A six-shot, double-action revolver with the .44 Magnum caliber, the Smith & Wesson Model 29 is commonly known as the American engineering marvel.
The company was founded by Smith & Wesson, and this particular revolver marked a place in history, representing power as well as accuracy.
It was in the market since 1955 when it was recognized as the most powerful production handgun that existed.
It won worldwide fame through association with the fictional character “Dirty Harry” Callahan portrayed by Clint Eastwood in the 1971 film “Dirty Harry.”
Because the reputation of the revolver was “the most powerful handgun in the world,” its demand mushroomed overnight and made it a coveted item among enthusiasts and collectors.
The design of the Model 29 makes it capable of chambering and firing .44 Special and .44 Russian cartridges.
The .44 Magnum cartridge itself was developed from the .44 Special, which Elmer Keith spearheaded in efforts to push the limits on the power and performance of the .44 Special.
Smith & Wesson produced the large N-frame revolver in .44 Magnum starting in 1955, with the Model 29 designation applied in 1957.
The Model 29 was developed with several modifications and variants over the years. The first model gave way to the Model 29-1 in 1960, with the first of two new features: a new ejector-rod screw.
Then came the Model 29-2 in 1961, which eliminated a screw holding the cylinder-stop spring in place. Almost four decades later, in 1979, the Model 29 saw the barrel shortened from 6 1⁄2 inches down to 6 inches.
Following the 29-3, 29-4, and 29-5, the succeeding models were even better in durability and performance.
In 1978, Smith & Wesson added the stainless steel version of the Model 29 with the Model 629. Variants of the 629 include the 629 Classic with a full-length barrel underlug and then there is the 629 Stealth Hunter.
The Model 629 has had its share of changes, which included the yoke retention, the rear sight leaf, and the added presence of an internal lock.
The Quiet Special Purpose Revolver (QSPR) is a notable adaptation of the Model 29, developed by AAI Corporation for use by tunnel rats during the Vietnam War. Although it never officially entered service, the QSPR remains a fascinating chapter in Model 29’s history.
The Model 29 has continued to evolve and grow more and more in recent years, to the point where in the early twenty-first century, the company produces limited and customized versions of this model.
The most notable variation was probably the 50th Anniversary Model 29 model, announced in 2006, which included a gold inlaid trademark and non-fluted cylinder; in 2007, Smith & Wesson even issued an engraved version as part of their Classics line.