.44 mag 329pd recoil impressions

double0757 · June 4, 2005, 01:13 AM

I'm looking to buy a second 629 4" hiking gun. I was wondering if any of you have shot the new S&W .44mag scadium model 329pd? I own a 340pd and I can say that the recoil with .357 is brutal but controlable and accurate for the distance I shoot them at. I've done a search and found a similar question asked in February that nobody responded to it. I'm hoping that some of you either own one or shot one by now.
Thank you, Double O

NorWestr · June 4, 2005, 02:11 AM

I have one and though I reload I shot it with factory ammo first time out.As you said..brutal but controllable. In SA mode as accurate as my Rugers. I put the 500 S&W grips on it and they help a lot.The ahrends grips it comes with are pretty unpleasnt and the Hogues aren't a whole lot better. I bought it mainly to carry while hunting,and my regular carry load is a 240 gr XTP and 12.2 grs of Unique,which runs around 1250 fps or 16.5 grs Bluedot @ about 1300 fps. Respectively they'r only off the H110 max by 150-100 fps but more pleasant to shoot recoil wise. For plinking you can download to 9-10 grs of Unique for a pretty pleasant load. Hope that helps?
NW

skeeter · June 4, 2005, 02:52 AM

I have both the 629 (4") and the 329PD. I do not like to shoot the 329 with any thing other than 44 Specials as it is painful with any full power magnums. However, it is a delight to carry on an all day hike and it is loaded with 240 grain mags on those hikes. It will be slow to get the second shot but I am confident I will hit what I aim at on the first shot.I think it is a great gun and am happy I bought it. I would never fire any 300 grain bullet from it and use the 629 for them. They would be too much for me to handle in the 329 though that may not be the case for you if you happen to wear a blue stocking suit with a big red S in front.

jonathon · June 4, 2005, 08:59 AM

Hurts like a civ with mags, pretty decent with loaded down mags or .44 specials. Nice gun though, fairly accurate. Just to damn light(1 of 2 reasons why I probably won't get one). Then again, I have no problems packin a big piece of iron around so

seeker_two · June 4, 2005, 10:44 AM

Remember...the 329PD will also fire medium-velocity .44 Mags & warm .44 Specials too. And a good 240-250gr bullet at 950-1000fps will do most everything a handgun needs to do...and allow you to carry the full-house Mags as a reload.

I'm interested in the 329's too, but I think mine would see a lot more .44SPL than .44MAG....

double0757 · June 4, 2005, 03:52 PM

All of you where very helpfull. I think the 329pd is for me. Me and my two boys do a lot of backpacking and fishing in the summer,fall and spring. Some times we go to bear country(Alaska) or snake city(Florida). I have a 629 classic 6 1/2" that we have taken to some of our trips, I think twice of carring the peice around on long backpacking expeditions. In the 15 years I own it, never had to shoot anything treatening. I think the 329 will be like its cousing the 340pd, carry everywere, shoot little. Thanks for all your imputs.

By the way norwestr, I started reloading this year. Don't have a die for the 44 yet but that is my next purchase.

stellarpod · June 5, 2005, 06:43 AM

In my opinion the 329PD is the perfect firearm for the duty you've described. I bought mine for exactly the same reason and it fits the bill in every way.

You will not want to shoot this gun with full house magnums very often, but it makes good sense to have that availability when needed. And from what I hear, Alaska is one place where you may need it.

FWIW, I've got a S&W 500 in the 8-1/4" barrel version also and I think it's significantly less painful than the 329PD. I found that adding a Pachmyer Decelerator grip helps a good deal, as it covers the backstrap (unlike the included Hogue).

stellarpod

Wildalaska · June 5, 2005, 01:25 PM

The 329 PD is becomiong extremely popular in Alaska and we, among other places, have difficulty keeping them in stock.

I have shot them with 300 grain bear loads and the subjectively have less recall for me thatn my Mountain gun..the PD just flies up in the air while the Mountain gun batters your hand.

The only reason I havent bought a PD is becasue I already have an older mountain Gun that has Hi Viz sights, action job, Moonclipped...

