Legends | The Perfect Gun For Making Your Day

posted on August 15, 2017
a1f-170814-legends-dirtyharry-rv1.jpg
Michael Ives

“You’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’” San Francisco detective Harry Callahan poses this question of a bank robber while reminding him that he wields a .44 Magnum, aka “the most powerful handgun in the world.” The Model 29 revolver was used by actor Clint Eastwood, who portrayed the legendary “Dirty Harry” in both Dirty Harry (1971) and Magnum Force (1973).

The Model 29 was presented to John Milius by Warner Brothers and Clint Eastwood. Photo by Michael Ives

As writer John Milius described it, the idea of using a .44 Magnum was to have somebody actually be very careful about the shooting that he did. Instead of shooting a lot of shots, he shot one very powerful shot, and that was usually to telling effect.

The original thought was to have a four-inch .44 Magnum Model 29, but due to the gun’s popularity, they couldn’t acquire enough for the film. So Milius went with the six-inch model, and it became an instant classic.

While lanky star Clint Eastwood was one of the few who could wear the six-inch Magnum and not have it show, Milius thought a detective wearing a coat buttoned with a .44 Magnum underneath was unrealistic, so the holster was empty unless Eastwood was going to use the gun.

This gun was gifted to John Milius by Warner Bros., and it’s one of the many historic treasures that can be seen at the NRA National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, Va., located on the first floor of NRA Headquarters.

Latest

Donald Trump at rally
Donald Trump at rally

What President Trump Should Do

What took place in November was nothing short of a massive triumph for freedom.

Carrying In Today’s America

A civil-rights movement is well underway to take back this freedom, but there is still much to be done.

New Data Shows Americans Continue to Carry Concealed

It’s clear that Americans are choosing to exercise their constitutional rights.

Can State Semi-Automatic Rifle Bans Last?

Such bans openly defy U.S. Supreme Court precedents while pretending to uphold them.

From the Editor | The Importance of This Moment

After four years of enduring President Joe Biden, the American electorate voted for a course correction.

Standing Guard | NRA Members Were The Difference

The Second Amendment was effectively on the ballot last month and NRA members stepped up to help deliver an important victory.



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.