629-3 Classic DX

1075tech · #1 02-12-2021, 02:50 PM

I've had an itch for a 629 Classic to go along with a recently acquired Marlin 1894 44Mag.

I know this is the wrong time to be looking for much as everything seems to be at a premium.

I've been offered what turns out to be a 629-3 Classic DX 5". The seller wants $1200 but doesn't have the original box, extra front sights or the wood grips. It only comes with the original Hogue grips with the silver medallions.

From what I've been able to research, and especially given today's market, this might not be a horrible price. I'm still going to try to talk him down some but I was just looking for opinions from more learned people here.

Narragansett · #2 02-12-2021, 03:02 PM

i have a 29-5 ( 5") complete with all the goodies, and i would want a hell of a lot more than that for it.

The morado grips are 300 a set when you can find them. I do not know about the 5 front sights. They may be available as a group or one here and there. The gun alone DEPENDING on condition might be worth it. Maybe more. I see 629 no dash and dash 1 going for 13-1400.

If you can get it for less buy it DEPENDING on condition and use. if the condition iss there, 1200 is not off the deep end

1075tech · #3 02-12-2021, 05:20 PM

My understanding is that they only made the 5" DX in 1994.

Narragansett · #4 02-12-2021, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1075tech

My understanding is that they only made the 5" DX in 1994.

We settled on $1100.

Again, depending on condition you did fine.

Now, we do not live by words alone on this forum. We thrive on pictures

1075tech · #5 02-12-2021, 07:27 PM

Well, given that this is the People's Republic of New York, it'll take 4 - 6 weeks to do the transfer, if the clerk doesn't "lose" the paperwork and the judge isn't on "vacation".

Protocall_Design · #6 02-12-2021, 08:17 PM

You got a good one. Not cheap, but still worth it. Best of luck with the "system".

Shark Bait · #7 02-12-2021, 08:48 PM

That is a great price if it is truly a 5 inch DX. You lucky dog!

HamHands · #8 02-14-2021, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1075tech

I've had an itch for a 629 Classic to go along with a recently acquired Marlin 1894 44Mag.

I know this is the wrong time to be looking for much as everything seems to be at a premium.

I've been offered what turns out to be a 629-3 Classic DX 5". The seller wants $1200 but doesn't have the original box, extra front sights or the wood grips. It only comes with the original Hogue grips with the silver medallions.

From what I've been able to research, and especially given today's market, this might not be a horrible price. I'm still going to try to talk him down some but I was just looking for opinions from more learned people here.

Well I can tell you exactly who "NOT" to buy a "DX" from...

AveragEd · #9 02-14-2021, 10:53 PM

You did alright - not a "good buy" but how many do you see for sale? I bought mine maybe seven years ago as a gun only in like-new condition for $800 but that was then and this is now. The sight package is available from Smith & Wesson. I bought one for mine and recently found a nice round-butt Combat stock for it. I don't think I would want to shoot it with stock shaped like that but is looks good.

Congrats on finding a scarce piece!

Ed

RoyM52 · #10 02-15-2021, 12:14 AM

I didn't know that the DX was used until the dash 4. The dash 3 came with a 5 inch. late in the dash 3 period but it was sold with the medallion Hogue grips and only one sight {even tho it had the quick change spring load front} The gun might be as was bought new. Dash 3 was a weird transition period. if it has a fluted cylinder it probably has a black powder bevel too. These late period dash 3 guns were also drilled and taped for scope. Early dash 3's were not. I bought my early dash 3 and have a 6 inch barrel and it isn't drilled for scope and also doesn't have the quick change sights. I like the later version with the 5 inch better and wish I had waited.

grip frame · #11 02-15-2021, 01:05 AM

The 29 and 629 Classic full lugged models were all drilled and tapped as well as black powder bevels of front of cylinders. You are correct that the 629-3 (and 29-5) regular non full lug models were not.The 629-4 and 29-6 models and up were all drilled and tapped regardless of barrel type. The 29-5 and 629-3 Classic models also had a unique rear sight that was changed with the introduction of the 29-6 and 629-4. FYI

The Classic DX revolvers were introduced with the 29-5 and 629-3 versions after the Magna Classic runs in 1990.

Only the Classic DX models came with two sets of grips,test target and 5 different front sights. Standard classic models did not.

Fishslayer · #12 02-15-2021, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1075tech

My understanding is that they only made the 5" DX in 1994.

We settled on $1100.

I've fired the DX. I highly doubt you will be disappointed. The gun made me look good!

For $1100 (or $1200) I might have hurt my shoulder reaching for my wallet.