The other popular Alaska revolvers are the 4 icnh 500 S&W (we cut the comps off by the bucketfull) and our Wolverines (chooped up Ruger 454s)

WildlightweightAlaska

mccgsm · March 11, 2007, 11:31 PM

This is an old thread but thought I'd add my two cents after dithering over whether to get a 329...and figured I only live once so I did.... It is a handful but by no means brutal. Very comfortable, easy shooter with 200 gr. .44 special. With Federal 300 gr. hard cast magnum it is a sharp wallop but not at all uncontrollable. What did surprise me is that my trigger finger is what got whacked painfully--am still experimenting, but I think the finger is actually bouncing off the front inside of the trigger guard with the magnums. I tried 240 JSP Speer Blazer and they misfired 4 of 6 times--the primer is more recessed than the brass cases and the hammer strike appeared a a out 1/3 as deep as the brass case. Even with only two rounds, one Blazer round was slipping forward. So I'd say, the heck with Blazer. The Fed. 300 grainers stayed nice and tight. The two rounds I did get off of 240 grain seemed a bit sharper, less wallop than the 300 grain rounds. Used the stock Hogue grips, I think about 25 magnum rounds would be all I'd shoot in a session; specials you can shoot all day. Will try some Decelerator Pachmayrs soon and see if any difference.

I'm by no means a strong person--200 lbs, outashape and middle aged with my mom's skinny wrists. If you can handle a 357 magnum with full house loads and a 4 inch barrel, you can handle this.

All in all, for a packing gun it is just about perfect, I'd say.....

Mark F · August 12, 2009, 07:23 AM

I bought a S&W 329PD several days ago. I wanted a light weight hi-powered carry gun. This one seems to be the answer. I haven't fired it yet, but I'm no stranger to 44 Magnums. I shoot +P+ ammo often in my 629 Classic and my Super Redhawk. The 329PD is well made but I have read that the safety lock can pop up on magnum rounds. The article went on to say that the safety can be anchored with LocTite Blue.

I realize this is an older thread, however 329's are current...

dairycreek · August 12, 2009, 12:55 PM

Quote:

I'm looking to buy a second 629 4" hiking gun. I was wondering if any of you have shot the new S&W .44mag scadium model 329pd? I own a 340pd and I can say that the recoil with .357 is brutal but controlable and accurate for the distance I shoot them at. I've done a search and found a similar question asked in February that nobody responded to it. I'm hoping that some of you either own one or shot one by now.
Thank you, Double O

About two years ago I purchased a 329 NIB and found it to be a good shooter over all. Recoil with standard 240 grain ammo was IMHO excessive but that was a given. Light frame in a 44 mag is going to produce recoil and that is just that. So, in direct answer to your question I found the recoil to be excessive.

However, that is not the main problem I had with this revolver. The internal lock kept freezing up. Shot nothing but standard, commercial, 240 grain 44 magnum ammo and the lock froze tight. Sent it back to S&W twice and each time it was returned it was deemed to be "fixed" by the S&W folk. It just wasn't fixed - at all.

I eventually gave it back to my dealer and let him do battle with S&W. He eventually got a refund but the 329 never got fixed. Check the net as this is not the only tale of woe attributed to the 329 lock system. FWIW!

batmann · August 12, 2009, 01:54 PM

First, I don't have scandium handgun as I like my hand guns a little heavier and my choice is a Ruger Alaska .44M, but in answer to you question about the IL, the are several reported failures with the Sc.
The locktite fix is not recommended and the usual solution is to open it up and just remove the thing. There is a video on you tube that goes into great detail on how to do it.
Happy shooting.

ghalleen · August 12, 2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

The other popular Alaska revolvers are the 4 icnh 500 S&W (we cut the comps off by the bucketfull) and our Wolverines (chooped up Ruger 454s)

I'd be interested in looking at one of your Wolverines. Do you have photos?

Mark F · August 13, 2009, 10:30 PM

I took my 329PD out for a shooting session a few days ago. It's pretty aggressive with 240 grain loads, much more so than my other 44 Mags. All in all, I like it. I ordered a pair of 500 Magnum grips for it, so I can shoot bigger loads without peeling the skin off my thumb.

