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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #1  
Old 07-02-2009, 11:04 AM
RCleveland44 RCleveland44 is offline
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Default 629 Classic DX

I have a Classic DX that I've just begun to shoot and am interested in the history of the DX variation. My old Gil Hebard catelog mentions, in addition to the extra grips and sights, a "competition grade accuracy job". Since the DX retailed for $190 more than the standard 629 I'm wondering exactly what work that accuracy job might have entailed. Or were all 629's test fired and the most accurate ones set aside and given the DX logo? Hebard also mentionned a test target and standard of 1" at 2 yards. The only response I got on another forum mentionned 1.5 inches at 50 yards but no one seemed to know about what the accuracy job actually was. Made me think it was time to introduce myself to you folks. Any info greatly appreciated.
Happy Trails,
Rob
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Old 07-02-2009, 11:14 AM
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Default Classic vs DX

I cannot offer insight as to what the accuracy job was, but while at the Club 1852 event at S&W factory a few years back I took the gun cleaning and care class in which the instructor, big fella whose name I do not recall, suggested buying the Classic. He said the difference between the Classic and the DX was the DX printed within the inch and a gun that shot a hair outside that inch it was a Classic. I bought a classic.
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Old 07-02-2009, 12:04 PM
RCleveland44 RCleveland44 is offline
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Smile 629 Classic DX

Thanks for the info. Interesting story. Do you recall if the 1" was 25 or 50 yards? Your recollection seems to support my suspicion that the $190 price difference was mostly for the extra grips/sights and getting the pick of the litter accuracy wise.
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Old 07-02-2009, 12:14 PM
357 shooter 357 shooter is offline
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Originally Posted by RCleveland44 View Post
. Or were all 629's test fired and the most accurate ones set aside and given the DX logo?
Just my opinion , but judging by the 29 Classic I used to own and the 629 Classic I currently own (both non-DX) I would say all Classics , DX and non-DX , are capable of exceptional accuracy. Smith takes the time to test target the versions designated as DX and usually includes extras.
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Old 07-02-2009, 12:33 PM
RCleveland44 RCleveland44 is offline
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Default 629 Classic DX

.357 Shooter,
Nice looking groups with the Classic! I've had excellent luck with the 240 XTP's as well. I'm curious about your scope mount. I ordered a Redfield base on ebay last year, was pictured and described as being for the later model Smiths with the rounded recess on the topstrap. Turned out the seller sent me the wrong mount and sent the correct mount to someone else. Was never able to sort it out and finally sold the mount he sent me just to get my money back.
But that's another story. Sorry.
So who made your mount? Almost looks like a Bueler??
Rob
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Old 07-02-2009, 02:11 PM
Jeff in Cincinnati Jeff in Cincinnati is offline
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Default 629 dx

I have a 629 DX purchased new some years ago. It did come with a 50 yard test target, and if I recall correctly, the group was around 1.5" and the ammunition was identified as Federal. I don't recall whether it was 180gr or 240gr. I did hear somewhere that the DX were "selected" for their accuracy, versus being given any special treatment. I will say that the timing and trigger on mine are as good as any factory new S&W I have purchased.
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Old 07-02-2009, 02:29 PM
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.357 Shooter,
Nice looking groups with the Classic! I've had excellent luck with the 240 XTP's as well. I'm curious about your scope mount. So who made your mount?
Rob
Thanks , from one Rob to another. The 240 XTP has always performed extremely well for me during accuracy testing. Although the left target was a group with the 220 Sierra FPJ Silhouette.

The scope mount in the picture above is a Millett. A low profile mount that does not overwhelm the revolver with unnecessary bulk. The rings I think are Leupold and the scope is a 2X Leupold.

I later used the Millett mount on my 686 and installed a Leupold mount on the 629 and used a 4X Burris to shoot my best ever 50 yard group a few months ago.
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  #8  
Old 07-03-2009, 08:00 AM
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Right now I own 8 DX models and several standard models, all my DX's will print under one inch at 25 yds with almost any load thru it. Probably my rareist is the 5 inch 629 and 5 inch 29 DX. Those will always stay with me. My understanding is that when the guns were test fired at the factory the ones that shot exceptional groups were dressed up as DX's. Im sure you'll love your gun, happy shooting!
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Old 07-03-2009, 08:23 AM
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The accuracy guarantee of the DX doesn't mean that a Classic can't or won't shoot just as well only that the DX will perform to a set standard. I've gone through a bunch of Classics and a few Classic DX's and only a couple of the Classic's didn't perform well for me.
My most accurate of all is a 29-5 Classic.
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  #10  
Old 07-03-2009, 08:44 AM
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The most envied attribute of both, to me, is that spring-loaded front sight, which makes tool-less changes in seconds possible. It's characterized by the roll pin being far forward - my 4" & 6" stock 629s don't have that. Their front sights are pinned in (Roll pin further back.), making the change more difficult. I saw a real problem at the range yesterday - someone's pin punch was too small - wedged into the roll pin and broke.. oops. Anyway, that attribute was a selling point when I bought my 625JM and 627 Pro. I wish all of my S&Ws had that!

