carry is my 340PD).
Highland Ranger
Member
You mean I need to DO something with a gun?! (don't tell my wife!)
If I get the case extraction working smoothly the next time out, I intend use it as a walking around the woods gun. Needs to be reloadable in a hurry though for me to feel comfortable.
Cleaned it last night, had a tough time getting the powder burns off the Titanium cylinder - tried MPro7, Hoppes, Butches and Otis - still some powder there. Some came off . . .
Used a nylon brush, afraid to use anything else . . . . . something we have to live with or is there another way?
Also, ordered the Decelerators and a holster for it this weekend.
See this thread for the Holster info: 329PD Holster Thread
If I get the case extraction working smoothly the next time out, I intend use it as a walking around the woods gun. Needs to be reloadable in a hurry though for me to feel comfortable.
Cleaned it last night, had a tough time getting the powder burns off the Titanium cylinder - tried MPro7, Hoppes, Butches and Otis - still some powder there. Some came off . . .
Used a nylon brush, afraid to use anything else . . . . . something we have to live with or is there another way?
Also, ordered the Decelerators and a holster for it this weekend.
See this thread for the Holster info: 329PD Holster Thread
MrPink
Member
Highland Ranger,
Did you ever notice if your particular gun's chambers were camfered? Mine aren't and that slows down a speedload. I'd like it either camfered or set up for moonclips, but the manual says there is a special coating on the Ti cylinder. Checking to see if the S&W PC will do the mod.
Did you ever notice if your particular gun's chambers were camfered? Mine aren't and that slows down a speedload. I'd like it either camfered or set up for moonclips, but the manual says there is a special coating on the Ti cylinder. Checking to see if the S&W PC will do the mod.
Highland Ranger
Member
Forgive my ignorance here but where would the chamfer be? At which end of the cylinder? I'd assume the extractor side but . . . . .
It does look like there is some chamfering or other than straight bore machining on the front of the cylinder (the bullet end) but the other end of the cylinder (back by the extractor), the holes are straight bore, no chamfer.
Having said that, don't get why the bullet end of the cylinder would be machined, but . . . .
Re machining the TI - they do coat the barrel, not sure if they coat the cylinder too - let me know what they tell you.
It does look like there is some chamfering or other than straight bore machining on the front of the cylinder (the bullet end) but the other end of the cylinder (back by the extractor), the holes are straight bore, no chamfer.
Having said that, don't get why the bullet end of the cylinder would be machined, but . . . .
Re machining the TI - they do coat the barrel, not sure if they coat the cylinder too - let me know what they tell you.
MrPink
Member
Highland Ranger,
The chamfer is on the rear of the cylinder and the extractor star. Its just a very light bevel edge around each cylinder hole that lets you drop cartridges in a tad easier. Especially nice as you try to jiggle/drop six in using a speedloader.
The chamfer is on the rear of the cylinder and the extractor star. Its just a very light bevel edge around each cylinder hole that lets you drop cartridges in a tad easier. Especially nice as you try to jiggle/drop six in using a speedloader.
Highland Ranger
Member
Update - Pachmayr Decelerators
Just installed the new grips - I'll post a picture when I get a chance and a range report eventually.
They are very squishy rubber and they are larger, completely covering the backstrap as well as adding a little pad of sorts just beneath the trigger guard so it does seem they will reduce felt recoil.
However, they are a clamshell design that affixes with a single screw thru the center. The result is the grip feels kind of loose. Definately not the snug fit of the Hogue's that come with the gun. A second screw would solve most of the issue, part of it is the texture of the rubber . . .
Their logo on one side of the grip was installed nicely, on the other side, a bit sloppy.
Just installed the new grips - I'll post a picture when I get a chance and a range report eventually.
They are very squishy rubber and they are larger, completely covering the backstrap as well as adding a little pad of sorts just beneath the trigger guard so it does seem they will reduce felt recoil.
However, they are a clamshell design that affixes with a single screw thru the center. The result is the grip feels kind of loose. Definately not the snug fit of the Hogue's that come with the gun. A second screw would solve most of the issue, part of it is the texture of the rubber . . .
Their logo on one side of the grip was installed nicely, on the other side, a bit sloppy.
Highland Ranger
Member
Update - Range Report with new grips
Shot the 329 ith the Pachmyr's the other day - significantly reduced recoil.
Using the original Hogue's, the palm under the thumb (thick area of your hand) was bruised the following day after 50 rounds.
With the new grips, no bruise. Still not the most comfortable to shoot, you won't use it to fire 500 rounds plinking, but it is tolerable enough to practice with such that you could use it as a carry gun effectively.
At short range (7 yards) it is dead on accurate.