The lock wasn't a problem for me, regardless what loads I fired. This pistol is a real sweet-heart with 44 Specials...

Mark F · August 22, 2009, 07:44 AM

I received my 500 Magnum grips yesterday, and they are fantastic! I don't understand why S&W doesn't put these grips on as their factory issue grips! They really take the "bite" out of shooting my 329PD. I may note here that S&W is rather proud of their 500 Mag. grips! $37.00 plus shipping...

The Terminator · August 22, 2009, 06:37 PM

I have a 329 Night Guard, sitting here between my hands as I type. I've had it for a few weeks, haven't made it to the range yet. I think that the dread will be worse than the range session.

Mark F · August 27, 2009, 08:42 PM

Maybe. I just know that the 329 PD is really too light for continous shooting and it will pound your hand into dogmeat after about 20 rounds.

The Terminator · August 27, 2009, 08:48 PM

No, not really.

I have had my 329 Night Guard out shooting. It is not bad at all. Granted, you know that you are shooting something with a little snap, but it is not uncomfortable. The dread is much worse than the deed.

I shot some S&B out of mine, and everyone knows that they are real powerful loads. Recoil was not unpleasant. I don't have a problem with the recoil on my 386, I don't think that anyone who does even a moderate amount of shooting would feel any different. After all, it is an L-frame. Good grip on it, with good rubbe grips. I enjoy it.

Poseidon28 · August 27, 2009, 09:03 PM

If you shoot them a lot, the top strap takes a beating...

Seen some nasty pictures of em..

The Terminator · August 27, 2009, 09:11 PM

Yikes.

xrmattaz · August 28, 2009, 08:47 AM

My 329PD is an absolute joy to carry daily (Sparks VM2) and a joy to shoot, with warm .44 Special handloads, of which many hundreds have now been fired.

When I first obtained it, I familiarized myself with the recoil of nice hot .44 Magnum loads, and will occasionally fire a cylinder full or two, but it's primarily used as a .44 Special. I use the stock Ahrends boot grips, and while not the most comfortable to shoot (with magnums) I find it quite controllable, and have experienced no bloody hand, etc.

When camping, or hiking out in the woods, it's loaded with 240gr. Remington HP's. Around town, 200gr. Silvertips or Golddots. I'd imagine if I needed to fire it in defense against a bear, cougar or the ever-present Yavapai County meth-head, the recoil would be the last thing on my mind.

Mark F · August 31, 2009, 07:59 AM

"If you shoot them a lot, the top strap takes a beating...

Seen some nasty pictures of em.. "

I don't know where you saw that, but my 329 PD has a steel insert on the topstrap to prevent burning.

skydiver3346 · August 31, 2009, 08:42 AM

Yep, it really kicks alright. I carried mine last week while hiking in Montana Glacier National Park for a week. It is very comfortable to carry and lightweight as you know. I ended up practicing with .44 special ammo to not only reduce recoil, but keep cost down. When I finish practice, I always shoot a few rounds of .44 mag just to know how it handles with the "real" stuff. Of course, I don't think you will notice the kick when Mr. Griz is charging you........
Overall, I really like the Model 329PD. It is perfect for carrying long distance or all day long.

Paul105 · August 31, 2009, 09:12 AM

"I don't know where you saw that, but my 329 PD has a steel insert on the topstrap to prevent burning."

Most folks won't shoot the 329 enough with full .44 Mag loads to encounter this, but it does happen:

WITH ERODED BLAST SHIELD IN PLACE:

BARE FRAME AFTER BLAST SHIELD FAILED:

FAILED BLAST SHIELD:

Smith & Wesson replaced the frame under warranty and picked up all shipping charges (no cost to me)

FWIW,

Paul

Mark F · August 31, 2009, 05:19 PM

Holy CRAP! I certainly hope that doesn't happen to mine! I have a very high regard for Smith & Wesson, I hope something like this doesn't make me change my mind...

