Smith & Wesson Model 29
The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is a large-frame, double-action revolver chambered for the .44 Remington Magnum cartridge, featuring a six-round cylinder and introduced in 1955 as the first production handgun designed for that powerful round.[1][2]
Originally marketed simply as the ".44 Magnum," it was redesignated the Model 29 in 1957 during Smith & Wesson's shift to numerical model naming for its handguns.[3][4]
Built on the robust N-frame platform with barrel lengths typically ranging from 4 to 6.5 inches, the blued steel Model 29 emphasized durability to handle the high-pressure .44 Magnum loads, establishing it as a benchmark for big-bore revolvers suitable for hunting large game and self-defense.[1][5]
Its cultural prominence surged with the 1971 film Dirty Harry, where Clint Eastwood's Inspector Harry Callahan wielded it as "the most powerful handgun in the world," boosting demand and cementing its status as an enduring symbol of raw firearm power despite the cartridge's recoil challenging many shooters.[6][7]
Later stainless-steel variants, such as the Model 629, addressed corrosion concerns while maintaining the original's design integrity, with modern iterations continuing production for collectors and enthusiasts.[4][2]
Design and Technical Specifications
Frame, Action, and Construction
The Smith & Wesson Model 29 employs the N-frame, the largest and most robust frame design in the company's revolver series, originally introduced in 1907 for heavy-caliber Hand Ejector models such as the .44 Special.[8][9] This frame size was selected for the Model 29 to withstand the elevated chamber pressures generated by the .44 Magnum cartridge, which exceeds 36,000 psi in standard loads.[10] The action is a double-action/single-action mechanism typical of Smith & Wesson revolvers, enabling firing via a long trigger pull that cocks and releases the hammer (double action) or by manual thumb-cocking for a shorter, lighter single-action pull.[11] Double-action trigger weights average 11-12 pounds, while single-action pulls measure around 3-5 pounds, contributing to the revolver's reputation for deliberate handling suited to its power.[12][11] Construction centers on a solid-frame design with a swing-out cylinder, secured by a crane that pivots from the frame for loading and unloading via the star ejector.[13] Early production models feature forged carbon steel components for the frame, barrel, and cylinder, finished in blued steel to resist corrosion and wear, with later variants incorporating stainless steel for enhanced durability.[14][10] The pinned barrel, recessed chambers, and robust lockup minimize cylinder gap and ensure alignment under recoil, hallmarks of the N-frame's engineering for reliability in high-pressure applications.[15]Caliber, Ballistics, and Loading
The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is chambered exclusively for the .44 Remington Magnum cartridge, a rimmed, centerfire round developed in 1954 by Remington Arms in collaboration with Smith & Wesson and firearms designer Elmer Keith to deliver superior power over existing handgun loads like the .44 Special.[4] The .44 Magnum case measures 1.285 inches in length with a 0.457-inch bullet diameter, enabling it to propel heavy bullets at high velocities while maintaining compatibility with the revolver's six-chamber cylinder, which also permits safe firing of milder .44 Special ammunition for reduced recoil and practice.[16][17] Ballistic performance of the .44 Magnum from the Model 29 varies with barrel length, powder charge, and bullet weight, but standard factory loads typically achieve muzzle velocities of 1,200 to 1,500 feet per second with 240-grain bullets from a 6.5-inch barrel, yielding muzzle energies between 800 and 1,200 foot-pounds—figures that underscore its design for big-game hunting and law enforcement applications requiring deep penetration and stopping power.[12][18] Shorter 4-inch barrels reduce velocity by approximately 100-150 fps compared to longer 8-3/8-inch variants, impacting energy retention at distance, while the N-frame's robust construction mitigates cylinder stretch under full-power loads when maintained properly.[16][19]| Barrel Length | Bullet Weight (grains) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5 inches | 240 | ~1,350-1,400 | ~970-1,000 |
| 4 inches | 240 | ~1,200-1,300 | ~800-900 |
Barrel and Sighting Options
