Yet Another Dirty Harry Gun

[SgtStone]

not Dirty

The best operator in my radar van -- the same dude with the Colt .25 ACP in the thread "Cheapest Pistol you owned" -- carried a Model 29 in an old leather gym bag; no holster.

Going target shooting with him at the local dump after work is where I got into the habit of wearing two sets of ear protection. "Sarge", as he was known at sports books throughout Las Vegas, carried that ratty bag with him everywhere. Model 29, box of shells, cleaning set, ear muffs and a few beer bottles in case the dump ran out of targets or Prohibition returned.

Sarge swore by the Model 29 as the most accurate man-stopper on the market. No argument here. I found my Model 60 easier on the wallet and eardrums for extended target shooting.

 

[6string]

. "Sarge", as he was known at sports books throughout Las Vegas, carried that ratty bag with him everywhere. Model 29, box of shells, cleaning set, ear muffs and a few beer bottles in case the dump ran out of targets or Prohibition returned..

Throw in a good sandwich and that's everything I need for a pretty good day off work!

 

[cowboy4evr]

It seems I have read that the movie company actually wanted the 29 to have a 4 " barrel , easier to " Harry " to draw but couldn't get one and settled for the longer barrel . True or not I don't know for sure . makes interesting reading . I would like to have a 29-2 , but will settle for my 29-10 . The -2's are too " rich " for my blood ($$) . Regards, Paul

 

[rubiranch]

I just got this and am thinking it has all of the 'right stuff' to be called a Dirty Harry gun. A model 29-2, 6 1/2" barrel, a nice set of Cokes, and made around 1964 which would put it before the 1971 movie was made. I blurred out the last 2 digits of the serial number. Also a clamshell, period correct, presentation case. I wonder if anyone has written a whole book on this revolver? Any body see anything that might be incorrect?

Your clamshell presentation case looks brand new!!

 

[AveragEd]

There were a lot of reports that Model 57s actually were used in the movie "Dirty Harry." I forget the reason why but I recall seeing that many times.

Ed

 

[rubiranch]

I got the shiny one...not true to the movie, but it came with the badge!

I like the badge.

 

[Bullseye 2620]

It seems I have read that the movie company actually wanted the 29 to have a 4 " barrel , easier to " Harry " to draw but couldn't get one and settled for the longer barrel . True or not I don't know for sure . makes interesting reading . I would like to have a 29-2 , but will settle for my 29-10 . The -2's are too " rich " for my blood ($$) . Regards, Paul

My understanding is that the script called for two nickel finished 4-inch Model 29-2s. When the props people couldn't obtain those, they took what they could get which was a brace of blue Model 29-2s with 6-1/2 inch barrels.

Sorry I sold the one below. At least it went to another member of the Forum.

 

[Art Doc]

Supposedly 57s replaced the hard to find 29s. Not true. The 29 wasn't hard to find when they made the film, only after it was released.

It's my understanding they wanted a big gun. A really big gun. That's why the 6.5 model was chosen. In some publicity stills an 8 & 3/8 model was used to look even bigger. A 4" was never considered.

Almost 50 years and this topic refuses to go away.

 

[rubiranch]

I do find it interesting that a -2 was used in Dirty Harry and a no dash was used in the sequel.

 

[Doc44]

The Model 29 (see photo below) used in Magnum Force was provided by John Milius who also wrote the story and the screenplay. Jim Supica, Director of the NRA Firearms Museum, brought the Model 29 for "show and tell" to the S&W Bunch gathering at the show in Tulsa in 2011.

Bill

 

[rubiranch]

The Model 29 (see photo below) used in Magnum Force was provided by John Milius who also wrote the story and the screenplay. Jim Supica, Director of the NRA Firearms Museum, brought the Model 29 for "show and tell" to the S&W Bunch gathering at the show in Tulsa in 2011.

Bill

Thanks Bill. I sure appreciate all that you share with us.

 

[Doc44]

Kenny...by serial number, the Model 29 used in Magnum Force dates to 1960.

Bill

 

[rubiranch]

Kenny...by serial number, the Model 29 used in Magnum Force dates to 1960.

Bill

thanks again

 

[the big guy]

It is great to read all the back stories I see on the Forum! Thank you all for sharing details that I find fascinating.

 

[usmc2427765]

I just got this and am thinking it has all of the 'right stuff' to be called a Dirty Harry gun. A model 29-2, 6 1/2" barrel, a nice set of Cokes, and made around 1964 which would put it before the 1971 movie was made. I blurred out the last 2 digits of the serial number. Also a clamshell, period correct, presentation case. I wonder if anyone has written a whole book on this revolver? Any body see anything that might be incorrect?

If you worked night shift Park Place or Northeast in the late 1960's to early 70', this was a must have revolver.