June 4, 2005, 01:13 AM	#1
double0757 Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Posts: 20	.44 mag 329pd recoil impressions I'm looking to buy a second 629 4" hiking gun. I was wondering if any of you have shot the new S&W .44mag scadium model 329pd? I own a 340pd and I can say that the recoil with .357 is brutal but controlable and accurate for the distance I shoot them at. I've done a search and found a similar question asked in February that nobody responded to it. I'm hoping that some of you either own one or shot one by now. Thank you, Double O

June 4, 2005, 10:44 AM	#5
seeker_two Senior Member Join Date: August 31, 2002 Location: Deep in the Heart of the Lone Star State (TX) Posts: 2,169	Remember...the 329PD will also fire medium-velocity .44 Mags & warm .44 Specials too. And a good 240-250gr bullet at 950-1000fps will do most everything a handgun needs to do...and allow you to carry the full-house Mags as a reload. I'm interested in the 329's too, but I think mine would see a lot more .44SPL than .44MAG.... __________________ Proud member of Gun Culture 2.0......

June 4, 2005, 03:52 PM	#6
double0757 Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Posts: 20	Thank you All of you where very helpfull. I think the 329pd is for me. Me and my two boys do a lot of backpacking and fishing in the summer,fall and spring. Some times we go to bear country(Alaska) or snake city(Florida). I have a 629 classic 6 1/2" that we have taken to some of our trips, I think twice of carring the peice around on long backpacking expeditions. In the 15 years I own it, never had to shoot anything treatening. I think the 329 will be like its cousing the 340pd, carry everywere, shoot little. Thanks for all your imputs. By the way norwestr, I started reloading this year. Don't have a die for the 44 yet but that is my next purchase.

March 11, 2007, 11:31 PM	#9
mccgsm Member Join Date: March 11, 2007 Posts: 17	Its not THAT brutal... This is an old thread but thought I'd add my two cents after dithering over whether to get a 329...and figured I only live once so I did.... It is a handful but by no means brutal. Very comfortable, easy shooter with 200 gr. .44 special. With Federal 300 gr. hard cast magnum it is a sharp wallop but not at all uncontrollable. What did surprise me is that my trigger finger is what got whacked painfully--am still experimenting, but I think the finger is actually bouncing off the front inside of the trigger guard with the magnums. I tried 240 JSP Speer Blazer and they misfired 4 of 6 times--the primer is more recessed than the brass cases and the hammer strike appeared a a out 1/3 as deep as the brass case. Even with only two rounds, one Blazer round was slipping forward. So I'd say, the heck with Blazer. The Fed. 300 grainers stayed nice and tight. The two rounds I did get off of 240 grain seemed a bit sharper, less wallop than the 300 grain rounds. Used the stock Hogue grips, I think about 25 magnum rounds would be all I'd shoot in a session; specials you can shoot all day. Will try some Decelerator Pachmayrs soon and see if any difference. I'm by no means a strong person--200 lbs, outashape and middle aged with my mom's skinny wrists. If you can handle a 357 magnum with full house loads and a 4 inch barrel, you can handle this. All in all, for a packing gun it is just about perfect, I'd say.....

August 31, 2009, 08:42 AM	#23
skydiver3346 Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1,222	.44 mag Scandium: Yep, it really kicks alright. I carried mine last week while hiking in Montana Glacier National Park for a week. It is very comfortable to carry and lightweight as you know. I ended up practicing with .44 special ammo to not only reduce recoil, but keep cost down. When I finish practice, I always shoot a few rounds of .44 mag just to know how it handles with the "real" stuff. Of course, I don't think you will notice the kick when Mr. Griz is charging you........ Overall, I really like the Model 329PD. It is perfect for carrying long distance or all day long.

