S&W M329 PD Talo Alaskan Backpacker

[paul105]

Picked up this 329 PD Alaskan Backpacker from my LGS yesterday. LGS said orig owner mentioned shooting only 30 rounds thru it. Looked brand new to me, cleaner than most new guns I've purchased recently. No turn line, and blast shield unblemished. Put some modified S&W 500 grips on it to test recoil and took it to the range. Ran 30 plus rounds of 240gr JSP over 23.5gr H110 before I got run off by the rain.

A couple of observations. Recoil was quite manageable - definitely "snappier" than the 2 3/4" M69, but it weighs a half pound less. Recoil less than my 4" 329 PD (I'm guessing due to less velocity from the shorter bbl). A bit more difficult to shoot accurately due to lighter weight and weight distribution (due to SS cylinder) and v-notch/gold dot sights. Once I figured out where to hold, 25 yd steel plate rack targets were quite doable single action. Felt bulky and top heavy to me -- but, I've been shooting the 2 3/4" M69 quite a bit lately, so that's probably the reason. Would have shot more if weather had permitted.

Here's a cell phone picture.



For those that don't know, it's a 2 1/2" S&W 329 PD with a stainless steel cylinder. The 4" 329 PD weighs 26 oz -- the backpacker weighs 27 oz (extra weigh due to stainless cylinder).

If I decide to keep it (real happy with the 2 ¾” M69), I’m tempted to matt the shiny SS cylinder.

Paul

[paul105]

Shot another 40 rounds this afternoon. Managed to clean the plate rack double action (deliberate, not Jerry Miculek fast). Also went 3 for 4 on the 70 yd half sized popper (at the foot of the berm on the right).


One of the first nice afternoons (rained all morning) we've had in a while.

Plate rack at 25 yds, half sized popper at foot of berm on right at 70 yds.



Looks like I'll be keeping this one.

Paul

[rug480]

Right on, she’s a beaut!

[450ak]

So....., I’m needing a 329? Really love my 4 1/4 model 69. Carry it a lot on the mountain although im slowing a little. THe big and heavy Smith 500 is a comfort as well as the 500 L single actions but lighter is becoming more and more necessary.

[450ak]

So....., I’m needing a 329? Really love my 4 1/4 model 69. Carry it a lot on the mountain although im slowing a little. THe big and heavy Smith 500 is a comfort as well as the 500 L single actions but lighter is becoming more and more necessary.

[Frank V]

I'll bet that would be a dream packing pistol using mostly .44 Specials......

[bula]

Yup. Unless something large and furry with big TEEF ! is inbound and closing fast. Then it's..more H110 please.. Me, with a 3" Bulldog and both M69's and a shorty 480 BSBH.. Got varmints ? A few minutes ago, just waded into deep dark dangerous territory, and killed a carpenter bee thats been doing damage to my side steps. Used the Bulldog and a rice load. Pop ! Oooh ! Missed photo op. we'll see.. 

[buttebob]

paul105 that looks like the Butte range.

[paul105]

Yes it is.

Paul

[450ak]

We hauled a friend there and shot a bit. Then continued our trip to Fort Harrison for his burial.
Nice range

[buttebob]

I miss that range. Not like the one I belong to now.