I'm the proud owner of a 2000 production dated 629 Classic DX, with a 6.5" barrel. The DX designation was given to the most accurate guns when they were test fired, prior to shipping. They had to shoot 1.5" group's at 25 yards to get the DX added to the Classic model. It included the test target signed by the individual tester. It included 5 different front sights and two grips comprising of a Target/Combat grip and a black, S&W logoed Hogue grip. They were some of the most accurate revolvers to ever come out of the Custom shop. This year I set mine up for hunting by adding a Vortex Venom red dot sight. I've tried unsuccessfully to load some pics of the whole package including the targets, but just can't figure it out.

You sir are spot-on with the year.

BUT page 307 of the fourth edition of the SCoSW states, "...with the 6-1/2" or 8-3/8" barrels a proof target is provided with a group under 1-1/2" at 50 yards." It escapes my logic why no target was included with 5" guns but that's what the book says. I don't doubt what you say about your 5" DXs however. We can all recall oddities in S&W marketing.

Ed

This -3 is my favorite being the only one I own. I tried all kinda grips (man, the Pachmayrs hurt with full power loads) and wound up back with the original "SW medallion Hogues." Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

I had three 629 grail guns that I searched far and wide for. Was finally lucky enough to get all of them. I have always been partial to fixed sight guns.

629-3 Lew Horton Carry Comp (AKA Mag Comp)
629-5 Camfour
629-6 Camfour

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Bill

Tapered barrel.

I did the same thing. I think the next one will be the adjustable sight version Mag Comp. I don't know if they made any in 41 Mag, but I would love one

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On the Oak Savannah

You mean that the outside diameter of the barrel decreases in the direction of the muzzle? Just a cosmetic thing? Seems like that was common with the older revolvers.

629-4 Master Hunter optic only. My only fear would be wanting to put sights on it, but then I would just buy another 629 for that

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aka "Mooncat"

I love the Jovino's and was lusting after the Backpacker above, but I'm really a fixed-sight guy... so that Camfour (new to me) is now on my list.

Red dot works REAL good.

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Don't You Ever Wash That Thing

Very nice! Yes.

Or a silver Aimpoint Micro R-1

What mount is that if I may ask?

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aka "Mooncat"

Count me in for a DX, but if I get to choose. 5" DX it is. Missed one on GB years ago because with about 4 min to go, I walked away from my computer thinking it was essentially over. 1 bid came in after I walked away...

Cory

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Cory
SWCA #3015 SWHF #465

That's a Raptor Eng mount. Phillip has noted on his website that due to the summer fires in Cal he may not resume production.

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Don't You Ever Wash That Thing

This 4" 629-3 was made from a 6.5" version. I like it so much I'd like to make another one with a 3" barrel, same sights.

Stu

Attached Images

629 metal sights left.jpg (177.2 KB, 203 views)

I wouldn't mind having a 629 Mountain Gun in my collection. I had a 29 Mountain Gun several years ago, but like a complete idiot I sold it. I am still kicking myself over that one!

Not much love on here for the dash 1’s. Are the that much less desirable?

The 629-2E...for endurance package. There was argument whether it existed as marked. In fact, it does. When Ruger was touting the strength of their product, S&W introduced it. It was the "Endurance Package", for some engineering changes. I have only come across one, they are uncommon. I have seen them before the panic and such sell for ~$2K.

I have a minty one, that I paid a lot for 5-10 years ago, I really do not recall, presently, when I bought it. 3" snub N frame with smooth cylinders (unfluted). Thing of beauty, really.

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Rather be outdoors

Ah thank you. I could always use a weigand if I decide to go w rings.

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aka "Mooncat"

I know one forum member who has at least one 629-2E ( marked) in his collection because I have personally seen it/ them. He may come by in a bit to show us.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

629-6 Classic 6 1/2'' barrel with the rubber grips.

