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

by
posted on December 7, 2019
** 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

attack in a back alley
attack in a back alley

Cold Performance: How to Prepare for the Uncertainty of Self-Defense

Defensive gun use is defined by uncertainty. You don’t know when it will happen, how far away the threat will be, how many threats you will face or what position you will be in when it begins.

Derya Goes Silent: The OBone Suppressor

In 2025, Turkish manufacturer Derya Arms opened a new facility in Florida, enabling the company to produce a number of new products domestically, such as its new OBone suppressor.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 26, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.