June 4, 2005, 02:11 AM	#2
NorWestr Member Join Date: January 31, 2005 Location: OR Posts: 40	I have one and though I reload I shot it with factory ammo first time out.As you said..brutal but controllable. In SA mode as accurate as my Rugers. I put the 500 S&W grips on it and they help a lot.The ahrends grips it comes with are pretty unpleasnt and the Hogues aren't a whole lot better. I bought it mainly to carry while hunting,and my regular carry load is a 240 gr XTP and 12.2 grs of Unique,which runs around 1250 fps or 16.5 grs Bluedot @ about 1300 fps. Respectively they'r only off the H110 max by 150-100 fps but more pleasant to shoot recoil wise. For plinking you can download to 9-10 grs of Unique for a pretty pleasant load. Hope that helps? NW

June 4, 2005, 02:52 AM	#3
skeeter Senior Member Join Date: October 30, 1999 Posts: 883	I have both the 629 (4") and the 329PD. I do not like to shoot the 329 with any thing other than 44 Specials as it is painful with any full power magnums. However, it is a delight to carry on an all day hike and it is loaded with 240 grain mags on those hikes. It will be slow to get the second shot but I am confident I will hit what I aim at on the first shot.I think it is a great gun and am happy I bought it. I would never fire any 300 grain bullet from it and use the 629 for them. They would be too much for me to handle in the 329 though that may not be the case for you if you happen to wear a blue stocking suit with a big red S in front.

June 4, 2005, 08:59 AM	#4
jonathon Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2005 Location: Washougal, Washington. YEHAW! Posts: 1,872	Hurts like a civ with mags, pretty decent with loaded down mags or .44 specials. Nice gun though, fairly accurate. Just to damn light(1 of 2 reasons why I probably won't get one). Then again, I have no problems packin a big piece of iron around so

June 5, 2005, 06:43 AM	#7
stellarpod Senior Member Join Date: August 18, 2001 Location: OKC,OK Posts: 263	In my opinion the 329PD is the perfect firearm for the duty you've described. I bought mine for exactly the same reason and it fits the bill in every way. You will not want to shoot this gun with full house magnums very often, but it makes good sense to have that availability when needed. And from what I hear, Alaska is one place where you may need it. FWIW, I've got a S&W 500 in the 8-1/4" barrel version also and I think it's significantly less painful than the 329PD. I found that adding a Pachmyer Decelerator grip helps a good deal, as it covers the backstrap (unlike the included Hogue). stellarpod

June 5, 2005, 01:25 PM	#8
Wildalaska Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 14,171	The 329 PD is becomiong extremely popular in Alaska and we, among other places, have difficulty keeping them in stock. I have shot them with 300 grain bear loads and the subjectively have less recall for me thatn my Mountain gun..the PD just flies up in the air while the Mountain gun batters your hand. The only reason I havent bought a PD is becasue I already have an older mountain Gun that has Hi Viz sights, action job, Moonclipped... The other popular Alaska revolvers are the 4 icnh 500 S&W (we cut the comps off by the bucketfull) and our Wolverines (chooped up Ruger 454s) WildlightweightAlaska

August 12, 2009, 07:23 AM	#10
Mark F Member Join Date: August 5, 2008 Posts: 19	I bought a S&W 329PD several days ago. I wanted a light weight hi-powered carry gun. This one seems to be the answer. I haven't fired it yet, but I'm no stranger to 44 Magnums. I shoot +P+ ammo often in my 629 Classic and my Super Redhawk. The 329PD is well made but I have read that the safety lock can pop up on magnum rounds. The article went on to say that the safety can be anchored with LocTite Blue. I realize this is an older thread, however 329's are current...

August 12, 2009, 01:54 PM	#12
batmann Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 2004 Location: Greenwood, IN Posts: 773	First, I don't have scandium handgun as I like my hand guns a little heavier and my choice is a Ruger Alaska .44M, but in answer to you question about the IL, the are several reported failures with the Sc. The locktite fix is not recommended and the usual solution is to open it up and just remove the thing. There is a video on you tube that goes into great detail on how to do it. Happy shooting.

August 13, 2009, 10:30 PM	#14
Mark F Member Join Date: August 5, 2008 Posts: 19	I took my 329PD out for a shooting session a few days ago. It's pretty aggressive with 240 grain loads, much more so than my other 44 Mags. All in all, I like it. I ordered a pair of 500 Magnum grips for it, so I can shoot bigger loads without peeling the skin off my thumb. The lock wasn't a problem for me, regardless what loads I fired. This pistol is a real sweet-heart with 44 Specials...