The Smith & Wesson Model 29 was originally produced with barrel lengths of 4 inches, 6.5 inches, and 8 3/8 inches to accommodate different user preferences for balance, velocity, and handling.[19] Subsequent production expansions included 3-inch, 5-inch, 6-inch, and 10 5/8-inch barrels as standard or special-order configurations, allowing for concealed carry, general use, or extended sight radius applications.[6] Modern reissues under the S&W Classics line standardize on a 6.5-inch barrel, preserving the design's historical proportions while optimizing for .44 Magnum ballistics.[8] Standard factory sighting options feature a ramp front sight with a red plastic insert for quick target acquisition, pinned directly into the barrel for stability, and an adjustable rear sight with a white outline notch mounted on the top strap.[12] [10] The rear sight provides micrometer windage and elevation adjustments, enabling precise zeroing for various loads, with a sight radius scaling from approximately 7 inches on shorter barrels to over 10 inches on longer ones.[16] While aftermarket fixed sights or fiber-optic upgrades exist, original configurations prioritize adjustability to compensate for the cartridge's recoil and trajectory.[12]Development and Production History
Origins and Initial Development (1930s–1950s)
The Smith & Wesson N-frame revolver, the platform upon which the Model 29 would be built, had been in production since 1907, initially as the .44 Hand Ejector chambered for the .44 Special cartridge, with post-World War I iterations featuring fixed sights and improved internal strengthening to accommodate heavier loads.[22][23] In the 1930s, outdoorsman and firearms experimenter Elmer Keith began systematically developing high-velocity handloads for the .44 Special using N-frame revolvers, achieving bullet speeds of approximately 1,200 feet per second with 250-grain lead bullets through barrel modifications and careful powder selection, aimed at enhancing big-game stopping power.[3] Keith's parallel success in pioneering the .357 Magnum cartridge in 1935—by extending the .38 Special case and pairing it with a reinforced N-frame—demonstrated the viability of magnum-level pressures in Smith & Wesson designs, influencing subsequent caliber developments.[4] Post-1945, Keith escalated his advocacy for commercial .44 Special equivalents to his experimental loads, testing them in unmodified heavy N-frame revolvers like the pre-Model 29 variants, which featured robust frames capable of withstanding pressures up to 30,000 psi without failure, though standard .44 Special arms risked rupture.[24] By 1953, Keith presented his handload data to Smith & Wesson and Remington Arms, prompting the latter to design the .44 Remington Magnum cartridge: an elongated .44 Special case measuring 1.285 inches (versus 1.16 inches) to ensure compatibility only with strengthened firearms, with initial factory loads delivering 250-grain bullets at 1,400–1,500 fps.[25][26] In 1954, Remington supplied Smith & Wesson with finalized cartridge specifications, leading the company to produce four heat-treated prototype N-frame revolvers chambered for the new round, incorporating reinforced cylinders and frames tested to handle sustained high pressures.[27] Commercial production of this ".44 Magnum Revolver"—later retroactively designated the pre-Model 29—began in December 1955 with serial numbers starting at S130000, featuring blued finishes, 6.5-inch barrels, and adjustable sights, marking the culmination of two decades of iterative design refinement for extreme handgun power.[5][28]Introduction and Early Production (1955–1970s)
The Smith & Wesson Model 29 originated from collaborative efforts in the early 1950s between firearms designer Elmer Keith, Remington Arms, and Smith & Wesson to develop a revolver capable of handling a more powerful .44 Special variant.[29] Keith advocated for hotter loads in the .44 Special to achieve greater velocity and energy for big-game hunting, leading Remington to introduce the .44 Magnum cartridge commercially in 1955.[28] The first production Model 29 revolver, initially designated as NT-430, rolled off the assembly line on December 29, 1955, with serial number S130927.[4][10] At introduction, it was marketed as the world's most powerful handgun, featuring the robust N-frame construction from solid carbon steel to withstand the cartridge's high pressures exceeding 36,000 psi.