In the movies, some "pictures" had Harry Calahan packing an 8 3/8", but most of the shooting was with a 6 1/2".
All through the 70's, model 29's were hard to find. The Dirty Harry movies really popularized them.
I bought a 4" in 1974, used & fired 5 times by the original owner. I got the gun, in mahogany box, with 1 full box
of RP 240gr. and part box with 45 rounds + the 5 empties the original owner shot. Cost $200.00. I've had a 4"
ever since. I still have my second, at this time.