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These two versions are known as "pinned and recessed". The barrel length was shortened from 6 + 1⁄ 2 to 6 inches (170 to 150 mm) in 1979. The Model 29-2 replaced it the following year, with one screw that had secured the cylinder-stop spring being deleted. The original Model 29 was superseded by the Model 29–1 in 1960, with modifications made to the ejector-rod screw. In the late 1990s, Smith & 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 in as many as 10 evolutions. After the release of the movie and its sequels, retailers had difficulty keeping the Model 29 in stock. It remained primarily the province of some handgun enthusiasts, 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.
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There were a number of custom calibers that were more powerful, as in the old Howdah pistols of the 19th century. Īt the time of its introduction, the Model 29 was the most powerful production handgun. 44 Magnum began in 1955 the Model 29 designation was applied in 1957. S&W's production of a large N-frame revolver in. His intention for the new round was for it to be used in sidearms for hunters of large, dangerous game, rather than for self-defense, though with today's specialty cartridges, it can be a good defensive round. 44 Special was the inspiration and driving force behind the introduction of the. 44 Special.Įlmer Keith's achievements in maximizing the power and performance of the.
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The Magnum case is slightly longer to prevent magnum rounds from being chambered and fired in handguns chambered for the. It was made famous worldwide by association with the fictional character "Dirty Harry" Callahan. Finish options available included a highly polished blued or nickel- plated surface.Īt the time of its introduction, the Model 29 was the most powerful production handgun, although it was later overtaken by handguns chambered for the even larger. The 5-inch (130 mm) barreled variant had a full-length underlug. Other barrel lengths were available either by special order from Smith & Wesson's Custom Shop or custom built by gunsmiths. 44 Magnum cartridge and manufactured by the United States company Smith & Wesson. The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is a six-shot, double-action revolver chambered for the. Both of these weights are for the traditional S&W style without a barrel underlug.
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