S&W Model 29
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Smith & Wesson Model 29 | |
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| Type | Revolver |
| Place of origin | United States of America |
| Specifications | |
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| Cartridge | .44 Magnum (and .44 Special) |
| Caliber | .429 inch |
The Smith and Wesson (S & W) Model 29, is a 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.
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[edit] 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" (although it was not) in the movie, Dirty Harry and three of its four sequels. After the movie's release Smith & Wesson could not keep up with the demand for the Model 29. The handgun was among the most powerful at the time. Whether the phrase from the movie is an accurate statement when it was made depends exactly on what is meant by 'powerful'- such as overall terminal ballistics, external ballistics, or some combination of other factors.
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.
[edit] Variants
In the late 1980s, Smith and Wesson discontinued production of all but a few blued revolvers, thus the model 629 and its variants are the only models currently produced.
[edit] Barrel lengths
It has been available with 4 in. (102 mm); 6 in. (153 mm); and 8-3/8 in. (214 mm) barrel lengths as standard models although other barrel lengths are available either by special order from Smith & Wesson's Custom Shop or custom built by gunsmiths.
[edit] Nickel plated
It was available in either blued or nickel-plated versions.
[edit] 629 (Stainless steel)
In 1978, a stainless steel version, the Model 629 was introduced.
[edit] Mountain Gun
Other variations, such as the Model 29 Mountain Gun, with a 4 in. barrel; target grips; semi-target trigger; target hammer; and the top rail drilled and tapped for mounting a telescopic sight, have also been introduced over the years.
[edit] Anniversary model
Smith & Wesson have recently released the 50th Anniversary Model 29. Identical to the previous models except for the gold inlaid trademark on the side cover and the new Internal Lock system.