[29] Built as a six-shot, double/single-action revolver, the early Model 29 included a curved grip for recoil management, adjustable rear sights, and a pinned barrel with a ribbed top strap for durability.[29] In 1957, Smith & Wesson officially applied the Model 29 designation, offering it in barrel lengths of 4 inches, 5 inches, and 5.5 inches, primarily in blued finish with nickel-plated options available.[10] An extended 8⅜-inch barrel variant was added in 1958 to appeal to target shooters and long-range hunters.[10] Production emphasized hand-fitting and quality control, reflecting the era's craftsmanship, though initial output was limited due to the niche demand for such a specialized, heavy-recoiling firearm.[4] Through the 1960s, minor engineering refinements addressed reliability issues observed in field use. The Model 29-1, introduced around 1960-1962, featured a modified ejector rod with left-hand threading to prevent loosening under recoil.[10] This was followed by the 29-2 variant with an improved cylinder stop design for smoother operation.[10] These dash-number updates maintained the original specifications while enhancing longevity, with no major redesigns until later decades.[4] By the 1970s, annual production had increased modestly, supported by growing interest among hunters for its proven ballistics—delivering over 900 foot-pounds of muzzle energy with full-power loads—but remained far below mass-market volumes.[29]Engineering Evolutions and Manufacturing Changes (1980s–Present)
In 1982, Smith & Wesson released the Model 29-3, which removed the pinned barrel and cylinder counterbore to streamline manufacturing through a crush-fit barrel system that maintained bore alignment without traditional pinning.[30] This change reduced production complexity and costs while preserving the revolver's mechanical integrity under recoil.[31] Later in the decade, starting in 1987, an "Endurance Package" was applied to late 29-3 and subsequent models, featuring hardened components like crane locks and cylinders to better withstand repeated high-pressure .44 Magnum firing.[3] The Model 29-4, introduced in 1988, and the 29-5 in 1990, incorporated additional durability enhancements, including modified internal geometries to mitigate wear from heavy use and full-power loads.[3] By 1994, the 29-6 variant added refinements to the action timing and bolt engagement for smoother operation.[30] These evolutions addressed earlier reports of frame stretching and cylinder wear in pre-1980s models subjected to maximum loads, prioritizing longevity without altering the core N-frame design.[32] Standard production of the blued Model 29 ended in 1999 as market preferences shifted toward lighter, semi-automatic handguns and stainless alternatives like the Model 629.[29] Smith & Wesson revived the Model 29 in 2006 as the "Classic" series, blending heritage aesthetics with modern techniques such as metal injection molding (MIM) for triggers, hammers, and other small parts to cut machining time and material waste.[9] Contemporary iterations, marked as 29-10, feature frame-mounted firing pins replacing earlier hammer-mounted designs to enhance drop-safety, alongside optimized heat treatments for improved fatigue resistance.[9] These updates reflect ongoing adaptations to contemporary safety standards and precision CNC manufacturing, ensuring compatibility with high-performance ammunition while honoring the original specifications.[32]Variants and Special Editions
Early and Classic Variants
The earliest production examples of what would become the Smith & Wesson Model 29 were introduced in 1955 without a model designation, often referred to as "pre-29" revolvers. These were built on the large N-frame with a pinned barrel, recessed cylinder chambers for rimmed cartridges, and a blued finish as standard, though nickel plating was also available. Chambered exclusively in .44 Magnum, they featured a double-action mechanism, six-round capacity, adjustable rear sights, and primarily 6.5-inch barrels, with limited production of 4-inch variants numbering only several hundred units; grips consisted of curved "Coke bottle" style gonçalo alves wood stocks. Initial sideplate designs included five screws, transitioning to four screws by 1956, reflecting hand-fitted craftsmanship suited to the cartridge's high pressures developed in collaboration with Elmer Keith and Remington.