gunzo
.30 Stingray
Posts: 423
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Post by gunzo on Dec 4, 2009 11:30:15 GMT -5
cubrock, your holster choice for the 329 would be of interest to me.
Thanks, gunzo
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cubrock
.401 Bobcat
TLA fanatic and all around nice guy....
Posts: 2,841
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Post by cubrock on Dec 4, 2009 11:43:00 GMT -5
cubrock, your holster choice for the 329 would be of interest to me. Thanks, gunzo I used a Simply Rugged Sourdough pancake holster with inside-out straps. It held the gun very tightly against my body, which is important when working in laurel thickets. It was so comfortable, I would forget the gun was there.
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Post by paul105 on Dec 4, 2009 13:05:02 GMT -5
I’ve had several 329s and have shot them extensively, but not with .44 special ammo. One is my current everyday carry gun. It is equipped with the Hogue 500 S&W grips. I carry it strong side, on my pants belt in a Simply Rugged Sourdough pancake. When bow hunting, I use a Bianchi Cyclone (cross draw position). Both holsters are excellent. It doesn’t bother some folks, but for me, handgun weight is an issue when carried on a belt for any length of time. The lock issue is real on the 329, but you have already taken care of that. You might also want to make sure your bullets aren’t jumping the crimp with your chosen ammo.
I wouldn’t be without mine.
Paul
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Post by wickerbill on Dec 4, 2009 22:33:05 GMT -5
serialsolver, I had a 329 for a little while. It was easy to carry, but it was a pain to shoot.(I broke a couple of bones in my hand last year) I got rid of it and went back to my 696. I weigh almost 300 pounds and a few oz. aren't going to make that much difference. Bill
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gunzo
.30 Stingray
Posts: 423
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Post by gunzo on Dec 5, 2009 11:10:19 GMT -5
paul, what were the failures that required the frames to be replaced on your last two 329's? I'm not trying to raise any concerns here as you said S&W took good care of you & I'll never be able to manage that many full power loads anyway. Just curious as to what to look out for.
Thanks, gunzo
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Post by paul105 on Dec 5, 2009 12:30:25 GMT -5
gunzo, Blast shield/top strap (under the gas shield) erosion. . . Gas Shield erosion. . . . Gas shield eroded in half . . . Top strap erosion after gas shield fell off. . . . Don't know for a fact, but doubt the above pictured erosion would be a problem with .44 special level loads. I got distracted and forgot to mention that I don't shoot the 329(s) much anymore because they were starting to hurt my wrist. I still wouldn't be without mine and carry one everyday. Paul
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Post by serialsolver on Dec 5, 2009 15:19:47 GMT -5
Paul, Thanks for the reply.
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cubrock
.401 Bobcat
TLA fanatic and all around nice guy....
Posts: 2,841
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Post by cubrock on Dec 7, 2009 13:54:55 GMT -5
Mine got erosion of the gas shield relatively quickly. Not to the extent of Paul's, but faster than any other gun I own.
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Post by serialsolver on Dec 8, 2009 8:47:51 GMT -5
I found a 329pd at Cabela’s yesterday and brought it home. I like it better than the Glock 30sf I’ve been hot rodding. The 329 will get the power I want easier with a better trigger. Looking forward to getting it to the range.
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Post by Frank V on Dec 9, 2009 17:00:43 GMT -5
Congratulations on your new gun. Please let us know how it shoots when you get time. Thanks. Frank
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Post by serialsolver on Dec 10, 2009 8:39:30 GMT -5
I made a quick trip to the range yesterday with the 329pd and went through a qualifying course. It’s accurate. I was expecting that. The recoil was very manageable with .44 special standard loads and +p loads. I was very pleased with that. It’s a great .44 special and that’s what I wanted. I’ll try to get to the range on Monday and spend more time with it testing some loads.
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Post by serialsolver on Dec 24, 2009 10:24:40 GMT -5
I finally got the 329 pd to range and did some testing with some loads in it. Also got some impressions of it both figuratively and literally. Like I said before it’s a great 44 sp. It’s a brutal 44 mag. My normal load in 44mag is 240 gr bullet with 10 gr unique. That load in the 329 pd is more recoil than I want. So my personal speed limit in the 329 pd is 1100 fps. Even at that level the trigger guard hits the knuckle of my middle finger. The 329 pd is the first handgun I have ever shot that hit the knuckle of my middle finger. It could be the boot grips I have on it. They are not the best for recoil control. I like the 329 pd best at 950 to 1000 fps with a 240 gr bullet which is the power level I wanted. The blast shield erosion has started and I’m glad I bought a new one so I have the lifetime warranty. I’m still undecided about the hi viz sights. If I can get used to them and shoot good groups with them I may get an xs tritium dot for it. Over all the 329 pd is what I wanted, a big bore handgun of power in the weight class of a plastic pistol. Here is a picture of it.
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sonny
.240 Incinerator
Posts: 13
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Post by sonny on Jan 9, 2010 22:47:05 GMT -5
I didn't have a 329, but I did have a 325...very briefly. I sold it and I'm glad I did. I shot 12 Winchester White Box Personal Protection 230gr shells, two-handed standing. It peeled bac the skin on the web of my thumb for about 3/4". Made a believer out of me. I do have, and I do shoot, a Ruger Bisley .500 Linebaugh, 450 gr @ 1100-1200 fps, and it doesn't beat me up at all, although my hand is sore at the end of 20 rounds or so. Five-shot .45's don't hurt me either. But that Airweight 325...Whew! I know I'm not in the market for a 329, although it is great for "carry a lot, shoot a little." I think your idea of carrying .44 Specials is a good one. Sonny
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Post by 2 Dogs on Jan 11, 2010 9:24:48 GMT -5
I got rid of my 329. Sold it to a pal who had to have it. He promptly cracked the wooden stocks off it. I shoot alot of big guns and enjoy them but not that 329. Holy smokes that thing smarted to shoot! It would have been fine as a 44 special but I wasnt happy with that hi viz sight set up either.
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gunzo
.30 Stingray
Posts: 423
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Post by gunzo on Jan 11, 2010 11:37:15 GMT -5
Mine has an SDM 1/8" brass bead front sight. Can't say it's any quicker than the Hi vis, just thought it might be sturdier. Tried the wood grip also but went back to the rubber.
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