I plan on buying the model 29 before the year is up. It's been on my list forever, but I just haven't done it for one reason or another.

I'd appreciate some buying advise from those in the know on this gun.

What is the typical price range for the used ones at a gun show?

Are there certain serial numbers better or worse than others?

Any tips on other things to look for?

Should I consider a new Classic? (anybody got one of these?)They go for $1000 in my neck of the woods.

Thanks in advance for your input!

Donald

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SD9VE, American perfection!

I plan on buying the model 29 before the year is up. It's been on my list forever, but I just haven't done it for one reason or another.

I'd appreciate some buying advise from those in the know on this gun.

What is the typical price range for the used ones at a gun show?

Are there certain serial numbers better or worse than others?

Any tips on other things to look for?

Should I consider a new Classic? (anybody got one of these?)They go for $1000 in my neck of the woods.

Thanks in advance for your input!

Donald

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SD9VE, American perfection!

Welcome to the forum!

Look for a 6" or 6-1/2" blued Model <STRIKE>27-2</STRIKE> 29-2 (brain fart). Expect to spend about $600 for a nice one - That should make your day!

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"I also cook."

He should look for a model 29 first. The 27 is a .357.

I think that's a 29-2

The "Classic" will have a lock, and I seriously doubt 'ol Callahan would have put up with that shi* !

Most of these used guns ( except for some owned by some forum members here that find recoil and burned powder an aphrodisiac ) usually have very few rounds put through them. The average plinker that just has to have one finds it's not as much fun to feed and shoot as they thought when they bought it ( in my experience of the buyers I've known ), so find one that's been babied finish-wise and chances are it's had very few rounds down the pipe. Prices vary, but the old Dirty Harry 6 & 1/2" blue 29 still goes for $550 up - one for less than that in good condition is generally considered a bargain. Of course , here, someone will no doubt brag about the one he bought for $150 at a yard sale. That NEVER happens to me . . .

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Qui plantavit curabit

The 29-2 with a 6-1/2" barrel is what 'Ol Callahan used and it is a beautiful gun, most of them came with a wood presentation box with the screwdriver, bore mop, and brush, and will set you back around $700, that is a mint example. Buy a pre lock as they are much more desireable, even if it is not P&R such as the 29-3. Once you buy one you cant stop

What's the difference between the -2 and the -3?

"I gotts to know"!

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SD9VE, American perfection!

A 29-2 with a 6 1/2" barrel is the Dirty Harry Special. After 1979 to 1982, S&W shortened the 29-2 barrel to 6". This one is worth less and is not the Dirty Harry Special.

I've seen the 6" barrel 29-2 for $550 to $650 and a nice 6 1/2" for $750 to $925. For some reason the Dirty Harry Special goes for more in my area.

Other S&W revolvers I've bought for super deals; ones I can brag on. But my 6 1/2" Dirty Harry Special is not one of them. I looked for a long time until I found one with no issues and even then I was somewhat dissappointed. I enjoy shooting mine and don't know what all the fuss about recoil is. Full house loads go through it like nothing. A pure pleasure to shoot.



Regards:
Rod

.

Thanks Rod!

That sure is a beauty!

Donald

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SD9VE, American perfection!

After you buy your Model 29, shoot a few cylinders full of magnum ammo, just becuase everybody should do that at least once!!! Then, stock up on .44 Special ammo... my 29 is an absolute baby doll to shoot with Specials!!! The magnums make an impressive display, but they're pretty punishing to shoot on a regular basis.

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LEO since 1981.

In Magnum Force, Harry does make a comment to the 3 rookie cops about using 44 special.

You can bet I'll load up on it!

Thanks!!!

Donald

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SD9VE, American perfection!

Amen to that! I usually shoot a box of 44 specials followed by a cylinder or two of 44 magnums.

Bought my used 98% M29 8&3/8" about 20 years ago for $250 at McBrides in Austin. No box, but it's fun to shoot now & then.