[5][24][3] In 1957, Smith & Wesson officially designated the revolver as the Model 29, stamping the model number on the frame, while retaining the core features of the pre-29 including the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder. Barrel length options expanded slightly, with approximately 500 units produced in 5-inch configuration and 8 3/8-inch barrels introduced in 1958 for specialized applications like handgun hunting. The no-dash Model 29 maintained the blued or nickel finishes, weighed around 47 ounces for the 6.5-inch version, and used heat-treated components derived from prior .44 Special models to withstand the .44 Magnum's ballistics.[3][24][29] The Model 29-1, introduced in 1960, marked the first engineering revision with a reverse-threaded extractor rod screw to prevent loosening under recoil. This was followed by the 29-2 in 1961, which modified the cylinder stop for improved reliability and eliminated the trigger guard screw, reducing the sideplate to three visible screws externally. The 29-2 retained the diamond-pattern grip center until 1968 and saw serial number prefixes shift from "S" to "N" in 1969; in 1979, the standard barrel length standardized to 6 inches while still under the 29-2 designation. These early dash-number variants embodied the classic configuration prized by enthusiasts for their robust construction, precise machining from carbon steel, and compatibility with both .44 Magnum and .44 Special ammunition, prior to later simplifications like the removal of the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder in the 29-3 of 1982.[3][29]Stainless and Modern Stainless Variants
The Smith & Wesson Model 629, introduced in 1978, serves as the stainless steel counterpart to the carbon steel Model 29, maintaining identical chambering in .44 Magnum and overall mechanical design while substituting stainless steel for enhanced corrosion resistance.[33][34] This construction utilizes stainless steel for the frame, cylinder, and barrel, reducing susceptibility to rust in humid or marine environments compared to blued finishes.[35] The model designation incorporates a leading "6" to denote stainless steel per Smith & Wesson's N-frame numbering convention.[36] Early production of the Model 629 mirrored the Model 29-2 configuration until 1982, when the 629-1 incorporated engineering updates aligning with the Model 29-3, such as improved cylinder stop and yoke design for better durability under high-pressure loads.[37] Subsequent iterations, up to the 629-8 and beyond, paralleled advancements in the Model 29 series, including refinements to the lockwork, barrel-cylinder gap tolerances, and extractor rod mechanisms to mitigate timing issues observed in heavy .44 Magnum use.[38] These changes addressed wear from recoil and ensured reliability, with stainless models often exhibiting slightly higher weights—typically 47 to 49 ounces for 6.5-inch barrel variants—due to the denser material.[39] Modern stainless variants of the Model 629 emphasize performance enhancements and specialized applications, including the Performance Center line introduced in the 2000s, which features ported barrels, weighted compensators, and tuned actions to mitigate felt recoil during rapid fire.[33] The Model 629 Mountain Gun, a lightweight iteration weighing approximately 39 ounces with a 3-inch barrel and fluted cylinder, prioritizes portability for backcountry defense against wildlife while retaining full .44 Magnum capability through scandium alloy frame elements combined with stainless steel components.[40] Classic Hunter and Classic DX editions revive pre-1980s aesthetics with blued stainless finishes, longer 6.5- or 7.5-inch barrels, and adjustable sights, appealing to collectors and traditionalists; production of these limited runs, such as the 1991 .44 Magnum Classic DX, incorporated high-polish finishes and select woods grips.[41] Shorter-barreled configurations, like 2.5- or 4-inch models, cater to concealed carry or self-defense, though their increased recoil demands skilled handling.[42] By 2019, the Model 629 ranked among Smith & Wesson's top-selling revolvers, reflecting sustained demand for its robustness in hunting, sport shooting, and personal protection roles.[33] Stainless construction has proven advantageous in empirical tests, showing minimal corrosion after prolonged exposure to saltwater compared to blued counterparts, though maintenance remains essential to prevent pitting from powder residue.Specialized and Limited Editions
