Smith & Wesson Model 29

by
posted on October 22, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
201210194853-sw-m29-gold-pic2_m.jpg

First introduced as the Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum in 1955, the Model 29 was the original .44 Mag. revolver—and it would go on to attain nearly unparalleled levels of fame in the wheelgun industry.

A one-time holder of the title of "Most Powerful Handgun in the World," the Model 29 still remains the most powerful handgun that some shooters will dare try. Its fame and legendary status, of course, has been bolstered by its starring presence in Clint Eastwood's "Dirty Harry" films—though you may be able to argue that the gun did just as much for Clint as he did for it.

A true legend in the industry, the Model 29 remains a revolver that every firearm enthusiast should at the very least try—and it's an easy addition to the Gun of the Week series.

Technical Specifications:

Caliber: .44 Mag., .44 Spl.
Barrel Length:
4" to 10 5/8"
Total Length: Varies
Capacity: 6 Rounds
Action: Double-Action
Weight Loaded:
3-dot, adjustable rear
MSRP:
$1,019 and up

Multimedia:

Latest

New Taurus Judge 1
New Taurus Judge 1

Gun of the Week: The New Taurus Judge

For 2026, Taurus USA took a fresh look at one of its most popular platforms, the Judge revolver, and updated it with a new feature set while retaining the versatility that made it popular in the first place.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 18, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

This Maryland County Moved to Disarm Jews and Others in the Face of Evil

Even given the unconscionable history of gun control, the law banning concealed carry in and within 100 yards of houses of worship and other public assemblies in Montgomery County, Md., is particularly disturbing.

Review: Ruger American Gen II Patrol

Ruger's American rifle line represents a good balance between cost and performance, and the latest generation offers many welcome upgrades, as seen on this Gen II Patrol model in 5.56 NATO.

SOG Knives Celebrates 40 Years in Business

SOG Knives, which was established by Spencer Frazer in 1986, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026.

The History of Repeating Arms Gun-Control Groups Don’t Want the Courts to Know

This episode of NRA’s The Armed Citizen Podcast refutes one of the biggest false claims gun-control groups and the politicians they support repeat ad nauseam by asserting that the Founding Fathers could not have imagined the AR-15.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.