Smith and Wesson Model 29 .44 Magnum

When it came time to choose Harry's weapon for the first film, Eastwood knew exactly what kind of firepower he wanted for the character.  Unfortunately, the Model 29's were not in production at the time, and it took a little string-pulling to get a few made for the film- they had to be assembled from parts.

Eastwood spent time on the shooting range prior to undertaking the role, so that he would be able to properly imitate the .44's recoil when using blank cartridges.  (The blanks also had to be specially made, as the traditional Hollywood blanks would not fit the .44 chamber.)  As for his choice of ammo, Harry uses a light special load which is usually favored for reduced recoil and better control.

SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson

Basic Models:
Model 29..............blue or nickel finish
Model 629.............stainless finish

Type: Double-action revolver with swing-out cylinder
Caliber: .44 Magnum
Capacity: 6 round cylinder
Barrel: Several lengths are available from 4" to 8-3/8".

Sights:
Rear.........windage adjustable notch
Front........vertical ramp with red insert on standard models

Dimensions: (for 6-1/2" model)
Length.......11-7/8"
Weight.......47 ounces (empty)


GENERAL

Smith & Wesson produces a wide range of firearms, including many different sizes and types of revolvers.  This FAQ deals specifically with the .44 Magnum models.

The .44 Magnum cartridge was introduced in 1955 by Remington for use in the [then] new Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum revolver.  In years following, other manufacturers added .44 Magnum revolvers to their lineups.  In addition, there are several rifles that chamber the .44 Magnum cartridge.  Today, the .44 Magnum is still considered to be one of the most powerful handgun cartridges available commercially.

From 1955 to 1957, S&W's big revolver was simply called the "The .44 Magnum."  In 1957, when S&W standardized the model numbering of their products, the .44 Magnum was continued as the S&W model 29.

Smith and Wesson .44 Magnum revolvers have heavyweight steel frames, and have been available with blue, nickel, or stainless steel finishes.  The nickel finish is no longer available on newly manufactured models.  The blued and nickel models are called the model 29.  The stainless model is called the model 629, and is identical in all respects to the model 29 except for the finish.  There have been several specialized versions of the 629, such as the "629 Classic", "629 DX", "629 Classic Hunter", etc., with features such as interchangeable front sights, full lug barrels, special grips, etc.


CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION

The S&W 29 follows the same pattern as the majority of other S&W "hand ejector" revolvers.  It uses the N-type frame, S&W's heaviest.

The hinged cylinder swings out of the left side of the frame for loading and unloading.   The cylinder is released by the cylinder latch button located just behind the cylinder on the left side of the frame.  When the cylinder is swung out, any empty cases may be ejected by pushing the spring loaded ejector rod located at the front of the cylinder.  Normal cylinder rotation is clockwise when viewed from the rear.

The revolver may be operated in either double or single action mode.  For single action, the operator manually pulls back the hammer before pulling the trigger.   For double action, the operator simply pulls the trigger.  Substantially less effort is required to pull the trigger in single action mode.

As with most other S&W products, the model 29 revolvers have fairly well finished parts, are hard to break, and will last a lifetime when properly maintained.  One minor complaint is that the hammers and triggers during some years of manufacture are bare unfinished metal, not properly case hardened, and thus will rust readily if not cared for.

Over the years, several different types of grips have been standard equipment on these revolvers.  The current style is a contoured soft rubber grip by Hogue that absorbs more of the recoil than some past attempts.  Earlier models were usually equipped with square-butt checkered walnut grips or Pachmayer round-butt hard rubber grips.

The rear sight is a square notch, adjustable for windage using a small allen-head wrench.   On more recent 29s, the notch is outlined with a bright white line, for easier sighting.

The standard front sight is a vertical ramp.  On more recent 29s, a bright red insert on the ramp makes for easier sighting.  Additional front sights are also available, and a selection of five interchangeable front sights are standard equipment with the 629 DX model.

*Specifications and edited review taken from here.  (Complete review can be found at this address.)  Ammunition source information:  Hodgdon Data Manual, 26th Edition.