S&W Model 29
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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.
It was available in either blued or nickel-plated versions. In 1969, 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 1980's, 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.
External links
- Photo and specifications for the S&W 629 revolver (http://www.gunshopfinder.com/smithandwesson/smithandwessonmodel629.asp)pl:S&W Model 29