Mountain Guns

[paul105]

Frank,

Your question seems rather simple on the surface, but probably requires some elaboration. Also, keep in mind that these guns are not pleasant to shoot and most people will never shoot substantial numbers of upper end loads. Also, I have not spent a dime on repairs or shipping related to any of the guns mentioned below.

With that said --

I bought my first 329PD late in 2005 or early 2006. It quickly became my everyday carry gun. I shot around 1,100 rounds thru that gun before it self destructed at the end of 2006 – the barrel was over torqued during installation according to S&W and they replaced the gun free of charge..

At the end of 2006, I bought a backup 329 so that if either needed repairs I would always have one to carry. Thru the end of 2008, I shot 3,257 rounds thru the purchased backup and 3,662 thru the replacement. So, I have a total of 8,000 rounds +- thru three 329s over a two plus year period of time. The loads were mostly 17.0 to 20.0gr of A2400 under 240 to 260gr cast plain base and gas checked bullets. Over that time frame I also shot some factory .44 Mag ammo, and experimented with some 300gr plus bullets.

One gun has had the frame replaced once and the blast shield twice (once when the frame was replaced).

The second gun (the replacement for the one that self destructed) has had the frame/ blast shield replaced twice.

At no time did the blast shield/frame gas cutting cause the gun(s) to malfunction.

Again, all of the above was done under warranty (including shipping both ways) and has cost me nothing.

FWIW,

Paul

[redberens]

I bought this 29-8 back in 2003. I'd always wanted a 1950 Target Model, and this was the closest I could find.

[nobearsyet]

I saw a 29-8 at a local shop here in Phoenix a couple months ago, didn't like the 900 price tag or it would have been mine.

[cas]

I think they're the perfect .44 Magnum.

[Frank V]

paul, thanks I never meant to infer the gun wasn't sound just curious as to how it holds up. Actually I think they make perfect sense as an everyday carry gun in the woods & possibly for those of us who like the .44 Special for defense. My take on the gun would be a gun to carry a lot & shoot much with the milder .44 Specials. I never intended to run the gun down was curious about longevity from someone who uses it a lot. Thanks Frank

[paul105]

Frank,

No explantion necessary. Never took your question as being negative or as a slam on the gun.

Paul

[nobearsyet]

Has anyone here given any thought to the new night guard 44Mag snubby? The loca lpusher has one and we're talking about putting a ring on that blackened stainless cylinder this weekend

[robl]

Nightguard: I like the concept. I keep ruminating on them. The lock turns me off, I'll look for another Lew Horton or a Jorvino/Aldis/Mag-Na-Port cut down N frame and be just as happy.

[shorty500]

Bought my M329PD in august of 2003, it's still going strong with zero problems. Lost track of rounds that have went through it but i did train with ALOT the 1st year or so.
It has had a few minor alterations- normal black on black targets sights because i see them better. the glow worm stuff goes extremely fuzzy for me. complete action tune til it's so light and smooth it scares people who only know the heavy factory stuff and swapped out the Ahrend's issue finger grooves square butt conversion for their smooth round butt compact grip. LOL, gave the Hoque rubber that came as option garbage can!
keep it stoked with 320g flat points pushed by Lil'Gun. it seems to be holding together just fine.
just recieved a M396NG .44Special last Christmas and due to deer season and then weather/work conditions i haven't been able to really put it to the test but feel that it will join the M629 &M625 Mountain Guns, the M396 Mountain Lite and the M329PD as a favorite packer

[nobearsyet]

Quite the asortment Shorty. The local pusher has a Nightguard 44Mag in his case I gave some thought to while I was still working, he still has it today (I was there when he closed up shop last night), I still have some stuff he wants, so maybe we'll trade, one day whne I get board with what I have.

[jefats]

Clockwise: 357, 41, 44, 45 Colt and 45 ACP/AR

All pre lock.

[2 Dogs]

I would love to have one of those Mtn guns in 45/45acp.

[mark]

Jun 7, 2009 20:36:32 GMT -5 jefats said:

Clockwise: 357, 41, 44, 45 Colt and 45 ACP/AR

All pre lock.

Jefats,
Nice collection. Is your 357 Mountain Gun a 7-shot? Are those factory stocks? I have a 357 Mountain Gun that I got in trade (I don't know how to post pics) and I don't believe that I have the factory stocks. I am trying to confirm that it did (or did not) come with Hogues. I don't know too much about the 357 Mountain Guns but they do seem to be a rare breed.
Thanks,
Mark

[jefats]

Mark,

I believe all the MG's come with rubber stocks. The ones shown are Ahrends and Spegals. The round knob is a custom.

[Fowler]

Jefats,

Not all of them do, my 25-13 came with the roseishwood finger groove stocks in the picture. I purchased a set of Hogues for about 2 cylinder fulls and went back to the wood grips. I am thinking of a set of Roper style grips for it now though....