August 22, 2009, 07:44 AM	#15
Mark F Member Join Date: August 5, 2008 Posts: 19	I received my 500 Magnum grips yesterday, and they are fantastic! I don't understand why S&W doesn't put these grips on as their factory issue grips! They really take the "bite" out of shooting my 329PD. I may note here that S&W is rather proud of their 500 Mag. grips! $37.00 plus shipping...

August 22, 2009, 06:37 PM	#16
The Terminator Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2002 Location: Georgia, 35 miles Northwest of the armpit Posts: 946	I have a 329 Night Guard, sitting here between my hands as I type. I've had it for a few weeks, haven't made it to the range yet. I think that the dread will be worse than the range session.

August 27, 2009, 08:42 PM	#17
Mark F Member Join Date: August 5, 2008 Posts: 19	Maybe. I just know that the 329 PD is really too light for continous shooting and it will pound your hand into dogmeat after about 20 rounds.

August 27, 2009, 08:48 PM	#18
The Terminator Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2002 Location: Georgia, 35 miles Northwest of the armpit Posts: 946	No, not really. I have had my 329 Night Guard out shooting. It is not bad at all. Granted, you know that you are shooting something with a little snap, but it is not uncomfortable. The dread is much worse than the deed. I shot some S&B out of mine, and everyone knows that they are real powerful loads. Recoil was not unpleasant. I don't have a problem with the recoil on my 386, I don't think that anyone who does even a moderate amount of shooting would feel any different. After all, it is an L-frame. Good grip on it, with good rubbe grips. I enjoy it.

August 27, 2009, 09:03 PM	#19
Poseidon28 Junior member Join Date: July 25, 2009 Posts: 212	If you shoot them a lot, the top strap takes a beating... Seen some nasty pictures of em..

August 27, 2009, 09:11 PM	#20
The Terminator Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2002 Location: Georgia, 35 miles Northwest of the armpit Posts: 946	Yikes.

August 28, 2009, 08:47 AM	#21
xrmattaz Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2006 Location: lovely Prescott, AZ Posts: 205	My 329PD is an absolute joy to carry daily (Sparks VM2) and a joy to shoot, with warm .44 Special handloads, of which many hundreds have now been fired. When I first obtained it, I familiarized myself with the recoil of nice hot .44 Magnum loads, and will occasionally fire a cylinder full or two, but it's primarily used as a .44 Special. I use the stock Ahrends boot grips, and while not the most comfortable to shoot (with magnums) I find it quite controllable, and have experienced no bloody hand, etc. When camping, or hiking out in the woods, it's loaded with 240gr. Remington HP's. Around town, 200gr. Silvertips or Golddots. I'd imagine if I needed to fire it in defense against a bear, cougar or the ever-present Yavapai County meth-head, the recoil would be the last thing on my mind.

August 31, 2009, 07:59 AM	#22
Mark F Member Join Date: August 5, 2008 Posts: 19	"If you shoot them a lot, the top strap takes a beating... Seen some nasty pictures of em.. " I don't know where you saw that, but my 329 PD has a steel insert on the topstrap to prevent burning.

August 31, 2009, 09:12 AM	#24
Paul105 Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 347	MarkF Wrote: "I don't know where you saw that, but my 329 PD has a steel insert on the topstrap to prevent burning." Most folks won't shoot the 329 enough with full .44 Mag loads to encounter this, but it does happen: WITH ERODED BLAST SHIELD IN PLACE: BARE FRAME AFTER BLAST SHIELD FAILED: FAILED BLAST SHIELD: Smith & Wesson replaced the frame under warranty and picked up all shipping charges (no cost to me) FWIW, Paul

August 31, 2009, 05:19 PM	#25
Mark F Member Join Date: August 5, 2008 Posts: 19	*Holy CRAP!* I certainly hope that doesn't happen to mine! I have a very high regard for Smith & Wesson, I hope something like this doesn't make me change my mind...