A quote from one of the catalogs of the era (have them all but do not want to dig it out to see what year).

When talking about the Classic and DX models. "for the ultimate in accuracy there is the Classic DX model"

It may be true that the DX was no more accurate on average than the standard Classic but with a DX you were guaranteed to get one of the most accurate examples as proved by the test targets. At least with the Federal load. This in a way backs up the assumption that they could have been hand picked out of standard Classics for accuracy.

Early DX models were tested and held to a 2" or less 5 shot group at 50 yards standard. Later models like the 629-4 were held to a 1.5" @ 25 yard standard. This is proven in the test targets, not speculation. Early models were obviously held to a higher standard.

Its safe to say that the DX models were indeed above average accurate. I have a hard accepting the opinion of many who say they were just run of the mill Classics that came with extra accessories. I highly doubt Smith was putting in the time and cost involved to put out standard Classic models that were all this accurate. This is custom level accuracy.


From past experience this topic will be full of nothing but speculation until someone who worked at the factory and built these revolvers steps up and sets the record straight.

No, standard Classic models did not come with test targets.

You will see far fewer 29 DX models with the 29-5 5" being the most rare. Second most rare is the 5" 629-3 DX. The 5" barrel was only produced for one year. The most common seen is the 6.5" 629-3 and 629-4.