The Smith & Wesson Model 29 has been produced in various specialized editions featuring custom engravings, tuned actions, and unique configurations through the manufacturer's Performance Center and custom shop services. These variants often include machine-engraved scrollwork on the frame, cylinder, and barrel, paired with engraved walnut grips and enhanced sights such as a pinned red ramp front and adjustable rear.[43] Performance Center models incorporate refined triggers for smoother double-action pulls and reduced overtravel, along with options like unfluted cylinders and custom barrel contours for competition or collector appeal.[44] Limited editions commemorate milestones or partner with distributors for exclusive runs. The 50th Anniversary Model 29, released in 2006 to mark the .44 Magnum cartridge's introduction, features a 6.5-inch barrel in blued finish without traditional pinned barrels or counterbored chambers, produced as a modern reissue in limited quantities alongside 4-inch variants.[3] [45] In 2024, a collector set limited to 100 units paired an engraved Model 29 revolver with a Model 1854 rifle, incorporating 22-karat gold inlay engraving and high-grade walnut accents for display purposes.[46] Distributor-exclusive editions, such as Talo's Model 29 Mountain Gun reissue, offer lightweight 4-inch tapered barrels, drilled-and-tapped frames for optics, and dual grip sets (rubber and custom wood) optimized for backcountry carry.[47] The 150th Anniversary Model 29-8 edition, tied to the company's founding in 1852, includes commemorative markings and premium finishing for historical significance.[48] Custom shop offerings allow for bespoke modifications, including non-standard barrel lengths via special order and hand-engraving by artisans like John K. Pease and Wayne Di'Angelo, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces with intricate patterns on lightweight frames for reduced weight in hunting applications.[49] These editions prioritize collectibility and aesthetics over mass production, often commanding premium prices due to their scarcity and craftsmanship enhancements.[50]Cultural Impact and Reception
Depiction in Film, Literature, and Media
The Smith & Wesson Model 29 gained worldwide recognition through its prominent role in the 1971 film Dirty Harry, where Clint Eastwood's character, Inspector Harry Callahan, wields a blued 6.5-inch barrel version chambered in .44 Magnum, delivering the iconic line describing it as "the most powerful handgun in the world" during a rooftop confrontation.[51][6] This depiction across the five-film Dirty Harry series (1971–1988), including [Magnum Force](/page/Magnum Force) (1973) where a variant loaded with .357 Magnum rounds appears, portrayed the revolver as a symbol of unyielding authority and stopping power against urban threats, significantly boosting public demand and sales for the Model 29.[52][53] Beyond the Dirty Harry franchise, the Model 29 has been featured in various other media to evoke themes of formidable firepower. In television, it appears in episodes of The A-Team (1983–1987) as a heavy-caliber sidearm for high-stakes action and in The Walking Dead (2010–2022), associating it with survivalist resilience in post-apocalyptic settings.[54] Video games such as Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) and Fallout: New Vegas (2010) include the Model 29 or .44 Magnum equivalents, often customized for gameplay emphasizing high damage output. In literature, the revolver features in Jim Butcher's Dresden Files urban fantasy series, where protagonist Harry Dresden employs a Model 29 in .44 Magnum from books 4 through 12 (2000–2009) as his primary defensive tool against supernatural foes, highlighting its narrative utility for overwhelming force in close-quarters combat.[55] These portrayals, while dramatizing the Model 29's capabilities, have cemented its cultural status as an archetype of revolver potency, though real-world ballistics experts note the media emphasis often exceeds practical handling limits due to recoil and capacity constraints.[56]Market Influence and Popularity Drivers
