Smith & Wesson Model 29: Difference between revisions
Not "reportable" famous , Clint Eastwood "made it famous" as "The most powerfull handgun in the world" |
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Although the Model 29 has ''never'' been the most powerful handgun in the world as stated in the movie, the Model 29 was among the most powerful at the time, at least as far as commercially available weapons go. 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 retailers had trouble keeping the Model 29 in stock.<ref>[http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/baltsun/access/38369226.html?dids=38369226:38369226&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+17%2C+1999&author=sun+film+critic+%7BBYLINE%7D+Ann+Hornaday&pub=The+Sun&desc=Guns+on+film%3A+a+loaded+issue%3B+Their+longtime+on-screen+alliance+has+always+been+troubled.+But+for+Hollywood+and+the+gun+industry%2C+it%27s+still+paying+off.%3B+Armed+and+Profitable Guns on film: a loaded issue]</ref> |
Although the Model 29 has ''never'' been the most powerful handgun in the world as stated in the movie, the Model 29 was among the most powerful at the time, at least as far as commercially available weapons go. 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 retailers had trouble keeping the Model 29 in stock.<ref>[http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/baltsun/access/38369226.html?dids=38369226:38369226&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+17%2C+1999&author=sun+film+critic+%7BBYLINE%7D+Ann+Hornaday&pub=The+Sun&desc=Guns+on+film%3A+a+loaded+issue%3B+Their+longtime+on-screen+alliance+has+always+been+troubled.+But+for+Hollywood+and+the+gun+industry%2C+it%27s+still+paying+off.%3B+Armed+and+Profitable Guns on film: a loaded issue]</ref> |
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At the time of its introduction, the model 29 was the most powerful production handgun. There were, of course, a number of custom, or wildcat, calibers that were more powerful, as in the old [[Howdah pistol]]s of the 19th century. Elmer Keith's achievements in maximizing the power and performance of the .44 Special was the inspiration and driving force behind the introduction of the .44 Magnum by Smith & Wesson. His intention for the new round was 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. |
At the time of its introduction, the model 29 was the most powerful production handgun. There were, of course, a number of custom, or wildcat, calibers that were more powerful, as in the old [[Howdah pistol]]s of the 19th century. [[Elmer Keith|Elmer Keith's]] achievements in maximizing the power and performance of the .44 Special was the inspiration and driving force behind the introduction of the .44 Magnum by Smith & Wesson. His intention for the new round was 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. |
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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 carry more propellant. This also prevents Magnum rounds from being chambered and fired in handguns chambered for the .44 Special. |
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 carry more propellant. This also prevents Magnum rounds from being chambered and fired in handguns chambered for the .44 Special. |
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Revision as of 08:20, 7 January 2010
| Smith & Wesson Model 29 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 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 & Wesson Model 29 is a powerful, six-shot, double-action revolver chambered for the .44 Magnum cartridge, manufactured by the U.S. company Smith & Wesson. It was made famous by and is still most often associated with the Dirty Harry series of films starring Clint Eastwood.
The Model 29 was offered with 4", 5", 6½", 8⅜". and, later, 10⅝" 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 5" barreled variant had a full length underlug. Finish options available included a highly polished blued or nickel-plated surface.
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. It was also shown in the popular film Taxi Driver in 1976.
Although the Model 29 has never been the most powerful handgun in the world as stated in the movie, the Model 29 was among the most powerful at the time, at least as far as commercially available weapons go. 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 retailers had trouble keeping the Model 29 in stock.[1]
At the time of its introduction, the model 29 was the most powerful production handgun. There were, of course, a number of custom, or wildcat, calibers that were more powerful, as in the old Howdah pistols of the 19th century. Elmer Keith's achievements in maximizing the power and performance of the .44 Special was the inspiration and driving force behind the introduction of the .44 Magnum by Smith & Wesson. His intention for the new round was 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.
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 carry more propellant. This also prevents 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
Introduced in 1978, 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.
The 629 Classic variant features a full length barrel underlug.
Variants
Quiet Special Purpose Revolver
Some S&W model 29s were rebuilt by the AAI corporation to make the Quiet Special Purpose Revolvers (QSPR). These had new short smoothbore barrels (35 mm / 1.375 inch), with .40" / 10mm bore, and with cylinder chambers reamed to accept QSPR ammunition which externally resembled metal-cased .410-gauge shotgun shells but internally worked as a piston to trap the gases.[citation needed]
Other variants
- On January 26, 2006 Smith & Wesson announced the 50th Anniversary Model 29.[2] 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.[3]
- At the 2008 SHOT show, Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 629 Stealth Hunter, a Performance Center custom hunting gun.[4]
Mountain Gun Variation
The Mountain Gun was introduced in 1989 as a lightweight version of the Model 29. The barrel profile is a reprise of the post World War II designs.
A Smith & Wesson Model 629 called the "Trail Boss" was also produced, having a short barrel and Hogue grips.