Revolver Repair Limitations? Backup?

[pl411]

My favorite sidearm when hunting is my Smith & Wesson model 329PD 44mag AirLite. Lately I have been considering buying a second one simply because I am concerned that if I damage mine beyond repair I will not be able to get another one because it may be off roster. I practice with it often and carry it hunting at least a dozen time per year. I really would rather not spend the money on a duplicate if that fear of it being damaged or worn beyond repair is unreasonable. I am not very knowledgeable about what can get worn out or break on a revolver that cannot be repaired, or at least that I may not be able to find parts for. So I ask those of you more knowledgeable about revolvers if my concern is valid and I should get a second or if my concern is not warranted. Thank you.


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[Quiet]

Because the S&W Model 329PD (4") meets all the dimensional requirements, it can be modified to meet the single-action revolver exemption (SAE) to CA unsafe handgun laws.

So, as long as your CA FFL dealer, knows about SAE and willing to do it...
A. An out-of-state FFL can modify it to be SAE and then ship it to your CA FFL dealer, who transfers it to you.
B. Your CA FFL dealer acquires it, modifies it to be SAE, and then transfers it to you.

[hermosabeach]

Some say 2 is one.... one is none...

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I practice with it often and carry it hunting at least a dozen time per year. I really would rather not spend the money on a duplicate if that fear of it being damaged or worn beyond repair is unreasonable. I am not very knowledgeable about what can get worn out or break on a revolver that cannot be repaired
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The frame cannot be replaced... all other parts can be replaced by the S&W shop

Scandium is not as strong or maybe better said, not as durable as steel. Scandium is an Aluminum alloy and saves about 7 ounces in weight...over an all steel gun


I would possibly suggest a Model 29 or 629 for practice and the light weight one for carry. Set them up the same.

The S&W forum would be a good place for information as not many people shoot the 44 mag much as the recoil is stout. full power 44 loads are awesome but an overkill for punching paper...

[hermosabeach]

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2010/05/how-to-shear-your-scandium-44-mag-revolver-in-half/

Is your gun impacted by the recall?

Performance Center Model 329 Revolver Recall
Smith & Wesson has issued a recall for the limited edition model 329 revolver. This safety recall notice applies to 270 revolvers manufactured at the Performance Center bearing serial numbers ranging from BVA0004 to BVA0210 and DEW0001 to DEW0099.

S&W states: “It has been determined that damage to the frame may have occurred during assembly of the single-piece barrel. As a result, there exists the possibility that the revolver may rupture during firing, causing a failure of the firearm and creating a risk of personal injury.” NOTE: This safety recall notice does not apply to the model 329 PD. The model 329 PD is designed with a two-piece barrel.

[IVC]

The ultra-lights like that have scandium alloy frame and titanium cylinder. The frame is not hard enough around the forcing cone to handle all the hot gasses, so it has a small steel shield between the forcing cone and the frame, which looks like a hook.

That's the weak point of these guns - if anything happens it will be the frame cracking just above the forcing cone, which will require you to get a replacement frame, which is the serialized number, which means you're getting a new gun. So, if your 329PD breaks, it will require a new DROS.

There is a possibility of some other parts breaking such as firing pin or the yoke screw, but those are easy to replace. I am not aware of any special consideration for these guns other than the frame breaking.

I have a 329PD and a 360PD. I often carry the 360PD in a pocket holster when going for a quick hike or when it's the only option based on my (lack of) attire for the day.

[IVC]

Also, don't know about your gun, but mine seems to have sights hopelessly out of whack even though the rear is adjustable. The only way I can get it to line up is to have the top of the rear sight line up with the *bottom* of the front...

[pl411]

Mine is not impacted by the recall. it is the PD model. Seems like a good idea to shoot 44 specials or get a steel version for the majority of practicing and putting less magnum rounds through the light weight version. I appreciate the info on single action conversion.


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[pl411]

IVC - I have read about various quality issues with them but mine is accurate and has held up well. I have a relative who has the small 357 model he regularly qualifies with in his federal government job but his hand suffers from it.


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[Cowboy T]

Glad that your gun is not impacted. That's good news.

With that said, you can do both. You can shoot .44 Specials *and* pick up an all-steel version. See? You *need* another gun! Glad we could help.

BTW, do you handload? If not, then do consider it, given the cost of .44 Anything. We'd be in the po'house by now shooting the .44's if we didn't.

[Marauder2003]

I say buy another. When my Dad found something he liked he bought another one. Especially receivers. The hi-fi kind.

[k1dude]

If you want to carry lightweight, durable, and reliable self defense firepower during hunting, I would suggest a Glock 20SF or a 29SF.

I too used to carry a titanium wheelgun for hunting and fishing, but now carry a Glock 10mm.

[naz]

You should buy another, OP, if it’s your favorite

[DEPUTYBILL]

I have two of every firearm I carry ,pistol or revolver.

[Title1guy]

I definitely try to find 2 of every off-roster carry pistol/revolver that I own. Simply because if one is damaged beyond repair; it will likely not be replaced by the factory due to the Roster.

[Bastard]

if you like it then why not buy another one - that being said I wouldn't rush out trying to find one & I wouldn't pay a premium for it but if I came across a deal on one I wouldn't pass it up... just put it into the folder of things to keep an eye out for