Smith & Wesson 29

The Smith and Wesson (S & W) Model 29, is a six shot double action revolver chambered for the .44 Magnum cartridge. 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. 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 and other barrel lengths either by special order from S & W's Custom Shop or acquired from or built by after-market gunsmiths.

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 and 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, though more powerful ones have been made. Wheather the phrase from the movie is a 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 was available in either blued or nickel-plated versions. In 1978, a stainless steel version, the Model 629 was introduced. 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. 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.

The first Model 29s were known for beautiful streamlining that showed an Art Deco influence.

Smith & Wesson have recently released the 50th Anniversary Model 29. Identical to the previous models except for the gold inlayed trademark on the side cover and the new Internal Lock system.