Dragonwing · #13 02-15-2021, 02:04 AM

I have a 629 Custom DX with 6.5" barrel. It came with all 5 sights, the set of 2 grips and test target. I'm reading all the posts that are referring to dash 3, dash 4 and I'm not sure what that means I can't find anywhere on the frame that has a designation like that. The test date on the target is 3/14/00, with a serial # CEA0251. There is 944 stamped on the cylinder swing arm. The target was shot at 25 yds. and shows the grouping at 1". Can l get an explanation of what the dash numbers mean and if I'm missing something? I've got a lot to learn about this gun and feel really fortunate that I bought it back in 2000 for $680, not knowing it was such a magnificent firearm. I've tried to post some pics but can figure out how to do that yet. Thanks for all the help you all provide.

Mehutch · #14 02-15-2021, 02:18 PM

like this... 629-4 with a 5" barrel.

1075tech · #15 02-15-2021, 04:11 PM

These are what I have for pictures right now until I can see it in person

Erocksmash · #16 02-15-2021, 06:01 PM

Jeasus, does everyone have a DX lol. They are so nice... the DX designation is just the gun shooting a 1.5 group at how many yards? What's to say some snuck threw or Guy testing was having an off day, or the ammo was bad that day...

Or was it just a marketing thing?

AveragEd · #17 02-16-2021, 10:09 PM

These days it's hard to say but back then, I think quality was more of a priority. Regardless, the "DX" marking was added after the fact because adding it made the "629 Classic DX" off center on the barrel so I would think (hope?) that the "DX" really was only added to the more accurate production guns.

Ed

The Norseman · #18 02-16-2021, 11:09 PM

Welcome to the Smith & Wesson Forum. You have come to the Right Place.
This S&W Forum is the best there is. Accept no Substitutes.

Congratulations! on that purchase of the S&W Mdl 629-3
DX 44Rem Mag 5"Bbl.

Enjoy and please give a Range Report when you get a chance
to shoot it.

Dragonwing · #19 02-17-2021, 03:16 AM

If you haven't seen Jerry Micklich's 1,000 yard shot with his 629 Classic DX, check it out on YouTube. He had a spotter as it was a windy day so it took him 4 shots before he popped the baloon. Pretty awesome.

1075tech · #20 02-20-2021, 05:37 PM

Got to fondle it today. It's at the FFL waiting for my "permission slip" from our overlords to pick it up. It is in fact a 5" 629-3 Classic DX. Aside from a few handling marks, holster, etc., it's clean, locks up tight, and the trigger is as smooth as, if not better than, my 1984 686.

If it's correct that these were only made in 1994, does anyone know how many?

Shuz · #21 02-21-2021, 08:50 PM

If it's correct that these were only made in 1994, does anyone know how many?[/QUOTE]

I'd like to know the answer to this one since I have 2/ea 629-3 Classic DX's in 5" bbl. (Neither is for sale.) One wears a Leupold 4X EER scope and the othr is outfited with a Hi-Viz red fiber optic sight. I set both triggers at 32 to 34 ounces. I shoot them both a lot with only cast boolits sizing to .429 since the throats measure .4285.

AveragEd · #22 02-22-2021, 06:05 PM

The SCoSW 4th Edition doesn't say. Ask S&W?

Ed

grip frame · #23 02-23-2021, 01:47 AM

1992 was the only year the 29-5 and 629-3 Classic DX were offered in 5" FYI.

The Early DX revolvers and Magna Classics (29-5 and 629-3) were tested at 50 yards and had to stay under 2" The later versions were tested at 25 yards and had to stay under 1.5" so its safe to say the early ones were held to a higher standard.

1075tech · #24 02-23-2021, 11:15 AM

Yes, 1992. I'm not sure where I had 1994 from.

S&W did say gun was manufactured in 1992 based on the BNFxxxx s/n.

I have inquired as to number of these made. If I receive a response, I'll be sure to update.

local_dirt · #25 02-24-2021, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1075tech

These are what I have for pictures right now until I can see it in person

Very nice!

1075tech · #26 03-26-2021, 06:39 PM

I finally received my permission slip today and was able to go pick it up.

1075tech · #27 03-26-2021, 08:12 PM

Oh, he also included a Simply Rugged pancake holster with it as well as the S&W branded pistol rug.

I looked up the holster. $125 to replace it today.

LostintheOzone · #28 03-26-2021, 08:35 PM

The next Colt Anaconda.

All those $1200 prices are in your rear view mirror.

I told a friend about 6 years ago his 6" Anaconda was worth $1200. I told him not to sell it for any reason or he would be very sorry. He didn't and I was right. The large frame 44 mags are heading for extinction.

I know, Colt just brought the Anaconda back but it's not going to sell in any appreciable numbers. Colt is now owned by CZ. It won't be the same as the original in any way except the name. More like a reproduction than anything else.