I’m here to discuss the Smith and Wesson 329PD from my hands-on experience. You see, I’ve spent some quality time with this firearm out in the field, and let me tell you, it’s a potent piece of equipment. But, it’s not without its issues.
From hammer cocking issues to grip problems and other Smith and Wesson 329PD Problems, I’ve seen it all. And today, I’m going to talk about these problems and, more importantly, how to tackle them head-on.
Understanding the problems of your trusty Smith and Wesson 329PD is the first step to becoming a responsible and effective firearm owner. By the time we’re done here, you’ll have a toolbox full of solutions to these common issues.
Overview of Smith and Wesson 329PD Problems
| Problems | Solutions |
| Light Strikes | Install a larger firing pin or contact Smith and Wesson for a replacement. |
| Grip Discomfort | Replace the grips with more comfortable ones. |
| Cylinder Erosion | Contact Smith and Wesson for a cylinder replacement under their lifetime warranty. |
| Cylinder Sticking | Disengage the cylinder lock by pressing the ejector rod pin, and consider a new cylinder assembly if needed. |
| Very Heavy Recoil | Try a new grip. |
Top 7 Problems & Solutions of Smith and Wesson 329PD
1. Hammer Cocking
Alright, let’s tackle the first issue I came across while using the Smith and Wesson 329PD. It’s what we call “Hammer Half Cocking.”
Picture this: You’re in the middle of a shooting session, and suddenly, the hammer gets stuck halfway between being cocked and resting. It’s frustrating, and it can mess with your aim big time.
Solution
Now, to deal with this issue, there’s a quick but temporary fix. When the hammer gets stuck, all you need to do is either cock it again or give the trigger a pull.
That should release the hammer and get things back on track. But here’s the catch – this isn’t a long-term solution.
The real deal is getting rid of that internal lock system. Many Smith and Wesson 329PD revolvers have this internal lock that’s more trouble than it’s worth.
So, if you want a smoother shooting experience, consider ditching that internal lock. It’s a simple fix for a not-so-simple issue.
2. Grip Issue
Now, let’s talk about a problem I’ve encountered with the Smith and Wesson 329PD – the grips. To put it bluntly, they’re not the comfiest.
When you’re gripping this firearm, it feels like it’s trying to escape your hand. It’s not just discomfort; it can lead to blisters, which, trust me, isn’t fun, especially when you’re aiming for accuracy. And don’t get me started on the heavy recoil; it only makes this issue worse.
Solution
So, what’s the remedy for this grip conundrum? Simple – replace those grips. Swap them out for something that feels right in your hand.
There are plenty of aftermarket grips available that can make your shooting experience a whole lot more comfortable.
Trust me; it’s worth the investment. You’ll have a better grip, less chance of those painful blisters, and improved accuracy. It’s a straightforward fix that can make a world of difference when you’re handling the Smith and Wesson 329PD.
3. Light Primer Striker
Alright, let’s dive into another common issue with the Smith and Wesson 329PD – light strikes. This is a problem you really want to pay attention to because it can be a game-changer.
The deal here is that the firing pin in this firearm is a bit too short, which means it doesn’t always hit the primer with enough force.
And guess what happens when that occurs? Your gun might not go “bang” when you pull the trigger, and that’s a serious problem, especially in a tight spot.
Solution
So, how do you fix this issue? Well, there are a couple of options. One is to install a larger firing pin yourself. This can be a bit tricky, so make sure you know what you’re doing or get some help from a gunsmith.
The other, and perhaps safer option, is to contact the company. They’re well aware of this problem and have a solution.
Send your Smith and Wesson 329PD back to them, explain the issue, and they’ll replace your old firing pin with a new, larger one. It might take a bit of time, but it’s a surefire way to ensure your gun fires reliably every time. Safety first!
4. Trigger Stuck
Moving on to another hiccup, oops, I mean issue, that I’ve faced with the Smith and Wesson 329PD – the trigger getting stuck.
It’s not a pleasant surprise when you’re in the middle of shooting, and suddenly, the trigger just won’t budge.
