Smith & Wesson Pre-model 29 44  Magnum Revolver – SN: S174476 (C&R)

The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is a renowned six-shot, double-action revolver chambered for the potent .44 Magnum cartridge, produced by the esteemed American firearms manufacturer, Smith & Wesson. This iconic firearm was available in various barrel lengths, ranging from 3 to 10+5⁄8 inches, with optional custom lengths offered through the Smith & Wesson Custom Shop or gunsmiths. Finish options included polished blued or nickel-plated surfaces. Upon its debut, the Model 29 held the title of the most powerful production handgun, although it was later eclipsed by firearms chambered for larger cartridges like the .454 Casull and .50 Action Express. It achieved worldwide fame through its association with the fictional character “Dirty Harry” Callahan. Notably, the Model 29 could chamber and fire .44 Special and .44 Russian cartridges, with the Magnum case designed slightly longer to prevent incorrect chambering. Elmer Keith’s contributions to maximizing the .44 Special’s performance paved the way for the creation of the .44 Magnum by Smith & Wesson, initially produced in 1955, with the Model 29 designation officially applied in 1957. Despite primarily attracting enthusiasts, law enforcement, and hunters, its iconic status skyrocketed in 1971 when Clint Eastwood featured it as “the most powerful handgun in the world” in the movie Dirty Harry, causing a surge in demand. In the late 1990s, Smith & Wesson temporarily discontinued the basic Model 29 but continued to offer limited and custom configurations in subsequent years, evolving the model up to ten times.