Dirty Harry today?
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DrLaw
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I once knew a police chief in a troubled south of Chicago suburb (It was even mentioned on Saturday Night Live Weekend Update) who carried a S&W Model 29 in a shoulder holster on one side, another 29 on the other side, a Model 19 snub nose in a hip holster and a Chief's Special Model 36 on the other side hip holster.
Yes, four guns, three calibers.
The Doc is out now.
PS, Harry would be carrying the 500 S&W., but only because it was a double action. If Linebaugh made double actions, he would carry that instead.
Yes, four guns, three calibers.
The Doc is out now.
PS, Harry would be carrying the 500 S&W., but only because it was a double action. If Linebaugh made double actions, he would carry that instead.
doc2rn
Member
I would think the move would be to one of the FN ballistic armor penetrating rounds.
Big_John1961
Member
Lol. Ol' Albert Popwell, may he rest in peace. He was in the first four Dirty Harry films. Great face.
JPG1911
Member
That's hilarious doc, as i was reading this i had two thoughts;
1: isn't a .460s&w supposed to be more powerful that the .500? I heard or read that somewhere, i stupidly didn't bother to research it, so I'm most likely wrong.
And 2: was that he'd probably have his gunsmith custom make him a 12 shot 5.7x28 DA revolver to penetrate the body armor of the cartel he was after, or more likely in today's society, the corrupt cops he was hunting
as a side note, 5.7mm = .224" I don't know what the actual dimensions of the 5.7 round are but having a 10 or 12rd revolver chambered for it wouldn't be too far fetched would it?
no matter, I'm going to dust off my copy of Dirty Harry and watch it again
1: isn't a .460s&w supposed to be more powerful that the .500? I heard or read that somewhere, i stupidly didn't bother to research it, so I'm most likely wrong.
And 2: was that he'd probably have his gunsmith custom make him a 12 shot 5.7x28 DA revolver to penetrate the body armor of the cartel he was after, or more likely in today's society, the corrupt cops he was hunting
as a side note, 5.7mm = .224" I don't know what the actual dimensions of the 5.7 round are but having a 10 or 12rd revolver chambered for it wouldn't be too far fetched would it?
no matter, I'm going to dust off my copy of Dirty Harry and watch it again
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Joe Demko
Member
Harry used increasingly large guns as the series wore on, generally introduced as a subsitute for the 29 when it was hors de combat. Eventually, it became ridiculous (whaler's harpoon gun, anyone?) and it seemed things had dissolved into self-parody.
Following the trend set repeatedly in the movies, he'd still be carrying the faithful Model 29 at the beginning of the story. For the climactic killing of the bad guy, he'd probably have to shoot him in the face with an RT-20 or some such. As far as I can tell, the only limit is that the gun has to be somewhat man-portable so he can fire it from a manly pose; otherwise the more ridiculously over the top, the better.
Following the trend set repeatedly in the movies, he'd still be carrying the faithful Model 29 at the beginning of the story. For the climactic killing of the bad guy, he'd probably have to shoot him in the face with an RT-20 or some such. As far as I can tell, the only limit is that the gun has to be somewhat man-portable so he can fire it from a manly pose; otherwise the more ridiculously over the top, the better.
Joe Demko
Member
If the movie series ever does receive a reboot, the makers need to hew close to what made the first movie successful...and it wasn't ridiculously big guns. The first movie, however loosely, drew from the headlines of the day and played on people's real life fears. The Harry Calahan character voiced their frustrations and gave them simple, visceral solutions. The Model 29, the .458 magnum, and the switchblade he taped to his leg helped define for the viewer how Harry operated, but they were still just details that helped flesh out his character.
Each sequel was more cartoonish than the last and the guns virtually became characters of their own. The last installment was so idiotic that I prefer to pretend it doesn't exist.
So, a new Dirty Harry needs to have his character established first and weapons chosen to emphasize how he operates. Starting with the idea "which huge gun should he use?" leads to production of more drek and further devalues the character's iconic status.
Want to see this exact travesty happen to another series only even worse? Follow the "Death Wish" series from its tremendous beginning to its ignominious end. This is what happens when too much time is spent on big guns and not enough on good scripts.
