Fifty years ago, Inspector Harold Francis “Dirty Harry” Callahan came to life on the Big screen as a fictional San Francisco police detective in the Dirty Harry film series, encompassing Dirty Harry (1971), Magnum Force (1973), The Enforcer (1976), Sudden Impact (1983), and The Dead Pool (1988). In each movie the character was portrayed by Clint Eastwood and he delivered many famous quotes such as, “You’ve got to ask yourself one question. Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?” and, “Go ahead. Make my day.”
Without a doubt, Dirty Harry has left his mark on popular culture.
Over the course of the five movies, Callahan was usually carrying his trademark revolver, a Smith & Wesson Model 29 .44 Magnum, which he describes as “the most powerful handgun in the world.”
This cemented the reputation and popularity of the .44 Magnum caliber ammo and made the S&W Model 29 firearm one of the most famous and collectible guns that Smith & Wesson ever constructed.
A few years ago, Baron Engraving created the custom Smith & Wesson seen here for a special unnamed customer to pay tribute to this iconic Hollywood character.
It featured hand-engraved scrollwork on the frame, cylinder, and barrel. The right side is highlighted by a gold-plated replica of Callahan’s SFPD Inspector’s Badge #2211 on the frame and the name “Harry Callahan” on the barrel. The left side features Clint Eastwood’s name prominently in gold on the barrel.
Like it or not Inspector Harry Callahan’s firearm has become as iconic and as famous as the character himself. Some would say even more so. Frank DiGiorgio, one of Dirty Harry’s partners in the film series may have said it best when he referred to Harry’s gun as a “pocket-cannon.”
