<P> 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 . </P> <P> It remained primarily the province of handgun enthusiasts, some 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 movie's release, retailers had trouble keeping the Model 29 in stock . </P> <P> 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 . </P> <P> The original Model 29 was superseded by the Model 29 - 1 in 1960, with modifications made to the ejector - rod screw .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 1 / 2" to 6" 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 . </P>

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