I have a 629-6, 4 inch barrel. I'm wondering about swapping the barrel for a 6.5 classic DX barrel. Is this a good idea ? Is there more involved ? I know it requires a professional gunsmith. I'm asking about it...before I buy a barrel. Thank you.

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Not that big a deal, if you have the tools and skills. I've changed lots of barrels and made many custom ones. Once in a while you can change one out and be done, most of the time there is fitting to be done with the barrel & cylinder.

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protocalldesign.com

As long as the barrel is compatible with that frame, and isn't a used and defective barrel a pro pistolsmith can change it.

Be careful who have do the job, a surprising number of gunsmiths have no real idea how a revolver barrel is installed.
Steps to a pro change are.....

1. Have the correct tooling and gauges including a real frame wrench and barrel vise.
2. Remove the barrel using the barrel vise and frame wrench, NOT a hammer handle through the frame window.
3. Screw the new barrel on and see how much of the shoulder has to be lathe turned to allow the front sight to be at 12:00 o'clock top dead center when the barrel is fully torqued down.
4. Screw the barrel on and torque it properly using the frame wrench and barrel vise.
5. Use a special tool that works down the barrel to trim the rear to set barrel-cylinder gap.
6. Use a special tool that works down the barrel to cut the forcing cone in the rear of the barrel. Use a special plug gauge to gauge the cone as it's cut.
7. Use a brass lap and fine valve grinding compound to lap the cone smooth.

Some pistolsmiths may choose to do all this with the barrel off and using a lathe then torque the barrel in place.
If your gunsmith gives you a deer in the headlights look when you mention frame wrenches, cutting, gauging, and lapping the forcing cone.... look for a real pistolsmith.

Agreed with all the above. I would add "Make sure the face of the cylinder runs true, face on lathe if needed, and set endshake" between #2 & #3.

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protocalldesign.com

Thanks to all for your replies. I will go talk to the gunsmith before I buy the barrel. ....maybe I should find a DX, and leave this 4 inch as is.

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Buy another gun. Always a good idea! My .02 worth: I've had 2 bbls cut and 2 other guns re-barreled. I've never been happy with the results even though the work was done professionally. YMMV.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

I vote for buy what you really want, even if it means selling what you don't like. Right now, revolvers with barrels of 4 inches or less are commanding high prices.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA