Smith & Wesson Model 29

Last updated

Smith & Wesson Model 29
Smith & Wesson Model 29 retouched.jpg
Type Revolver
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1955–present
Production history
Manufacturer Smith & Wesson
Produced1955–present
Specifications
Mass
  • 41.5 oz (1.177 kg) (4 in bbl)
  • 45 oz (1.276 kg) (6 in bbl)
  • Both of these weights are for the traditional S&W style without a barrel underlug.
Length
  • 9.3 inches (24 cm) (Barrel 4 inches (10 cm))
  • 12 inches (30 cm) (Barrel 6+12 inches (17 cm))
Barrel  length
  • 3 inches (76 mm)
  • 4 inches (100 mm)
  • 5 inches (130 mm)
  • 6 inches (150 mm)
  • 6+12 inches (170 mm)
  • 8+38 inches (210 mm)
  • 10+58 inches (270 mm)

Cartridge
Caliber .429 inches (10.9 mm)
Action Double-action
Feed systemSix round cylinder
SightsOpen, adjustable rear

The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is a six-shot, double-action revolver chambered for the .44 Magnum cartridge and manufactured by the United States company Smith & Wesson.

Contents

The Model 29 was offered with 3, 4, 5, 6, 6+12, 8+38 and 10+58 in (76, 102, 127, 152, 165, 213 and 270 mm) barrels as standard models. Other barrel lengths were available either by special order from Smith & Wesson's Custom Shop or custom built by gunsmiths. The 5-inch (130 mm) barreled variant had a full-length underlug. Finish options available included a highly polished blued or nickel-plated surface.

At the time of its introduction, the Model 29 was the most powerful production handgun, although it was later overtaken by handguns chambered for the even larger .454 Casull, .50 Action Express, and .500 S&W Magnum cartridges. It was made famous worldwide by association with the fictional character "Dirty Harry" Callahan.

Design

The Model 29 will chamber and fire .44 Special and .44 Russian cartridges, as the .44 Magnum was developed from the .44 Special and the .44 Special was developed from the .44 Russian. The Magnum case is slightly longer to prevent magnum rounds from being chambered and fired in handguns chambered for the .44 Special.

History

Elmer Keith's achievements in maximizing the power and performance of the .44 Special was the inspiration and driving force behind the introduction of the .44 Magnum by Smith & Wesson. His intention for the new round was for it to be used in sidearms for hunters of large, dangerous game, rather than for self-defense, though with today's specialty cartridges, it can be a good defensive round. [1]

S&W's production of a large N-frame revolver in .44 Magnum began in 1955; the Model 29 designation was applied in 1957. [2] At the time of its introduction, the Model 29 was the most powerful production handgun. There were a number of custom calibers that were more powerful, as in the old Howdah pistols of the 19th century.

It remained primarily the province of some handgun enthusiasts, law enforcement personnel, and hunters until 1971, when Clint Eastwood made it famous as "the most powerful handgun in the world" in the movie Dirty Harry . After the release of the movie and its sequels, retailers had difficulty keeping the Model 29 in stock. [3]

In the late 1990s, Smith & Wesson discontinued production of many models of revolvers, including the "basic" Model 29; since then, at various times, the model, in limited or "custom" configurations, has been manufactured in as many as 10 evolutions. [4]

Variants

The original Model 29 was superseded by the Model 29–1 in 1960, with modifications made to the ejector-rod screw. The Model 29-2 replaced it the following year, with one screw that had secured the cylinder-stop spring being deleted. The barrel length was shortened from 6+12 to 6 inches (170 to 150 mm) in 1979. These two versions are known as "pinned and recessed". "Pinned" means that the barrels are screwed in and secured by a pin driven through the frame and a notch in the barrel. "Recessed" denotes the rear of the bored cylinder holes being countersunk, so that, when loaded, the cartridge rims are fully enclosed by the cylinder. In 1982, the cost-cutting Model 29-3 dropped recessed cylinders and pinned barrels for crush-fit barrels. [2]

The -4 and -5, produced from 1988 and 1990, respectively had changes to improve durability for heavy use. In 1994, the 29-6 began production, now fitted as standard with rubber Monogrips from Hogue to replace the previous wooden items, standard tapped holes also being provided for attaching scope mounts. The 29-7 started production in 1998 with changes to the locking mechanism, the firing pin's attachment, and a hammer and trigger produced with a metal injection molding process. [2]