I've got a Jack Weigand picatinny rail on my 6.5" barrel 629 Custom DX. Jack has two models available. One is 1.5" for red dot sights and a 4" one for scopes. I bought the 4" even though I have a Vortex Venom mounted on it now. I opted for the 4" in case I wanted to scope it in the future. Very well machined and easy to install.

"The Avenger" 629-4 3" barrel double Magna Ported rosewood stocks 151 manufactured SCSW states ANIB $3500 Product Code # 170058

Now that is a true Grail gun. If I ever see one for sale it will be in my safe.!!
Another one I am hunting at a reasonable price is the 629 Bear Survival Gun and Kit. I just picked up the 500ES and have the 460 ES so the trifecta would be the 629ES. The only issue I have with package is it is just a "Std" 3" 629. The other 2 are 2.75" revolvers and the only ones ever made in that barrel size. (So they are unique) The 629 ES would have been more sellable in a 2" or 2.5" barrel gun.

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

629? Any will do. 29? Now, I've got one in mind. Especially if i can get the shoulder holster too.

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The best I can with what I got

629-2E 3" "Enhanced" would be nice to have also...from what I can tell they are pretty hard to find...I've only actually seen one myself...

I have 2/ea of the 629-3, 5" Classic DX's and both came with enclosed targets.

Depends on whether you shoot high pressure loads or not. The 629-1 series does not have the performance enhancements that started with the -2E series.

So was the -2E the next variation after the -1? I thought the enhancement models came later.

I think it would be fair to call myself a 3" addict. No matter how many I have, I want more.

With regard to your question and the lineage, this what I have been able to ascertain.

The next version was a 629-2 fluted cylinder and half lug barrel. There were supposedly 5000 made, if so, their owners love them and are not selling. I stumbled upon one a while back which has a comfy bunk in my safe, the only one I have seen.

Next would be the 629-2 Classic Hunter, unfluted cylinder and full lug barrel. I believe the production number was 2532, a guess without access to my notes and letters.

Now we come to the 629-2E, with the Endurance Package. I have not been able to confirm production numbers and have not lettered mine of yet. Unknown if the numbers are included in the Classic Hunter group. As pharman stated, you don't see them often. The one I saw is also asleep in my safe. Hope that helps.

I have been fighting some rather serious health issues for a little over a year, this is my first post in quite some time. I will try to get a couple photos up as time permits.

Best regards, Bob.

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SWCA #2785
OGCA #35078

I see a lack of love for the 629-1s due to not having the Endurance package. I have a 6" but shoot it strictly at paper using handloaded 240-grain cast semi-wadcutters so that is not a concern for me as I use my other 44s for hunting. It's a great target gun and I would like to have S&W change the integral red ramp front sight to a black Patridge but worry about devaluing the gun in the process. But then, I have no plans to sell it so I'm probably concerning myself over nothing.

Since I already changed the rear sight to a Millett I think I'll call S&W tomorrow for a quote on doing that...

Ed

I got my 629-1 4” new and have mainly shot 240 cast reloads. Action is slicked up and trigger is great. I see them go for $800-$1200. Also have same in 8 3/8”” Not sure the value these days. Both shot better than my old eyes.

That is Bad-Azz for sure!

Does the "vent" or "port" cause visual distortion on a shot say shot # 2 follow-up within a second or two? I imagine who cares or it doesn't matter but thought I'd ask. I can think I'd be able to work past it if need be...

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I am not sure why you have come up with this conclusion. They are just as good as any of the no dash to -4 as long as you are not shooting 1,000s to 10K of rounds through them. The 2E added the endurance package which is more desirable if you are a silhouette shooter but of not much help for the average plinker ot hunter. Here is an old post that explains the Endurance page addition (post #4) I am assuming and possibly incorrectly that people prefer the 2E and higher for the more rugged gun. But most if not all of that is superfluous. Kind of like buying a performance car to ride back and forth to work.



629 Full Endurance Package

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

I have 1 of the 2 I've wanted. I have a 629-4 8 3/8" Classic DX with all the goodies. The one I don't have is a 629-4 Mountain Gun.