Smith & Wesson Model 29

About the Smith & Wesson Model 29

The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is the iconic N-frame double-action revolver chambered in .44 Magnum, introduced in 1955 as the most powerful production handgun in the world at that time. Built on Smith & Wesson's robust large-frame N-frame platform with a 6-round cylinder, the Model 29 was designed to handle the tremendous pressure and recoil of the then-new .44 Magnum cartridge developed by Elmer Keith and Remington. Available in barrel lengths from 4 inches to 8.375 inches, with the 6.5-inch variant becoming the most iconic due to its appearance in the 1971 film Dirty Harry starring Clint Eastwood. The revolver features adjustable target sights with red ramp front sight insert, target-grade trigger and hammer, high-polish deep blue finish (or nickel), pinned barrel, recessed chambers, and an integral top rib. Weighing approximately 44-48 ounces depending on barrel length, the substantial mass helps tame the .44 Magnum's fierce recoil, generating over 1,500 joules of muzzle energy with full-power loads-roughly double that of the .357 Magnum and suitable for hunting medium to large game including deer, elk, and even dangerous game at appropriate ranges. The Model 29 became the ultimate expression of American revolver power, representing the pinnacle of big-bore handgun performance until the introduction of even larger magnum cartridges decades later. Despite being introduced primarily for hunters and handgun enthusiasts, the Model 29 achieved legendary status following the 1971 Dirty Harry film, creating unprecedented demand that Smith & Wesson struggled to meet for years, transforming it from a niche hunting handgun into a cultural icon.

Immortalized by Clint Eastwood in the 1971 film Dirty Harry with the famous line: 'This is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world.'

Smith & Wesson Model 29 specifications

Production of the Model 29 began in 1955, coinciding with the commercial introduction of the .44 Magnum cartridge. Initial demand was modest, with the revolver primarily purchased by handgun hunters, silhouette shooters, and firearms enthusiasts. This changed dramatically after Clint Eastwood's character Harry Callahan carried a Model 29 with 6.5-inch barrel in Dirty Harry (1971), delivering the famous line: 'This is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off.' The resulting surge in demand created years-long waiting lists and spawned a cottage industry of counterfeit 'Dirty Harry' revolvers. The Model 29 was available in multiple barrel lengths: 4-inch (introduced later), 6.5-inch (most popular), and 8.375-inch (preferred by hunters). In 1978, Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 629-a stainless steel version of the Model 29 that became even more popular for hunting due to superior corrosion resistance in field conditions. The Model 29 Mountain Gun variant, introduced in 1989, featured a lighter tapered barrel for easier carry while hunting. Original pinned-barrel, recessed-chamber Model 29 revolvers from the 1950s-1980s are highly collectible. Full-power .44 Magnum loads generate approximately 900-1,000 ft-lbs of energy, making the Model 29 suitable for hunting deer-sized game to 100 yards and capable of taking larger game at closer ranges.