Oh, my 6" 629-6 is unreal in it's accuracy - they are all highly capable, it's just 'assured' that a Classic DX will be. Not for me... I like partial lugs!

Stainz
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  #11  
Old 07-03-2009, 09:29 AM
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This 629-3 DX I bought new in '91.
The test target was 1.5" at 50 yds. with Fed 240JHP
I had the factory bead blast it for hunting
One of the best triggers and mechanicals of ANY revolver
It has a few whitetails under it's trigger

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  #12  
Old 07-03-2009, 02:55 PM
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Very interesting thread as I just got a 93 vintage 6.5" Classic 629 and I was wondering what the true diff was between the DX and the regular Classic. I had no idea the front site was spring loaded for easy changing ( thanks Stainz), I've only put a few quick rounds through it when I bought to make sure it went bang, now I look forward to working up a real accurate load. Might be my hunting revolver this fall.

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Last edited by Nframe357; 07-03-2009 at 03:01 PM.
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  #13  
Old 07-04-2009, 10:04 AM
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Default 5" Classic DX

I have 2 ea 5" 629 Classic DX's. One wears a 4x Leupold EER scope and the other sports a Hi-Viz "look a like" I got from Dillon Precision. I have had both these guns since I bought them new in the early '90's. I have shot deer with both set ups and I prefer the fiber optic sight. I use the scoped revolver for a lot of my accuracy/load testing because it is soooo accurate. I have many groups that are in one hole at 25 yds from a bench. Out of my .44 mag collection, these are my favorites along with my 629 Mtn Gun.
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Old 07-05-2009, 05:12 PM
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I have a 6.5 inch Classic DX that I purchased new sometime in 2001. It came with a test target in the case. The distance was 25 yds. and the group size was .7 inches. I have a few other 629's that I shoot, so this one has remained unfired for now.
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  #15  
Old 07-08-2009, 10:40 AM
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Default classic champion

hello all
i have buy in second hand a 629-4 barrel marqued classic champion
5 inchs and unfluted cylinder
is a classic or a special run for importator ?
THANKS
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  #16  
Old 07-08-2009, 11:15 AM
Shuz Shuz is offline
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If you have intentions on mounting a scope or other optic, make sure it is drilled and tapped for it. Many of the non-fluted cylinder 629's were not.
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Old 07-08-2009, 12:33 PM
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no this one is drill and tape
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  #18  
Old 07-08-2009, 04:11 PM
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Default Magna Classic DX 1-3000

Here is a picture of my Magna Classic which is also marked 1 in 3000. Is it different than the other magna Classics, and Magna Classic DX, that have been shown?
Chubbo
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  #19  
Old 07-08-2009, 08:24 PM
Joni_Lynn Joni_Lynn is offline
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Your Magna Classic is the gun that came before the Classic and Classic DX. There is no such thing as a Magna Classic DX. The MC also had a 7.5" barrel, the Classic/Classic DX could be had in 5", 6.5" & 8&3/8" in either blue or stainless.
Nice revolver!
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  #20  
Old 05-14-2012, 07:32 PM
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I've had a 629 Classic DX since 00' and it's name an price difference is/was not a ploy. It's locked in my gun safe right now and I don't feel like pulling the case but it did come with target showing a 1-1/2" grouping from what I believe was 75yrds. I'm almost certain on the distance. Aesthetically speaking the DX didn't have too much more going for it than the regular classic back then. It had the oversized wood grip, a Hogue rubber grip, 5 different from sights, a nicer (bigger) S&W logo laser etched on it, and of course 629 Classic DX on the barrel. I've shot the regular classic at the same time as my DX and the accuracy, action, tolerance & fit are what made it $799 instead of $649 back in 2000. I heard it was a selected line of classics that were hand honed in individually by PC gunsmiths but they were not made in the PC. Just something I heard. As for performance, 1st time out with it I was throwing 6" groups at 25yrds. Not bad foor a 1st time out with the DX
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625jm, 627, 629, 649, 686, classics, fluted, hogue, millet, redfield, scope, silhouette, smith & wesson, smith and wesson, unfluted

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