Each sequel was more cartoonish than the last and the guns virtually became characters of their own. The last installment was so idiotic that I prefer to pretend it doesn't exist.
So, a new Dirty Harry needs to have his character established first and weapons chosen to emphasize how he operates. Starting with the idea "which huge gun should he use?" leads to production of more drek and further devalues the character's iconic status.
Want to see this exact travesty happen to another series only even worse? Follow the "Death Wish" series from its tremendous beginning to its ignominious end. This is what happens when too much time is spent on big guns and not enough on good scripts.
RonDeer10mm
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smith and wesson 1006 10mm 
Joe Demko
Member
Actually, I could see a new DH using a 10 mm. The whole point of Harry using the .44 magnum was that it supposedly gave him an edge over those with lesser weapons. In a new version, it'd be simple enough to insert a scene where Harry explains to his new partner why he chooses to carry the powerful 10mm in preference to whatever lesser caliber the other officers are issued. I'd go with a Colt Delta Elite as a 10mm with screen presence. He might add that he finds the trade-off in capacity to be worth it for the extra power.
Yes, I know there is a 10mm Glock that holds an ***load of cartridges. Glocks have no screen presence.
Yes, I know there is a 10mm Glock that holds an ***load of cartridges. Glocks have no screen presence.
clutch
Contributing Member
Did you see Grand Torino? That was from a 78 year old 'has been'. He still has it and I'm hoping for at least one more. The ending was a bit of a switch though.
Clutch
Brian040
Member
Prosser wins! There's no way Harry would trust the internal lock
Lucky Derby
Member
If we agree that Harry should have a bottom feeder (ok we don't agree on that) there is only one choice. The Deagle already has it's own life on film. way to common place. While us in the shooting community respect what the 10mm is, I think those outside the shooting community will think "it's 1mm larger than a 9mm, big deal"
I vote for the .50GI
Otherwise he should stick with a 29-2
I vote for the .50GI
Otherwise he should stick with a 29-2
yep.
in the scene in "dirty harry" were he uses the rifle right handed it does not even look like he is aiming.
in the movie "joe kid" he shoots a right handed bolt action from the left shoulder.
in "the outlaw josey wales" there is at least one subjective camera shot (from the character's point of view) where he is duel wielding. he moves his right hand across to the left, and holds his left straight out.
mesinge2
Member
For a revolers it would be a magnum research BFR in 45-70
For an auto it would not be a 10mm but a 460 Rowland
For an auto it would not be a 10mm but a 460 Rowland
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Anyone who doesn't already own a S&W 29 in wood-n-blue is barely entitled to an opinion on what "Dirty Harry" should carry. If you do own one, you already know seconding-guessing the S&W 29 in wood-n-blue is pointless. Everyone else: Buy one, so you can get over it. (Highly recommended. It will "make your day"...)
Les
Les
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IIRC, auto-mags were high end, and rare even in the 70's. As an auto round goes, it really hasn't been surpassed. The auto-mag certainly hasn't been surpassed in beauty, that's for sure.
Grizzly made a more compact .44 magnum version of the 1911. Maybe he would carry that as a backup;-)
I like the .460 Rowland for a movie gun. The muzzlebrake and flash would be good for a movie pistol. It also equals the .44 magnum in power, with lighter bullets, or close.
Still, "it's the most powerful handgun in the world."
Means a .500 right now. Keep in mind Dick Casull and Linebaugh where building .454's and 45 Colts nearly equal the .454, so at the time, my friends and I got a bit of a chuckle out of Harry's line. Should have been,
"The .44 Magnum. It's the most powerful PRODUCTION handgun in the world."
Kind of looses something in being accurate, however.
So, I guess you have to look at two things:
One is the common carry gun, the .44 magnum, and
TWO: the special party guns, like the auto-mag and the .458 Win mag.
For number one:
Some San Francisco Police officers STILL carry the original carry guns they were issued in those times, the Model 57 .41 Magnum. That may well be the most powerful issue hand gun ever.
I like to think the .500 Linebaugh Maximum is the most powerful real handgun cartridge. Loaded insane, it will push a 525 grain bullet nearly 1550 fps.
