Scandium?

[flyandscuba]

Having gained a new appreciation for my .44 special (due partly to the fault of Norfdet), I've been searching for a S&W model 296.  Though unsuccessful at present, I did run across a 329PD at a bargain price while on this week's business travels.  Someone bought it and I suppose didn't like it after firng a cylinder or two of ammo and traded it on something else.  With the exception of the powder residue on the titanium cylinder, I could't see any difference than the brand new one on the next counter.  The price difference on this LNIB example was substantial, however.  So, it became my latest spontaneous buy...

Although I expect I'll use primarily Special loads in this rather than the full-power magnums, I wonder what the performance will be (doubtful that I can get to the range soon) like at the next range session.  Anyone else have experience with the 329PD or any of the other Scandium offerings by S&W?

I might add that it feels like I'm carrying an empty pistol box -- as this thing is light!  The TSA agent who cleared my bag on this morning's flight seemed to be quite interested in this -- as well as my little titanium 9mm revolver...

[Michael Bane]

F&S, you poor sick bastard!

We are starting a support group for 329PD owners! It includes an FAQ on Carpel-Tunnel Syndrome and complementary ear plugs...

Seriously, I love the 329PD. I'll quote Hamilton Bowen here, that the PD is probably the best woods carry gun ever made. I had mine overhauled by Jim Stroh at ALpha Precision...he did a slick trigger job and replaced the fiber optic front wiht a gold bead, my preferred choice.

Yes, it's pretty much a light .44 Special for the most art, but look at Buffalo Bore's 255-grain Keith loads specifically for the 329...see them here:

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#low44

It's what I carry in my 329.

I'm lucky enough to have a 296 (my workhorse woods gun), a 396 and the 329...you'll have to pry then out of my cold dead hands!

Michael B

[norfdet]

Well then, I blame my fascination with my Charter Arms 44 special Bulldog on Fly and Scuba!

[Walter45Auto]

I've never fired one of those, but I had a Taurus 450Ti .45 Colt snubbie. Got it when they first came out. It'll beat you up after a cylinder or two. If It hadn't gotten stolen from me, I'd carry it half the time.

[flyandscuba]

WooHooo!  Snagged a NIB S&W 296 today (actually found two of them) at a killer price -- being shipped in and I'm leaving town for a while, so I'll not get to try it out anytime soon...

I guess I'll officially be a member of the "ugly humpback" club...

[Sponsor]

[DonWorsham]

WooHooo!  Snagged a NIB S&W 296 today (actually found two of them)

Now wait a minute. Last week you buy a 329 and this week you get a 296 (or was that two)? Slow down dude, I'm falling behind. 

[flyandscuba]

Yes, life is good...  Though tempted to hoard both 296s, I passed the lead on one to my bud Norfdet -- who has been looking for one of these gems for some time as well.  You guys would absolutely die if you heard the price...so, I'm not rub it in by divulging...but it was roughly half the going rate...

[norfdet]

Yes, life is good...  Though tempted to hoard both 296s, I passed the lead on one to my bud Norfdet -- who has been looking for one of these gems for some time as well.  You guys would absolutely die if you heard the price...so, I'm not rub it in by divulging...but it was roughly half the going rate...

Yup...much thanks to Bill for the heads up. I scored a LNIB 296 with box and papers for less than 400.00 today. It should be here by weeks end. The shop owner said that the original owner shot it and did not like it so it sounds like it has not even had much more than a cylinder through it. I enjoy shooting my 1984 vintage Charter Arms Bulldog so I am sure that this will not be too much different. Thanks again to Bill.