I always wanted one of those, but never did. Have owned a few model 27's and larger cal N frames. My main .357 in fact only .357 currently is a Colt Border Patrol, just a MkIII Trooper with a matte finish and Border Patrol stamped on the barrel, great shooter.
Yes and mentioned that in my post, Magnum loads put more stress/wear on revolvers then standard loads and Python was a little more sensitive to magnums then the S&W 19. Smith introduced the 586/686 to better withstand magnum loads but even it (along with very sturdy/clunky Ruger
Sorry ——hit send too soo....: “but even the 586 will hold up better with a steady diet of .38 specials then hot .357’s. Perhaps the very sturdy/Clunky Ruger can handle a long steady feeding of magnums but Ruger is rarely considered in the same class as the older S&Ws or Colt Python, not to imply that Ruger is not a functional durable revolver. There is more to a fine, well crafted revolver then brute strength - at least in my opinion. The Colt Python followed closely by some of the early S&Ws were exceptionally well made revolvers and finely crafted - to the point that they can no longer afford to be made to that level of fit & finish. They may still function & shoot as well but the “extras” that made them special are no longer.
I bet you would like this one then. S&W 26-1 .45 Colt Georgia State PatrolI was obsessed with handguns for many years, with wheel guns being my favorites. I had the honor of meeting and talking to Skeeter Skelton, Bill Jordan and Elmer Keith when I was a kid and that just helped put my passion for handguns in overdrive at a very young age.
In my experiences with wheel guns, most will eventually "shoot loose" via lots of shooting of full power loads. Fortunately, most people will never shoot one enough to know. I have put thousands upon thousands of rounds through revolvers. Some of my favorites being S&W Models 13, 19, 24, 27, 28, 29 and 625, Colt's SAA and Ruger 3 screw Blackhawks. If I recall correctly, Elmer Keith only fired 600 or so rounds his first year with the M29. When I was shooting handguns regularly, I would put 500+ rounds through one (or more) of my revolvers in a weekend.
I have sent S&W Models 13, 19 and 29 and a few Ruger Old Models back for rebuild. That was after shooting a LOT of ammo. I mostly burned Unique and 2400 pushing Keith profile cast bullets. I never "shot loose" any S&W Models 24, 27, 28 or 625. I considered a revolver "shot loose" when it was out of timing or begins to malfunction. My favorite 4" M29-1 was rebuilt 3 times.
I will never shoot like that again in my life, so the revolvers I currently carry will never be put to those extremes.
Of all the revolvers I have ever owned, my favorite ones to carry will always be S&W M29 4', Colt's SAA .45 colt 4 5/8", and a Ruger Old Model 4 5/8" .357 that Jim Stroh converted to .44 special for me (thank you, Skeeter) and of course, S&W M19 4" such as was listed and sold here. It is one of the best of the best. No need to pound them to submission with full power loads. The gun and your hands will appreciate it.
Safe shooting
Had one in 44 mag.
Looks Nice, I also have exact same: model 29-2 NIB Unfired, wood presentation box, original box and outer shipping box. I just enjoy “looking at it”
Known as the Dirty Harry all Mod 29s were 44mag
I believe only the 6.5” barrel was the Dirty Harry model and commands a higher value
For most of the film the 6.5" barrel model was used but I've read that for some shots where emphasis was given to the gun, generally pointed in the direction of the camera, a model with 8 3/8" barrel was used. Too bad the armorer was around for some newer movies.
thats the one in the post
RAY B that’s very interesting and I didn’t know that, certainly can confuse the “collector” criteria. You either know movies, revolvers, or both? As for the S&W model 29s - I like them all - with the exception of the 8 3/8” barrels.
