Has the 329PD been made in a Canadian barrel length?

[Ardent]

Need an ultralight .44 for ATC purposes, has the 329PD been made in anything Canada legal? Yes they're violent, but it has to be on the hip far more than fired and I want to stay .44, so not after thoughts of "would rather carry the stainless / Glock 20 / etc..." but thank you!

 

[enefgee]

I think the best you could do would be bring one in as a frame and add a 4.2 in. 629 barrel, it's do-able but not easy. I don't think there's a factory version any longer than 4 inches. The component parts would be a pain to get, too.

 

[Mark-II]

Model 69 not on your radar at all?

 

[Ardent]

For all my "elbows up" eschewing of non-329PD answers, thanks Mark II you've raised an excellent point. Seems an easy solution halfway to light.

 

[Mark-II]

It's quite a light gun. I have one and it feels more like a short K frame. It's disconcertingly small for a 44 magnum

S&W designed it for wilderness carry, I understand.

I refuse to try it with hot loads. My target loads are probably comparable to top end, maybe +P 44 Specials and the recoil is noticeably sharper than with my 6" 629

 

[Ardent]

Good stuff thanks Mark II, I have a 629 as well, need something lighter. Next question anyone know where to find a Model 69 in stock?

 

[enefgee]

Wow, didn't even know that one existed - very cool.

 

[rgv]

S&W announced and catalogued a 329XL but it was never produced unfortunately

I've shot a 329pd (in the USA) with factory 240 magnum ammo and it was snappy but nothing like a 460 or 500 x-frame

I've been meaning to get a good look at a 69 but a 29 oz m&p45 sprung to shoot 45 super is currently working for me.

 

[Ardent]

I had heard there was a longer 329PD, guess it just never made it to the market. I was directed to a Model 69 by a helpful member, so I'm all set thanks folks.

 

[Ardent]

Well the Model 69 arrived, Mark-II I'm very much in your debt, what a wonderful little package. Feels like a 1911-sized lump but with five .44 Mags in it. This is my favourite handgun already. I have some hardcast 300gr hot loads I'm eager to try- can't be worse than the 4 3/4" .475 Linebaugh 400gr.

 

[Mark-II]

Awesome

I find my mid range loads are plenty spicy for me in mine, but I'm just target shooting.

It's an interesting little handgun, along with the model 66 .357

 

[Ardent]

She should be jumpy, almost hard to believe this lil thing is a .44 Mag,

 

[Mark-II]

Mine vanishes in my hand the same way LOL

I do like the satin stainless finish over the swirly polished one of my 629.

I hope that it works out for you. I don't want the guilt of having sold you on a gun that you end up not liking

 

[Ardent]

Naw I've had Smith L frames and love them, and bit of a recoil junkie- already in love with this little thing. Will be amusing at the range when people ask if I shoot .38s or .357, guess the muzzle blast will correct the .38 thought.