ModelYearBarrel LengthsModifications [5]
2919576+12 inches (170 mm)
29-119606+12 inches (170 mm)ejector rod screw
29-219616+12 inches (170 mm), changed to 6 inches (150 mm) in 1979one screw that had secured the cylinder stop spring dropped
29-31982dropped recessed cylinders and pinned barrels for crush-fit barrels
29-41988retention system on the yoke or cylinder crane strengthened, studs in frame were radiused; 838" version offered with integral scope mts.
29-51990longer cylinder notches to prevent bolt jump, bolt and inner mechanism changed to reduce battering under recoil
29-61994standard with rubber Monogrips from Hogue
29-71998changes to the locking mechanism, the firing pin's attachment, and a hammer and trigger produced with a metal injection molding process.
29-82001new frame design with internal lock
29-9
29-10
Starting NumberYears
N11969-1972
N1000001973
N2000001974-1977
N3000001975-1976
N4000001977-1978
N5000001978-1980
N6000001979-1980
N7000001980
N8000001980-1983
N9000001982-1986

Model 629

Introduced in 1978, the Smith & Wesson Model 629 is a stainless steel version of the Model 29. The 629 model designation derives from Smith & Wesson's practice of denoting a stainless steel version of one of their already existing designs by placing a 6 in front of the model number of the original weapon. The 629 Classic variant features a full-length barrel underlug, other variants include the 629 Stealth Hunter.

ModelStart YearBarrel LengthsModifications [6]
6291979
629-11982dropped recessed cylinders and pinned barrels
629-21988changed yoke retention, radius studs, floating hand
629-31989hardened yoke and frame, longer stop notch, bolt block, fixed hand
629-41993changed rear sight leaf and extractor
629-51997Eliminate cylinder stop stud and serrated tang, MIM trigger and hammer, floating firing pin
629-62001Internal lock added
629-72005Two piece barrel
629-82006Slab sided barrel

Quiet Special Purpose Revolver

Some S&W model 29s were rebuilt by the AAI Corporation to make the Quiet Special Purpose Revolvers (QSPR). These had a new, short, smoothbore barrel length of 35 millimetres (1+38 in), with an overall length of 170 millimetres (6+34 in), and a 10 millimetres (0.39 in) bore, in addition to having the cylinder chambers reamed to accept the special QSPR ammunition which externally resembled metal-cased .410-bore shotgun shells, but internally worked as a piston to trap the gases. [7] [8]

This pistol was developed from 1967 to 1972 to be used by tunnel rats in the Vietnam War. The QSPR was tested on the battlefield in 1969, and an improvement and testing program ran from 1969 to 1972. It never officially entered service. The US withdrawal from Vietnam reduced interest in the QSPR weapon, and the program ended in 1972 although unsubstantiated rumors claim the QSPR may have been used by CIA assassins during the Cold War and continues to be used by so-called "Black Book teams".

A Russian handgun introduced in 2002, the OTs-38 Stechkin silent revolver, is described as using a system virtually identical to the QSPR.

Mountain Gun Variation

The Mountain Gun was introduced in 1989 as a lightweight version of the Model 29 designed to be "carried often and shot little". [9] The barrel profile is a reprise of the original design. Early version 29-4 backpacker with 2.5" barrel (very rare).

A Smith & Wesson Model 629 with a 3" barrel called the "Trail Boss" was produced for the distributor, RSR. [10]

Other variants

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Revolver</span> Firearm with a cylinder holding cartridges

A revolver is a repeating handgun with at least one barrel and uses a revolving cylinder containing multiple chambers for firing. Because most revolver models hold up to six cartridges, before needing to be reloaded, revolvers are commonly called six shooters or sixguns. Due to their rotating cylinder mechanism, they may also be called wheel guns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 500</span> Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 500 is a five-shot, double/single action large-caliber revolver produced by Smith & Wesson, firing the .500 S&W Magnum cartridge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 19</span> Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 19 is a revolver produced by Smith & Wesson that was introduced in 1957 on its K-frame. The Model 19 is chambered for .357 Magnum. The K-frame is somewhat smaller and lighter than the original N-frame .357, usually known as the Smith & Wesson Model 27. A stainless steel variant of the Model 19, the Smith & Wesson Model 66, was introduced in 1971.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 586</span> Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 586, is a six- or seven-shot double-action revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge; it will also chamber and fire .38 Special cartridges. The Model 586 has a carbon steel construction and is available in a blued or nickel finish; it is essentially the same firearm as the Model 686, which has stainless steel construction. It is also known as the Distinguished Combat Magnum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 686</span> Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 686 is a six- or seven-shot double-action revolver manufactured by Smith & Wesson and chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge; it will also chamber and fire .38 Special cartridges. Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 686 in 1981. It is the stainless steel version of the Model 586, which featured a blued steel finish. They are available ported and unported with a choice of 6- or 7-round cylinders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pocket pistol</span> Term for a small, pocket-sized semi-automatic pistol

