SMITH AND WESSON 329 PD - QUESTION - INFO

[johnny blaze]

Hello
There is a Smith and Wesson 329 PD coming up for auction. It is used.
I just checked on the net, as I have never seen one before. It is really an ugly piece.
My question, is it any good? I am used to shooting the 29's and 629's. This revolver with it's light weight seems like it would be un manageable.
Anyone have or shot one?
What would be a good price?
Any info would be appreciated.

 

[double0757]

329 pd

Hey Johnny:
Hi there. I own a 329pd and a 629 classic in 6 1/2". I had the 329 for almost a year now and the 629 for about 16 years. I shoot them about once every 6 month. My experience with the 329 has been good. I bought it to go hiking and fishing and its the best gun for it. On 44 spl is a great personal deffence weapon and a pleasure to shoot (I keep it around as one of my home deffece weapon). In 44 mag is a diferent story. The most I gone with it is 280gr bullet out of hot catrige(bear deffence). I had to sight it in for the specific catridge, but after that it was right on. About 1 1/4" group at 15yds(double action) and 1" single action. I'm not going to lie to you and say it was fun, but it was not bad either. The recovery shots were about twice the time it takes me on the 629 with similar loads. The gun is accurate, very light, and hard on the palm of the hand. If I din't own one I would by it in a heart beat. It can't be beat for hiking and protection in the woods. Hope this help.

Double "O"

 

[double0757]

me again

Johnny:
I bought mine for $780.00 (if memory don't fail me) new never fired. If I was buying it used, I could pay about $500-$600 (in good to very good condition). I know that who ever had it could not have shot it a lot on 44 mag. Double "O"

 

[mnrivrat]

A friend bought one new for $699 .

Nothing the matter with the gun other than the recoil being rather nasty with magnums. As said, with 44 Spl they are not bad at all , but save the magnum shooting for when you need it because your likely not going to enjoy it .

He sold his rather quickly after taking it into bear country on an Elk trip. (the only reason he bought it in the first place)

 

[John C]

I bought one used a couple weeks ago. It was $589, and the shop owner said he got them from S&W. They were demo guns. Interestingly enough, the S&W trademark on the left side of the gun is a bit poorly stamped. Although it's nothing to worry about, it's probably why they pulled them from the line for use as demos. The gun locks up TIGHT, and is in pristine shape.

I haven't shot it yet, been too busy to get to the range. However, I did load up some cowboy .44 mag loads, really .44 spl in .44 mag cases. I don't intend to ever shoot .44 mag loads in this pistol. I will keep loading rounds with more power until I find the right level. I have a 4 inch 629, and I don't really like shooting 240 grain mags through it. It's not bad, just that I can't be as accurate as I'd like. I shoot bullseye as my shooting passion, so my goal in life is to shoot 10 rounds into less than 3 inches at 50 yards. Hard for me to do with full power mags.

I have a buddy of mine who will do anything once. You know the kind of guy. Anyways, I told him I'd give him a dollar if he'd take one shoot of factory ammo through my 329. He's a casual shooter, but by no means a recoil hound. We'll see how he does.

-John

 

[dairycreek]

My son in law recently purchased a 329 and we shoot it every week or so. I have some experience with the gun and, to say the lease, I am really impressed with its performance. It is, of course, really light and has substantial recoil when shooting full house 44 mag ammo. A couple of things to remember. First, you don't have to shoot full house in it as there are a lot of choices available for reduced loads including, of course, 44 special which is a really fine performing load in this revolver. Second, while it comes with two sets of grips the rubber grips for the S&W 500 mag revo fit the 329 perfectly and go a long, long way toward taming recoil - even with heavier 44 magnum loads.

My son in law uses it as his EDC gun and with a good holster works quite well for that purpose. I am amazed at the guns versatility and performance.

 

[johnny blaze]

Thanks for all the info.
I got it for 500.00 plus 10 percent buyers premium and sales tax.
I fired a couple magnums through it, WOW , it does have some recoil.
I am going to pick up some specials to put through it.
It does seem to be a well made firearm.
It appears to be almost unfired. I definately would not want to shoot alot of magnum loads through it for a long period of time.

 

[silverbull]

I enjoy my 329, its a well build firearm, It's very manageable with 44spc loads, My favorite factory 44spc load is the Hornady 180gn XTP's. I have fired 300gn XTP's and 6 of those will leave my palm nice and bruised.

The 180gn XTP 44mag loads are manageable with practice, the 200 and 240s are doable for me as well, (in moderation of course) The 300's have a 6 shot max for me, then I just flinch to much.

My 329 is my exclusive motorcycle gun, It fits perfect in a uncle mikes shoulder holster, with 2 speed loaders on the other side to balance it out. Then the a vest or MC jacket over it.