Smith & Wesson Model 29
| Smith & Wesson Model 29 | |
|---|---|
| File:629.jpg | |
| Type | Revolver |
| Place of origin | United States of America |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
| Produced | 1955 |
| Specifications | |
| Barrel length | |
| Cartridge | |
| Action | Double-action |
| Feed system | Six round cylinder |
| Sights | 3-dot, adjustable rear |
The Smith and Wesson Model 29 is a powerful, six-shot, double-action revolver chambered for the .44 Magnum cartridge and manufactured by the U.S. company of Smith and Wesson. It was made famous and is still most often associated with the Dirty Harry series of films starring Clint Eastwood.
History
The Model 29, based on S&W's N (large) revolver frame, was first introduced in 1955. It remained primarily the province of handgun enthusiasts, some law enforcement personnel and hunters until 1971, when Clint Eastwood made it famous as "the most powerful handgun in the world" in the movie Dirty Harry. Although it was not the most powerful handgun in the world as stated in the movie, the Model 29 was among the most powerful at the time. Whether the phrase from the movie is an accurate statement when it was made is subjective to several factors such as overall terminal ballistics, external ballistics, or some combination of other factors. After the movie's release Smith & Wesson could not keep up with the demand for the Model 29.
It will also chamber and fire .44 Special cartridges, as the .44 Magnum was developed from the .44 Special. The Magnum case is slightly longer to prevent Magnum rounds from being chambered and fired in handguns chambered for the .44 Special.
In the late 1990s, Smith and Wesson discontinued production of many models of revolvers, including the 'basic' Model 29; since then, at various times, the model, in limited or 'custom' configurations, has been manufactured.
Model 629
The Smith and Wesson Model 629 is a stainless steel version of the Model 29.
The 629 model designation derives from Smith and Wesson's practice of denoting a stainless steel version of one of their already existing designs by placing a 6 in front of the model number of the original weapon.
Other variants
- The 'Classic' Model 29 was available with 4", 6-1/2", 8-3/8". and, later, 10 5/8" barrel lengths as standard models. Other barrel lengths were available either by special order from Smith & Wesson's Custom Shop or custom built by gunsmiths.
- The Model 629 was introduced in 1978 ( stainless steel version ).
- On January 26, 2006 Smith & Wesson announced the 50th Anniversary Model 29.[1] Identical to the previous models except for the gold inlaid trademark on the side cover and the new internal lock mechanism.
- On January 1, 2007, Smith & Wesson announced the reissue of the Model 29 as an engraved model in S&W's Classics line.[2]
Mountain Gun Variation
The Mountain Gun was introduced in the mid-1990s as a lightweight version of the the Model 29. The barrel profile is a reprise of the Post World War Two designs. Pictured example engraved by John K. Pease and Wayne Di'Angelo through the Smith & Wesson Custom Engraving Shop.