In American English, a pocket pistol is any small, pocket-sized semi-automatic pistol, and is suitable for concealed carry in a pocket or a similar small space.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 17</span> Revolver

The Smith & Wesson K-22 Target Masterpiece Revolver is a six-shot, double-action revolver with adjustable open sights, built on the medium-size "K" frame. When introduced, it was intended for bullseye target shooting competition of the type then most common on the United States, which is today called NRA Precision Pistol, specifically in the "smallbore" or "22" category. It is chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. It is one of three similar models that Smith & Wesson offered, the other two being intended for the "centerfire" category, the K-32 Target Masterpiece chambered for the .32 S&W Long cartridge and the K-38 Target Masterpiece chambered for the .38 Special cartridge. Most K-22 revolvers were fitted with a 6 in (150 mm) or 8+38 in (210 mm) barrel, but other lengths have been produced. First produced in 1947 and originally known as the K-22 Target Masterpiece, it was numbered the Model 17 in 1957 when all Smith & Wesson guns were given numerical model numbers. It is built on the same frame as the seminal Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolver.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North American Arms</span> American arms company

North American Arms is a United States company, headquartered in Provo, Utah, that manufactures pocket pistols and mini-revolvers, also called mouse guns. The company was originally named Rocky Mountain Arms when it was founded in 1972. In 1974 it was bought by new owners who renamed the company North American Manufacturing (NAM) and then North American Arms (NAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Snubnosed revolver</span> Type of gun

A snubnosed revolver is a small, medium, or large frame revolver with a short barrel, generally less than 3 inches in length. Smaller such revolvers are often made with "bobbed" or "shrouded" hammers and there are also "hammerless" models ; the point is to allow the gun to be drawn with little risk of it snagging on clothing. Since the external movement of the mechanism is minimal or nil, shrouded and hammerless models may be fired from within clothing. The design of these revolvers compromises range and accuracy at a distance in favor of maneuverability and ease of carry and concealment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 64</span> Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 64Military and Police revolver is the stainless steel version of the Model 10.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Centennial</span> Revolver

S&W Centennial is a family of revolvers made by Smith & Wesson on the "J-Frame". Depending upon caliber, the cylinder holds either 5, 6, 7, or 8 cartridges. Centennials feature a fully enclosed (internal) hammer, which makes them Double Action Only (DAO) firearms. Like all other "J-frame" Smith & Wesson revolvers, they have a swing-out cylinder. Centennial models have been made in different versions like PD "Personal Defense", LS "Lady Smith", and M&P "Military & Police"

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Handgun</span> Short-barreled firearm designed to be held and used with one hand

A handgun is a firearm designed to be usable with only one hand. It is distinguished from a long barreled gun which needs to be held by both hands and braced against the shoulder. Handguns have shorter effective ranges compared to long guns, and are much harder to shoot accurately. While most early handguns are single-shot pistols, the two most common types of handguns used in modern times are revolvers and semi-automatic pistols, although other handguns such as derringers and machine pistols also see infrequent usage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 60</span> Service revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 60 revolver is a 5-shot revolver that is chambered in either .38 Special or .357 Magnum calibers. It was the first revolver produced from stainless steel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cylinder (firearms)</span> Cylindrical part of the revolver that holds the ammunition

In firearms, the cylinder is the cylindrical, rotating part of a revolver containing multiple chambers, each of which is capable of holding a single cartridge. The cylinder rotates (revolves) around a central axis in the revolver's action to sequentially align each individual chamber with the barrel bore for repeated firing. Each time the gun is cocked, the cylinder indexes by one chamber. Serving the same function as a rotary magazine, the cylinder stores ammunitions within the revolver and allows it to fire multiple times, before needing to be reloaded.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruger SP101</span> Revolver