That's a bit over 3000 ft-lbs of energy, IIRC. The bigger case gives more powder capacity then the .500 S&W. It was designed to operate at lower pressures then the smith, but, for special situations, it can be loaded hotter.
Of course most people wouldn't want 82 ft-lbs of recoil, so the .500 Linebaugh, "short", gets the call as a 'special' round.
With expanding bullets, you get an expanded bullet the size of a 2 bore rifle:
The above is a measly 275 grain speer, in .475 Linebaugh. It moves at 1560 fps out of my 7.5" FA 83. It has been known to leave 4" holes in deer.
Doesn't penetrate like the heavier bullets, but the initial impact would make a Hollywood director very happy.
Similar, but bigger bullets in the .500 Linebaugh would make great 'special'
loads.
Grizzly made a more compact .44 magnum version of the 1911. Maybe he would carry that as a backup;-)
I like the .460 Rowland for a movie gun. The muzzlebrake and flash would be good for a movie pistol. It also equals the .44 magnum in power, with lighter bullets, or close.
Still, "it's the most powerful handgun in the world."
Means a .500 right now. Keep in mind Dick Casull and Linebaugh where building .454's and 45 Colts nearly equal the .454, so at the time, my friends and I got a bit of a chuckle out of Harry's line. Should have been,
"The .44 Magnum. It's the most powerful PRODUCTION handgun in the world."
Kind of looses something in being accurate, however.
So, I guess you have to look at two things:
One is the common carry gun, the .44 magnum, and
TWO: the special party guns, like the auto-mag and the .458 Win mag.
For number one:
Some San Francisco Police officers STILL carry the original carry guns they were issued in those times, the Model 57 .41 Magnum. That may well be the most powerful issue hand gun ever.
I like to think the .500 Linebaugh Maximum is the most powerful real handgun cartridge. Loaded insane, it will push a 525 grain bullet nearly 1550 fps.
That's a bit over 3000 ft-lbs of energy, IIRC. The bigger case gives more powder capacity then the .500 S&W. It was designed to operate at lower pressures then the smith, but, for special situations, it can be loaded hotter.
Of course most people wouldn't want 82 ft-lbs of recoil, so the .500 Linebaugh, "short", gets the call as a 'special' round.
With expanding bullets, you get an expanded bullet the size of a 2 bore rifle:
The above is a measly 275 grain speer, in .475 Linebaugh. It moves at 1560 fps out of my 7.5" FA 83. It has been known to leave 4" holes in deer.
Doesn't penetrate like the heavier bullets, but the initial impact would make a Hollywood director very happy.
Similar, but bigger bullets in the .500 Linebaugh would make great 'special'
loads.
Confederate
Member
Probably a S&W 645.
The gun Harry carried was an overly heavy 6-shot revolver loaded with low-pewered .44 Spec. rounds.
The 645 is an outstanding but overly heavy .45 auto, and I'm sure Harry could cobble up some light .45 fodder that wouldn't bruise his delicate knuckles!
Since it has a lock-back, he also wouldn't have to worry about counting his shots.
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clutch
Contributing Member
joe_security
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DrLaw: I too know of a south suburban cop who packed a model 29 , in uniform. It was an 8 3/8th barrel. He was a State pistol competition winner, based on that his Chief allowed the long barrel .44 revolver. He was eventually fired for crashing and damaging squad cars. I wish Clint Eastwood would make one more Harry movie, I just dont see it happening. "The return of Dirty Harry" ?
SharpsDressedMan
member
(Above) Kind of looks like my wife's hair dryer.
earplug
Member
The real world needs a moon clipped 44 auto mag
Think about a N frame revolver chambered in 44 Auto Mag.
You could do fine self defense, just about any gun game or hunting with such a revolver.
Not short of power, quick to reload and very flexible if you reload.
Think about a N frame revolver chambered in 44 Auto Mag.
You could do fine self defense, just about any gun game or hunting with such a revolver.
Not short of power, quick to reload and very flexible if you reload.
Airburst
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I know what you're thinking. Did he fire six shots or only five? Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I've kinda lost track myself. But being as this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?
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