Hardened yoke and frame, longer stop notch, bolt block, fixed handĮliminate cylinder stop stud and serrated tang, MIM trigger and hammer, floating firing pin 44 Magnum S&W Model 629-6 Deluxe Talo Edition Modelĭropped recessed cylinders and pinned barrelsĬhanged yoke retention, radius studs, floating hand Standard with rubber Monogrips from HogueĬhanges to the locking mechanism, the firing pin's attachment, and a hammer and trigger produced with a metal injection molding process. Longer cylinder notches to prevent bolt jump, bolt and inner mechanism changed to reduce battering under recoil
Retention system on the yoke or cylinder crane strengthened, studs in frame were radiused 8 3/8" version offered with integral scope mts. One screw that had secured the cylinder stop spring droppedĭropped recessed cylinders and pinned barrels for crush-fit barrels The 29-7 started production in 1998 with changes to the locking mechanism, the firing pin's attachment, and a hammer and trigger produced with a metal injection molding process. In 1994 the 29-6 began production, now fitted as standard with rubber Monogrips from Hogue to replace the previous wooden items, standard tapped holes also being provided for attaching scope mounts. The -4 and -5, produced from 19 respectively had changes to improve durability for heavy use. In 1982, the cost-cutting Model 29-3 dropped recessed cylinders and pinned barrels for crush-fit barrels. "Recessed" denotes the rear of the bored cylinder holes being countersunk, so that, when loaded, the cartridge rims are fully enclosed by the cylinder. "Pinned" means that the barrels are screwed in, and secured by a pin driven through the frame and a notch in the barrel. 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 The original Model 29 was superseded by the Model 29-1 in 1960, with modifications made to the ejector-rod screw.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 trouble keeping the Model 29 in stock. 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. 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. It was made famous worldwide by association with the fictional character "Dirty Harry" Callahan.Įlmer Keith's achievements in maximizing the power and performance of the. 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 inches (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.