The Dirty Harry Gun

[yrunvs]

I tried to search this but could not confirm it.

Am I correct to assume that the exact "Dirty Hairy" gun would be a Model 29-2 6.5 inch?

The movie came out in 1971 which if new would be a dash 2 right?

 

[shawn mccarver]

Correct.

It would, however, be "Dirty Harry," not "Dirty Hairy." The "Harry" in the title was the lead character's first name, Harry Callahan.

The Model 29-2 used was fixed up with plaque on the grip and is now on display in the NRA Museum.

 

[yrunvs]

Thanks Shawn. Brain fart!!!!! And.......When it comes to Model 29's, the dash 1 and 2 are pinned and recessed and starting with the dash 3 are not P/R and starting with the dash 4 are reinforced frame right? Does that mean the dash 3 might be considered the least desirable model 29 pre MIM?

 

[stansdds]

the 29-3 eliminated the pinned barrel and recessed chambers as cost cutting measures. Collectors seem to frown upon the 29-3, but I have one and even though it's quality is not the same as that of the earlier Model 29's, it's still a great shooter.

S&W, due to complaints of cylinders unlocking and rotating under heavy recoil, started to improve the lockwork with the Model 29-3E. The 29-4 came with an improved cylinder crane and radiused frame studs and it was the 29-5 that introduced the longer locking notches in the cylinder.

 

[Green Frog]

Actually, more than one Model 29 and even a Model 27 were (at least rumored to have been) used filming the first Dirty Harry movie. This would comport with normal movie-making practices then and now of having backups for all props. IIRC, there was one that got the nod as “the” movie gun that was owned by the director or producer, and this is the one that got glitzed up and is displayed at the NRA Museum in Fairfax. I think they may have even used a long barreled (8 3/8”) example for dramatic effect on some shots in some of the movies, but that may have just been perspective.

Froggie

 

[murphydog]

If I recall, the one on display at the NRA Museum is a 4-screw model 29 and used in the second movie in the series, "Magnum Force". The plaque shows it was given to the screenplay writer, John Milius.

 

[mauser9]

Loved that phrase " Do ya feel lucky punk"

 

[colt_saa]

Naturally there was more then one revolver used during the series of movies

I do not recall any movie scenes where an 8 3/8" Model 29 was used, however there was a series of Magnum Force movie posters that have the appearance of a longer barrel.

As a photographer, I am certain this is simply the natural perspective distortion effect from a very wide angle lens.

I believe these posters are the origin of the various 8 3/8" stories.

 

[crazyphil]

Seems that I have read somewhere that it was supposed to be a 4"
barrel, but they were so hard to get then that they went with the longer
barrel. Any corroboration?

 

[Tadeus67]

Seems that I have read somewhere that it was supposed to be a 4"
barrel, but they were so hard to get then that they went with the longer
barrel. Any corroboration?

I read somewhere that the original idea was to use a 4" nickel gun. But they have a lot of trouble with the lights and photography of such a "shiny gun".

 

[Rammer Jammer]

All the movie gun info you could ever want.
Dirty Harry - Internet Movie Firearms Database - Guns in Movies, TV and Video Games

Internet Movie Firearms Database - Guns in Movies, TV and Video Games

 

[Toyman]

This is a handout from the N.R.A. featuring the Dirty Harry gun.

 

[500SNW]

Seems that I have read somewhere that it was supposed to be a 4"
barrel, but they were so hard to get then that they went with the longer
barrel. Any corroboration?

That's correct. The Magnum Force DvD includes overdubbed commentary by John Milius. He immediately starts talking about the M29 as the title sequence rolls. They couldn't find an M29 anywhere at the time, because the first Dirty Harry film had created a massive buying spree and a shortage in the market. They eventually located a few through distributor Cheshire & Perez in CA. Milius also said that in the first script he had actually intended to use a 4" barrel...which would have made more sense for carry by a plain clothes detective such as Callahan.

 

[Rudi]

Those films had a huge effect on many people. As a teen my friends and I went to see them. I was already on a rifle team at that time(.22 indoor). But after these films I wanted to shoot PISTOLS.

 

[one eye joe]

YOUTUBE FIREARMS VLOGGER, HICKOCK45, OFFERS AN INTERESTING SEGMENT ON "DIRTY HARRY'S .44 MAGNUM".......

 

[BEEMER1]

Here is a link to some photos and other stuff from Larry Grossman. He built the 44 Auto Mag that Harry used in 'Sudden Impact'.

Scroll down a bit for the Dirty Harry stuff.

Photos from Larry Grossman – Ian's AMT Information Site

 

[Doc44]

The guns used in Dirty Harry were Model 29-2s made in S&Ws tool room as the model was not in production at the time the guns were needed. I don't know the serial numbers. The gun used in Magnum Force is a 4-screw with a serial number in the S206000 range. The photo below is me with the Model 29 at the Southwest Bunch gather in Tulsa in 2011.

Bill

 

[LSWC]

Harry is still my hero

Got the chance to go to the Retired Texas Ranger's benefit shoot about 2 years ago where the Hollywood gun rental group had a bunch of movie guns.
All sorts of fun stuff on the tables - including a Mod 29-2 Dirty Harry gun (don't remember which movie or if they even said which one). Since it was the only 44 cal there the ammo was limited to 5 in 1 blanks. It was still a hoot.

 

[6string]

Seems that I have read somewhere that it was supposed to be a 4"
barrel, but they were so hard to get then that they went with the longer
barrel. Any corroboration?

Well, another first thought was to go with Frank Sinatra for the lead role.

Sometimes it's best when original plans get scrapped.

Ha!
Jim

 

[Doc44]

The serial number of the 29-2 in post #18 dates the Magnum to around 76, so it could have been used in any movie after Magnum Force.

Bill