The Smith & Wesson Model 29's market influence peaked following its prominent depiction in the 1971 film Dirty Harry, where Clint Eastwood's character wielded it as "the most powerful handgun in the world," catalyzing a surge in consumer demand that caught the manufacturer off guard and tripled retail prices overnight.[51][57] Prior to the film's release, the revolver had maintained niche appeal among hunters and enthusiasts drawn to the .44 Magnum cartridge's ballistics, but post-1971 sales exploded as public fascination with its raw power and cinematic association drove widespread purchases, transforming it into a cultural icon that boosted overall interest in large-frame revolvers.[53][58] This popularity wave extended the Model 29's production run and influenced competitors to develop rival .44 Magnum offerings, solidifying its role in popularizing high-powered handgun cartridges for civilian applications like big-game hunting and silhouette shooting.[4] The revolver's robust N-frame design, known for enduring heavy loads without frame stretching—unlike some imitators—further entrenched its reputation for reliability, appealing to serious shooters who valued mechanical durability over lighter alternatives.[59] Sustained demand persisted through subsequent decades, with stainless steel variants like the Model 629 maintaining collector and practical interest; current market values for standard blued examples typically range from $650 to $1,000, reflecting enduring appeal driven by scarcity of pre-1980s production and the cartridge's unmatched terminal energy for its era.[60] While semi-automatic pistols later dominated self-defense markets, the Model 29's influence endures in niche segments, where its six-round capacity and straightforward operation continue to attract users prioritizing stopping power over rapid fire.[4]Enthusiast and Professional Reception
Among firearm enthusiasts, the Smith & Wesson Model 29 has long been celebrated for its exceptional accuracy, robust construction, and status as the revolver that popularized the .44 Magnum cartridge, often ranking in lists of top handguns due to its balance of power and shootability in both double-action and single-action modes.[61][62] Reviewers highlight its inherent precision, with some achieving sub-inch groups at 100 yards using factory loads, attributing this to the N-frame's stability and the cartridge's ballistics.[63] Its aesthetic appeal, including blued finishes and walnut grips on classic variants, further endears it to collectors and shooters who value historical significance over modern ergonomics.[21] Professional reception, particularly among law enforcement and competitive shooters, acknowledges the Model 29's formidable stopping power but critiques its practicality for duty use, citing excessive recoil that hinders rapid follow-up shots and control under stress, leading to its replacement by semi-automatics with higher capacity and milder calibers by the 1980s.[64][65] In hunting contexts, professionals praise its effectiveness against large game, with reviewers noting reliable terminal performance and manageable recoil when loaded appropriately for backcountry carry, though its weight—around 47 ounces for a 6.5-inch barrel—necessitates strong grips and practice for sustained use.[12][9] Despite these limitations, its enduring popularity in specialty roles, such as backup handguns or precision shooting, stems from unmatched energy delivery in a revolver platform.[33]Performance, Applications, and Effectiveness
Ballistics Performance and Terminal Effects
The Smith & Wesson Model 29, chambered in .44 Remington Magnum, delivers muzzle velocities from a 6-inch barrel ranging from approximately 1,200 to 1,400 feet per second (fps) depending on the load, with common 240-grain jacketed hollow-point (JHP) ammunition achieving around 1,300–1,380 fps.[66][67] Lighter 165–225-grain expanding loads can exceed 1,300 fps, while heavier or milder loads fall toward the lower end of this spectrum.[66] Muzzle energies typically span 800–1,200 foot-pounds (ft-lbs), with full-power 240-grain loads generating 900–1,000 ft-lbs, reflecting the cartridge's capacity for high kinetic transfer in handgun platforms.[67] These figures derive from empirical chronograph testing and account for the Model 29's standard 6.5-inch barrel, which provides 100–150 fps more velocity than shorter 4-inch configurations due to extended powder burn time.[25]| Load Example (6-inch Barrel) | Bullet Weight (grains) | Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Approximate Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cor Bon JHP | 165 | 1,321 | ~1,275 |
| Federal Hydra-Shok JHP | 240 | 1,380 | ~1,015 |
| Speer Gold Dot HP | 200 | 1,197 | ~637 |
| Cor Bon DPX | 225 | 1,320 | ~1,000 |