The Ruger SP101 is a series of double-action revolvers produced by the American company Sturm, Ruger & Co. The SP101 is a small frame and all-steel-construction carry revolver, with a five-shot ; six-shot ; or eight-shot cylinder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 640</span> Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 640 revolver is a 5-shot snubnosed revolver that is chambered in either .38 Special or .357 Magnum caliber introduced in 1989. Like other "J-frame" Smith & Wesson revolvers, it has a swing-out cylinder, but this model features a concealed hammer, and is part of the Centennial line.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 57</span> Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model 57 is an 'N' frame (large), double-action revolver with a six round cylinder, chambered for the .41 Magnum cartridge, and designed and manufactured by the Smith & Wesson firearms company. The gun was designed as a weapon for law enforcement agencies. However, due to size and recoil it found more favor with civilian target shooters and hunters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smith & Wesson Model 460</span> Revolver

Smith & Wesson Model 460 is a large bore five-shot, single-action/double-action revolver by Smith & Wesson chambered for the .460 S&W Magnum cartridge. It was designed as a hunting and dangerous game defensive revolver for use in Africa and Alaska. The revolver is built on the company's largest and strongest frame, known as the X-Frame, and represents a joint effort among Smith & Wesson, Hornady, and Cor-Bon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taurus Judge</span> Revolver

The Taurus Judge is a five-shot revolver designed and produced by Taurus International, chambered for .410 bore shot shells and the .45 Colt cartridge. Taurus promotes the Judge as a self-defense tool against carjacking and for home protection.

The Smith & Wesson Model 646 is a six-shot, double-action revolver chambered for the .40 S&W pistol cartridge, manufactured in 2000 and 2003 by the United States company Smith & Wesson.

References

  1. Campbell, R. K. (December 2011). "General Purpose Handguns". The Complete Illustrated Manual of Handgun Skills. Zenith Imprint. p. 90. ISBN   978-1-61059-745-6 . Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 Taffin, John (November 13, 2006). Gun Digest Book of the .44. pp. 147–150. ISBN   0-89689-416-9.
  3. Hornaday, Ann (January 17, 1999). "Guns on film: a loaded issue". Baltimore Sun .
  4. Smith, Clint (2007). "The do-all death-ray: SDM's custom .44 Magnum". American Handgunner . 24 (4).
  5. Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (2016). Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson (4th ed.). Iola, WI: Gun Digest. p. 232. ISBN   978-1-4402-4563-3 . Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  6. Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (2016). Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson (4th ed.). Iola, WI: Gun Digest. p. 306. ISBN   978-1-4402-4563-3 . Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  7. J. Hines. "Suppressed Revolver". American Shooting Journal. Retrieved June 3, 2022.
  8. Duncan Long (2004). Streetsweepers: The Complete Book of Combat Shotguns. Paladin Press. p. 56. ISBN   0873644247.
  9. Egusa, Alan (April 2010). Martial Art of the Gun: The Turnipseed Technique. Dog Ear Publishing. p. 55. ISBN   978-1-60844-226-3.
  10. Shideler, Dan (May 10, 2011). The Gun Digest Book of Guns & Prices 2011. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 918. ISBN   978-1-4402-1890-3.[ permanent dead link ]
  11. Mullin, Timothy J. (2015). Serious Smith & Wessons: The N- and X-Frame Revolvers (The S&W Phenomenon Volume III). Cobourg, Ontario, Canada: Collector Grade Publications. pp. 967–968. ISBN   978-0-88935-579-8.
  12. "Smith & Wesson Introduces 50th Anniversary Edition Of Model 29 .44 Magnum" (PDF). Smith & Wesson. January 26, 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 13, 2006.
  13. "Smith & Wesson Classics: Model 29 Engraved" (PDF). Smith & Wesson. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 27, 2007.
  14. Shideler, Dan (May 10, 2011). The Official Gun Digest Book of Guns & Prices. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. p. 918. ISBN   9781440218903 . Retrieved March 16, 2013.[ permanent dead link ]
  15. Mann, Richard Allen; Lee, Jerry (November 20, 2013). The Gun Digest Book of Modern Gun Values: The Shooter's Guide to Guns 1900-Present. Iola, Wisconsin: F+W Media. p. 220. ISBN   978-1-4402-3752-2.[ permanent dead link ]