Re: S&W 329PD 44 MAG
I had one a few years back. I purchased it used but unfired. I carried it for 3 yrs, fired everything I could out of it to test it. I will say that with mine full power handloads or factory ammo would jump crimp. I ended up using a modified lee factory c4rimp on my handloadsto prevent this. I fed it a steady diet of 240 and 300xtp with stout doses of h110 that I uusally used in my 629 mtn gun. It didnt like that and quickly tired, would jump cylinder, stick hammer in between down and cocked,and had tons of flame etching around cylinder/ barrel shround despite the little stainless frame guard, also the trigger started in sa mode at about 4 lbs when new, after 500rds it was down to less than 2 and would not always reset. It went back for repair before 800rds. They elected to replace it with a "improved version" I used that for a year, probably about 1100 rds, of more relaxed loads( I like the 44 and just found having one that light it just naturally became my outdoor handgun). Overall finish and fit were better on the 2nd, no flame cutting but the cylnder did turn black from burnt powder and would not come off despite all recommended powder solvents. I had a buddy that wanted one for an upcoming camping/canoe adventure, I sold it to him, he fired 12 rounds and traded it in on a 629. I would say overall the second one was alot better than the first. You must check holsters for this model as well as the underlug is different and the front sights are tall so they do not fir leather for other 4 inch n frames very well. Currently I am looking at a 329 nightguard or 41 mag in same, but that will have to wait until after this deployment. Good luck