Guess mine's bigger than Harrys.

Yeah, but what most people miss is the context - he's talking about the load he uses in the department competition in the "Hogan's Alley" course. From every thing else I've seen in the films, he supposedly carried full magnums - a cylinder load and two speedloaders in his jacket pocket.

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Qui plantavit curabit

The 29-2 usually has a pinned barrel and a cylinder recessed (counterbored) for the cartridge rims. The -3 revision eliminated the recessed cylinder and pinned barrel (most of the time). I left wiggle room there because there are transitional guns with one or the other feature. Early 29-2 revolvers with an S serial number prefix (pre-1969) will generally be worth more than N prefix guns, mostly because of the stocks (Cokes).

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"I also cook."

Yeah, that's my understanding too Fred. He was talking about 200g WC over something like 3 or 4 grains of Bullseye - powder puff, not even close to a special, target all the way.

Had my daughter's boyfriend out to the range last night, we took the 6.5" 29-2, a 3" 629-2 and a 4" 686-2. I took magnums and specials for both.

That 29-2 doesn't get enough time on the range! Sweet shooter for certain. I enjoyed standing back and watching Jeff light off both the useful specials (EK's term) and the mags. I absolutely drilled the target with mags. cloverleaf full cylinder @ 15yds. Felt good.

I always thought the Dirty Harry gun had the 8 3/8" barrel.

Dave

The Dirty Harry gun is a 29-2 with a 6 1/2 barrel.

Looks like this.


Cool Huh?


Could run a $1000 bucks New in Box. $500 bucks or so in good condition.

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NRA Benefactor Member

I think the long shots, like above, and particularly for effect, used the longer 8.4" barrel. Additionally, early rumor was that a 29 wasn't available locally - and a 57 was initially substituted.

I think Dirty Harry, just as 'real' to me as Murphy Brown was to Dan Quayle, today would have a SS .44 - like my recent production 6" 629 - with all of the 'Endurance Enhancements. He'd also have the Hogue .500 Magnum grips ($35 from S&W Accessories.), for better recoil absorption (Hey, Eastwood's ~75 or so - arthritis, etc.). He might also now load it with .44 Russian poppers.



I bought mine above (SKU #163606) new 8/05 for $569 + s/t - they are more now, but still a bargain. While it has the same hammer, trigger, sights, etc as the standard 4" I have (SKU #163603), and 'points' nearly as well, it has a character it's own. A definite keeper/shooter, whether .44 Russian poppers, median load .44 Specials, wimpy .44 Magnums, or 'Howdy!' level Magnums, like the UMC 180gr SJHPs, etc, are shot. Believe me, you'll shoot a SS 629 more...

Stainz

Nice guns guys! Beautiful!!!

I'd take out a second mortgage just for the box!

Bass Pro sells the new ones for $1000 here in Texas. I know they have a lock, but how are they anyway? They sure look nice.

Thanks,

Donald

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SD9VE, American perfection!

In "Magnum Force" Briggs makes Harry turn over his M29 along with THREE speed loaders. Briggs makes some comment on how he knows Harry carries three.

At least that is the way I remember it, I don't have the movie at hand.

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Dave

That's correct! That scene was in the car near the final shootout of the movie.

The "44 special" scene was at the range with the rookies earlier in the movie.

Donald

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SD9VE, American perfection!

The Dirty Harry gun just wouldn't look the same with a 6" barrel. As strange as it seems that extra 1/2" makes all the difference in the world in the way the model 29 looks. At one time I thought S&W must be nuts to cut that half inch off of the gun. Now, in retrospect with all the other corners they have cut it seems rather trivial. Still I have a six inch 629 and it really doesn't look at all like the "Dirty Harry".

Yep, you're right - been a while since I saw it - good excuse to dust off the collection and watch them all again !

