<P> The Smith & Wesson Model 29 is a six - shot, double - action revolver chambered for the . 44 Magnum cartridge and manufactured by the United States company Smith & Wesson . </P> <P> The Model 29 was offered with 3 ", 4", 5 ", 6", 61⁄2 ", 83⁄8" and, later, 105⁄8" barrel lengths as standard models . Other barrel lengths were available either by special order from Smith & Wesson's Custom Shop or custom built by gunsmiths . The 5" barreled variant had a full length underlug . Finish options available included a highly polished blued or nickel - plated surface . </P> <P> At the time of its introduction, the Model 29 was the most powerful production handgun . It was made famous by association with the fictional character "Dirty Harry" Callahan . </P> <P> The Model 29 will chamber and fire . 44 Special cartridges, as the . 44 Magnum was developed from the . 44 Special . The Magnum case is slightly longer to prevent magnum rounds from being chambered and fired in handguns chambered for the . 44 Special . </P>

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