At 25 yards, accuracy suffers off hand. Need to dial it in on the next trip from a rest to see if it is me or the gun.
(I'm guessing its me.)
I'll try to get a picture of the gun with the new grips up.
Mr. Pink - noticed I didn't answer your chamfer question. Answer is no, the chamber is not chamfered under the extractor.
It does look like the opposite end has a bevel to the chamber but I think all revolvers have this . . . . how are you doing with your 329 - shoot it much?
Shot the 329 ith the Pachmyr's the other day - significantly reduced recoil.
Using the original Hogue's, the palm under the thumb (thick area of your hand) was bruised the following day after 50 rounds.
With the new grips, no bruise. Still not the most comfortable to shoot, you won't use it to fire 500 rounds plinking, but it is tolerable enough to practice with such that you could use it as a carry gun effectively.
At short range (7 yards) it is dead on accurate.
At 25 yards, accuracy suffers off hand. Need to dial it in on the next trip from a rest to see if it is me or the gun.
(I'm guessing its me.)
I'll try to get a picture of the gun with the new grips up.
Mr. Pink - noticed I didn't answer your chamfer question. Answer is no, the chamber is not chamfered under the extractor.
It does look like the opposite end has a bevel to the chamber but I think all revolvers have this . . . . how are you doing with your 329 - shoot it much?
Highland Ranger
Member
Still a big difference. The 629 with 300gr loads is no problem at all and that's with the rubber hogue's with the exposed backstrap that come stock from S&W.
WIth the 329: I only tried 240's in this latest test with the new grips.
Not sure what would be most meaningful, someone needs to come up with a recoil measurer or something but let me put it this way: I could shoot the 629 with 240's all day.
I wouldn't enjoy more than 50 or 100 240 gr magnums with the 329.
Point of reference that I may have mentioned above: big hand, meaty side; consider my self recoil insensitive.
My brother shot it again with the new grips and the 240's (smaller thinner hand) and he said its better, but still had to be shamed into finishing a cylinder full and indicated it would be the last time he'll shoot it . . . .
Makes you wonder how these guys will shoot that snubbie 500 that is coming out.
(I still want one anyway)
PS - Yes Pach's are the way to go; wasn't quite happy with the fit and finish but they do reduce recoil and don't look too bad. I'll try to get some pic's posted.
WIth the 329: I only tried 240's in this latest test with the new grips.
Not sure what would be most meaningful, someone needs to come up with a recoil measurer or something but let me put it this way: I could shoot the 629 with 240's all day.
I wouldn't enjoy more than 50 or 100 240 gr magnums with the 329.
Point of reference that I may have mentioned above: big hand, meaty side; consider my self recoil insensitive.
My brother shot it again with the new grips and the 240's (smaller thinner hand) and he said its better, but still had to be shamed into finishing a cylinder full and indicated it would be the last time he'll shoot it . . . .
Makes you wonder how these guys will shoot that snubbie 500 that is coming out.
(I still want one anyway)
PS - Yes Pach's are the way to go; wasn't quite happy with the fit and finish but they do reduce recoil and don't look too bad. I'll try to get some pic's posted.
Guns_and_Labs
Member
I, too, succumbed to the 329, though mine was customized by SDM, not the PC.
Wow, what a handful! Even with double porting by Magnaport, the Garrett hot loads I hunt with in a 629 were beyond painful with the wood grips. Thank goodness I got the thing sighted in quickly...I wouldn't have been able to run a full box through. I think I'll stick with 250 gr or 300 gr.
I found it much easier with smooth Miculek grips, though. I was able to let it "roll" instead of "smack".
I had no problem with bullet back out.
I planned it for a backup in bear country, though, so I'm not too worried about the recoil. I assume that adrenaline and self-preservation will have me properly focused.
Wow, what a handful! Even with double porting by Magnaport, the Garrett hot loads I hunt with in a 629 were beyond painful with the wood grips. Thank goodness I got the thing sighted in quickly...I wouldn't have been able to run a full box through. I think I'll stick with 250 gr or 300 gr.
I found it much easier with smooth Miculek grips, though. I was able to let it "roll" instead of "smack".
I had no problem with bullet back out.
I planned it for a backup in bear country, though, so I'm not too worried about the recoil. I assume that adrenaline and self-preservation will have me properly focused.
Highland Ranger
Member
Yeah, we have bears up here - when you go toe to toe with one, you do a tunnel vision thing for sure.
Black bears are considered little, but we have good garbage - get ten feet away from a 300# bear and they look pretty big . . . .
Black bears are considered little, but we have good garbage - get ten feet away from a 300# bear and they look pretty big . . . .
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