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Qui plantavit curabit

Yep, its amazing how much different the feel and looks of a M29 are with a 6 1/2" barrel as opposed to the 6". I had a 6" 629 once, but just could not get to like it, so sold it. It was an original early model no dash. Should have just put it away. the 6 1/2 even balances much better and is much more pleasing to shoot, at least to me.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

And its not a Dirty Harry gun unless it's 6 1/2!

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Officer Phil Sweet: What kind of a load do you use in that .44?
Harry Callahan: It's a light Special. This size gun it gives you better control and less recoil than a .357 Magnum with wadcutters.

"Go Ahead . Make My Day" - I seem to remember they used a 45 caliber, in this scene, to take advantage of the bigger hole at the end of the barrel.

Regards:
Rod

.

That's a rumor.

I read an article some time ago ( sorry - don't have the energy or inclination to see if I can dig it up - google youself silly if you " gots to know" ) that put the lie to all those rumors. The prop guy from the movie said that there were actually two 29's used, there were no 57's used, and they were 44's.

Speaking of the Dirty Harry movies, how many besides me die a little bit and pucker the old rear end everytime they see the scene in the first movie, where the BG braces Harry at the cross in Golden Gate Park and Clint (supposedly) tosses that 29 several feet onto the concrete (with sound effects ! ) OUCH ! hurts me just to think about it !

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Qui plantavit curabit

Just happen to have a pic on hand to confirm your statement. My FFL dealer has a beautiful mint 6-1/2" and I've been trying for a while to talk him into a trade with a little cash for the 6 inch below. So far no deal. He's not a collector, but he's no dummy either.

If you get the DVD and have a decent monitor or TV, check out the scene toward the end in the gravel pit. There is a close up of the revolver and you can clearly see the 44 Magnum rollmark on the barrel.

Here is mine 29-2 6 1/2in.

Absolutely Gorgeous!

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SD9VE, American perfection!

this S prefix was mfg 1964. Phil

As to what exactly Harry carried, that can be seperated into two questions. What actually did they use and John Milius has answered that to the best of his ability.
What Harry said was "But being as this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk? "
Harry does not say Model 29, so in fact it could be a 29 or it could be a pre-29 or '44 Magnum'.-Dick

1958 S&W 44 Magnum, Elephant Ivory grips by Don Collins with Full Skinner by Corbet Sigman.

I like to think of 'Bloodwork' as actually being DH's last hurrah. Here, our Harry-ish character is not such a marksman... barely wounding the bad guy with his 2.5" 627... admittedly during his 'attack'. Can you imagine him a bit more energetic in that movie?

"Well, scumbag, I lost count... was that five, six, seven, or eight rounds?".

Yeah, the outcome was good in that movie - a proper ending for our DH! And... instant value increase for another S&W!


Stainz

Serial # S206921--belongs to John Milius. Puts it at 1959-1960 making it a Model 29.

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jj

Yeah, but I ain't no cop. I'm mainly worried about black bears and coyotes. So I got me a 29-8 "Mountain Gun", so far have shot nothing but magnums in it, and it's pretty close to being my favorite gun, especially after having gotten it back from S&W's "master revolver action package" treatment. Btw, I've pulled the lock cam out of all my other revolvers, so the lock isn't an issue; but this one was a little loose when I got it, so I asked S&W to fix it, and having gotten it back, it's so tight that I couldn't get the cam out anyway; I don't think it's an issue.

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Not legal advice/solicitation

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STAY ARMED, VIGILANT, SAFE!

Hard to understand the reasoning behind their cost. What with the endurance package being implemented several years after the Dirty Harry movies coming out. Some rumors have it that the Dirty Harry guns are prone to having their cylinders back up upon being fired?
Still, some guys would rather sit and watch old movies and play with guns than actually go to a range and shoot what they own.
For me, anyway, I'll take a Classic or Mountain Gun instead of possibly wasteing money on something that may have a problem.
My $.02. OK, let the flames begin.

