The Dirty Harry Gun!

[leejack]

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

 

[leejack]

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

 

[s&wchad]

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!

 

[Arisin Wind]

Look for a 6" or 6-1/2" blued Model 27-2. Expect to spend about $600 for a nice one - That should make your day! Big Grin

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

 

[NFrameFred]

Originally posted by s&wchad:
Welcome to the forum!

Look for a 6" or 6-1/2" blued Model 27-2. Expect to spend about $600 for a nice one - That should make your day!

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 . . .

 

[gunnut44]

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

 

[leejack]

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

"I gotts to know"!

 

[wraco]

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

.

 

[leejack]

Thanks Rod!

That sure is a beauty!

Donald

 

[smith revolver cop]

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.

 

[leejack]

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

 

[jmorrell]

Originally posted by smith revolver cop:
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.

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

 

[Armybrat]

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.

 

[NFrameFred]

Originally posted by leejack:
In Magnum Force, Harry does make a comment to the 3 rookie cops about using 44 special.

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.

 

[s&wchad]

Originally posted by leejack:
What's the difference between the -2 and the -3?

"I gotts to know"!

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).

 

[Snapping Twig]

Originally posted by NFrameFred:

Originally posted by leejack:
In Magnum Force, Harry does make a comment to the 3 rookie cops about using 44 special.

Yeah, but what most peeople 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.

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.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

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

Dave

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

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.

 

[Stainz]

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

 

[leejack]

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