Solution
Now, let’s get straight to the fix for this trigger trouble. When your trigger gets stuck, don’t panic. What you need to do is carefully release the hammer.
Sometimes, it gets caught up with the trigger, causing this issue. If that doesn’t work, try giving it a gentle tap, but be cautious with that. If it’s a persistent problem, it’s best to consult a gunsmith.
They can examine and fix any internal issues that might be causing the trigger to misbehave. Remember, safety is paramount, so never force the trigger. Take it slow, and if the problem persists, seek professional help.
5. Cylinder Erosion
Alright, let’s address another issue I’ve encountered while testing the Smith and Wesson 329PD – cylinder erosion.
Now, not all 329PD revolvers suffer from this, but when it happens, it’s a big deal. You might notice signs of wear and tear on the cylinder, and that’s never a good sign.
Solution
So, what’s the remedy for cylinder erosion? Well, it’s not something you can fix on your own. You’ll need to send your trusty 329PD back to Smith and Wesson.
Once they have your firearm, they’ll replace the problematic cylinder, and you’ll be back in business. It might take a bit of time, but it’s the safest and most effective solution.
Remember, when it comes to your firearm, it’s always better to rely on the manufacturer’s expertise. So, if you spot cylinder erosion, don’t hesitate to reach out to Smith and Wesson for a fix. Your 329PD will thank you for it.
6. Cylinder Stucking
Let’s dive into another issue I’ve encountered while testing the Smith and Wesson 329PD – a cylinder getting jammed during shooting.
Imagine this: You’re in the middle of a shooting session, and suddenly, the cylinder doesn’t want to rotate or come out of its slot. If there’s ammunition inside, it’s a recipe for a dangerous situation.
Solution
So, what do you do when faced with a cylinder that’s stuck with live rounds? First, you need to disengage the cylinder lock. You can do this by using a tiny rod to press the ejector rod pin. This will allow you to remove the rounds that are trapped inside the cylinder.
But here’s the catch – this might not be a permanent fix. You might need a completely new cylinder assembly. In that case, reach out to Smith and Wesson.
They’ll be able to provide you with a new cylinder for your 329PD. It’s not something you want to take chances with, so don’t hesitate to get it sorted out properly. Safety always comes first when dealing with firearms.
7. Heavy Recoil
Now, let’s address a challenge that even seasoned shooters may face with the Smith and Wesson 329PD – the very heavy recoil.
This firearm fires the 44 Magnum and Special ammo known for its punch. But sometimes, it feels like this gun has a mind of its own, delivering an extreme recoil that can be quite unsettling, especially for newcomers and beginners.
Solution
So, what’s the secret to taming this beastly recoil? Well, you’ve got a couple of options. First, you can try using a grip from the Smith and Wesson 500 model guns.
It won’t make the recoil disappear, but it can make it a bit more manageable.
Second, and perhaps more importantly, practice makes perfect. I recommend putting in the time and effort to shoot at least 100 rounds with this firearm.
Over time, you’ll get accustomed to the recoil, and it won’t feel as daunting.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the Smith and Wesson 329PD is undoubtedly a powerful revolver, but it’s not without its quirks.
We’ve explored common issues like light strikes, grip discomfort, cylinder erosion, cylinder sticking, and heavy recoil.
The solutions we’ve discussed range from simple fixes, like replacing grips, to more complex ones, like sending the firearm back to Smith and Wesson for cylinder replacement.
Ultimately, whether the Smith and Wesson 329PD is the right choice for you depends on your preferences and how willing you are to work through its peculiarities. Remember, firearms are a personal choice, and what works best for one shooter may not suit another.
FAQ’s
What frame is the 329pd?
The 329PD has a Scandium alloy frame.
How long is the barrel on a Smith and Wesson 329pd?
The barrel length of a Smith and Wesson 329pd is 4.12 inches.
How many rounds does a pistol barrel last?
The lifespan of a pistol barrel can vary, but with proper maintenance, it can last thousands of rounds.