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NRA Life Member

THE ONLY REASON that D. H. Callahan carried the S&W 29.. was that it was the Most Powerful Handgun on the Face of the Earth! THESE DAYS, it's time for an Update Movie! It always amazed me, that, for me- a guy that has the Nick-Name "Magnum Mitch" (I'm NO expert- but have owned at least 9 .44 mags and more .357's-Mostly S&W 'N' frames) how; in Movies- They can fire large caliber revolvers in , say, a tiny motel room- Then whisper: "Do you feel Lucky?"
In the NEW Dirty Harry Film- Our Hero carries a Maximum Length, Maximum Loaded- 5oo Magnum!!! He enters the 'Hotel FleaBag' and kicks in the door... The BadGuy jumps out of the bathroom window, scrambles up the fire-escape (one floor up), and into another bathroom window, much to the concern of the old lady in the shower. He peels of the wet shower curtain, as he runs out into the hall-way above. He runs down the hall,takes a right,and into the stairwell. He passes a man with his arms full of groceries;He runs past the man and out into the hall(now TWO floors up from where he started! The groceries fall, as cans roll down the steps. Meanwhile; Harry, not moving a muscle (except to lift an ear-muff, to listen carefully for the thudding of the Del-Monte and Campbell products... Casually points the gun toward the cieling, and... FIRES!!! He then removes his goggles, takes off the ear-muffs,coughs up a few chunks of stucco.... and pulls a Dust-Buster out of a 2nd shoulder holster and proceeds to vacuum a lot of plaster and dirt off of his jacket. The Badguy, is of course, dead as a door-knob: Despite being 3 floors up & down the hall!
I've not really had the inclination to actually BUY the 5oo Mag, but WOULD like to SHOOT one! But for true 'practicality'; The old Pinned & Recessed Magnums are not all that scary, by aaaaaany means, to shoot. They can fire .44 Special and other lighter ammo, and often, cost much less than their newer counterparts (that goes for ammo,too). I'd GLADLY trade the stupid lock for a pinned barrel, a recessed Cylinder,and 4 or 5 hundred dollars.
I recenty bought a 'Beyooteful' N-series Model 29, 6" barrel for $525, with a buncha X-tras. Be patient,shop around, ask around, and if you don't find a nice 29, It'll find you!
With the current economy, I'd think that the .44's'd go to market before the 'N' frame .357's- that can fill in for a more 'ECO-nominal' .38 special.I'd get an old 29 in ANY barrel configuration, long as it's healthy... Happy Hunting!- Signed-"Older pinned & recessed, Mainly 'N' Frame, .357/.44 Magnum Mitch"

Is the 629 just a stainless version of the 29?

I saw that movie 26 times

Basically yes.

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jj

In the movie, Briggs makes Harry unload the 29 and asks for all three of the Dade speed loaders he has in his coat pocket then tosses the ammo out the window. He allows Harry to keep the empty 44.

The writer of Dirty Harry John Milius talks about the scene in this YouTube clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jicw94_aXiQ

John Milius brings a "shooters" viewpoint to his writing and says Clint Eastwood did not deliver the "line exactly as written". Since he was not the Director, the scene as played sounded good enough. He was not on set and he chalks it up to that's the way it goes in Hollywood.
The line should have went {paraphrase} "I use a light magnum round for better controlability."

Here's mine

Model 29-2 with 6 inch barrel.

AMC is showing the Dirty Harry movies starting tonight (Mon. 2-23)and showing one each night all this week. Enjoy!!

I bought a 6 1/2" 29-2 from an Alaskan State Trooper in 1990. He'd had it hard chromed and some kind of action work done to it. No idea how much he shot it.
Over that long winter I shot over 3600 rounds through it. Of course as I was in my early 20's, they were almost all magnum loads, 250gr SWC over 22.0gr 2400.
By spring time the gun wouldn't reliably rotate the cyclinder when I cocked it single action. I traded it off for a 5" 629 classic, which I probably never shot as much.
Just last week I bought another 29-2, a 5". It's a really sweet revolver, bought for entirely different reasons. This gun won't see very many full house magnums!