NRA Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson Model 329PD

American Rifleman Staff

posted on December 7, 2019

Support NRA American Rifleman DONATE

** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Since the 1908 introduction of its .44 Hand Ejector First Model, Smith & Wesson has perfected the craft of designing and building large-frame revolvers—specifically N-frame revolvers. These large-frame revolvers have quite a claim to fame, such as the Model 29 carried by Clint Eastwood in the Hollywood blockbuster “Dirty Harry,” or Jerry Miculek’s Model 625, used to set a world speed-shooting record. Advance 100 years or more from the "First Model," and you''ll find the company manufactures an N-frame built of space-age Scandium alloy that weighs in at 25 ozs.—the Model 329PD. This Airweight wheelgun contains a titanium six-round cylinder chambered for .44 Mag., provides for adjustable sights, spare rubber stocks and is of the company’s classic double-action design. To learn more about the Smith & Wesson Model 329PD, watch this NRA Gun of the Week video hosted by American Rifleman’s Brian Sheetz.

Specifications:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 329PD
Action Type: double-action center-fire revolver
Chambering: .44 Mag.
Frame: Scandium Alloy
Barrel: 4.125”
Cylinder: six-round
Sights: adjustable V-notch rear, fiber-optic front
Trigger: double-action 11-lb., 14-oz. pull; single-action 5-lb., 4-oz. pull
Stocks: wood and synthetic
Finish: brushed
Weight: 25 ozs.
MSRP: $1,159

Additional Reading:
Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action First Model
A Look Back at the Smith & Wesson 22/32 Kit Gun
Tested: Smith & Wesson Model 19 Classic Revolver
A Look Back at the Smith & Wesson Model 41
Packing the Smith & Wesson Model 69 Combat Magnum

Extras:
ARTV—Review: Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0

I Have This Old Gun: Smith & Wesson Model 76 Submachine Gun

Video—ARTV Review: Smith & Wesson M&P 45 Shield

NRA Gun Gear of the Week: Top 3 Handguns For Concealed Carry

ARTV Preview: Making Smith & Wesson Revolvers; Winchester Wildcat .22; Martini-Henry Rifles

Latest

Ruger to Discontinue Several Major Models

Ruger announced a major change to several of its longtime product lines this week, stating that it would immediately suspend production of several models while finishing out current production runs of other models through 2026.

News

I Have This Old Gun: The British Lee-Metford Rifle

In the late 1880s, the British military adopted its first bolt-action rifle chambered for the .303 British cartridge. This is the Lee-Metford, the first step on the way to the iconic Lee-Enfield.

News, ARTV

Colt Delivers M4A1 Rifles to Guatemala Through Foreign Military Sales Program

Guatemala’s military recently acquired more than 2,000 Colt M4A1 rifles through the U.S. government's Foreign Military Sales program as part of the country's ongoing military modernization efforts.

News

NRA Launches New Texas Senate Ad as Part of Multi-Million Dollar Campaign to Retain Pro-Gun Majorities in Congress

The NRA today released a new 30-second ad highlighting Democrat U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico’s longstanding support for banning so-called “assault weapons” and standard-capacity magazines—the firearms and accessories owned by millions of law-abiding Texans.

News

Going Pro: Springfield Armory's Echelon Pro Comp

Springfield Armory has expanded its Echelon line of handguns with several new Echelon Pro Comp offerings, bringing a number of what the company calls "performance-oriented enhancements" to the platform.

News, Guns

Steel Yourselves—Metal is Back

These days, it’s safe to say that injection-molded polymer of some sort is the most prevalent material from which to construct a pistol frame, but lately, that trend seems to be reversing. Metal is back.

News, Tips & Techniques