I consider early 29s to be .44 Specials that can occasionally handle full Magnum for special purposes, such as big game or bear defense.
Much like the model 19 is a 38 Special that can handle some occasional 357 mags.
Yeah, that's the way I see early K-Frame .357 Mags. That, in fact, appears to have been the idea with them to begin with. Bill Jordan asked S&W for essentially a Combat Masterpiece, but in .357 Magnum (along with a heavy shrouded barrel, Model 27 style), and they gave him the Model 19, with the caveat that it wasn't meant for a regular diet of Magnums, but only to be shot with them for special limited purposes, such as shooting through barriers and such (like might be needed during a police roadblock). Otherwise, it was to be considered a .38 Special, as they didn't believe the K-Frame could then be built strong enough for a regular Magnum diet and survive a high round count. It that were required, they recommended the Model 27/28.
