Price Guidance for 629 Classic/DX/MagnaClassic

[TheTinMan]

I've had a 629 Classic DX on my "wish list" for a long time but the prices seem high to me.

I bid on this 629 MagnaClassic the other day after doing some research, but the winning bid was $500 over my limit.

Just a moment...

The paperwork and presentation box (beat up) are there, but no box with a matching number, no tools, and none of the additional front sight inserts.

I know that this isn't an "efficient market" so can you guys give me some guidance on what is realistic? Ideally I'd like a 5" 629 Classic DX. Can I get one for less than a MagnaClassic? (Only 1,800 stainless MagnaClassics as far as I could tell).

I guess my biggest problem is that as soon as I go over the $2,000 mark all I think is "what pre-1960 revolver can I get for that?" I paid more than that for a non-GSP 26-1 not too long ago but it was in perfect condition and only 40 or so ever left Springfield.

 

[CWH44300]

I'm not really up to date on current prices but would place a higher value on a magnaclassic.
But for me personally, not one with all the extra stamps.
I've only seen one in the wild and been kicking myself ever since about not snagging it when I had the chance.
I would value the DX in the same category has the early no dash guns maybe slightly more to the hardcore 629 guys.
Not sure on production numbers but I've seen a few -3 and -4 DX's at shows over the years but only one -6.

 

[madmikeb]

I won a M29 Magna Classic on GB last year. It was unfired, mint condition, and had everything but the cardboard shipping box and the cleaning kit. After shipping and the various GB fees I think I was into it for around $1600 if memory serves me correctly.

Once it arrived I found it had the wrong combats on it, so after searching for few months I finally came up with a set on ebay that was around $300. Funny thing is the stocks on the gun were dated in the right time frame for the production of the Magna Classics, and the gun is flawless so I wonder if the factory shipped it with the wrong stocks. So I figure that I'm into it for a little shy of 2K. I also have an extra set of N frame combats now so there is some value there.

I had a 629 Magna Classic a few years ago that I foolishly sold, and I wanted to replace it, also I do prefer the blued 29 over the stainless.

 

[hoytx10]

4 other magna classic's have sold on gunbroker for $1500 in the last 3 months or so. 8 classic dx's have sold in the last 3 months ranging from $915 to $2076. Seems like you can find a deal on one through gunbroker if you wait long enough.

 

[JumboJVT]

My LGS has a 5" Classic -6 on the shelf right now for $800. I checked it out and it looks real good. Had to work hard to walk away, but I want a pre-lock 4". Need to save more.

 

[pharmer]

Unless you are some sort of "wizard precision" shooter you would be well served with a just plain Classic. Easier on the pocketbook. Joe

 

[hoytx10]

My LGS has a 5" Classic -6 on the shelf right now for $800. I checked it out and it looks real good. Had to work hard to walk away, but I want a pre-lock 4". Need to save more.

Wow, I've seen these sell for more than double on gunbroker. What a deal.

 

[Narragansett]

I cannot rightly say what the value would be on a 629 Classic DX, but I would venture to say the 8" would be the least valuable model and a 5" the most valuable. I think the box, grips , test target and sights have a lot to do with price. My guess on the 8" you described without seeing it would be 1400- 1600 tops.

The one in the pic is a complete package 29-5 CDX wearing Culina American holly grips in 5". I have the complete package. As near as I can determine there were less than 200 made in 5" in 1992 only. I am the original owner, and it has had 12 rounds fired.

I think someone on the forum has one, but I have never seen another. I believe them to be scarce

 

[stansdds]

My LGS has a 5" Classic -6 on the shelf right now for $800. I checked it out and it looks real good. Had to work hard to walk away, but I want a pre-lock 4". Need to save more.

Welcome to the S&W Forums. Only $800? What's wrong with it?

 

[CWH44300]

Welcome to the S&W Forums. Only $800? What's wrong with it?

My guess is it's not a DX

 

[grip frame]

Agree, there was never a -6 5" DX made, the 5" 29 and 629 Classic DX was only made for one year (1992) and in only 629-3 and 29-5 variants.

To the OP, I doubt you will find a 629-3 Classic DX in 5" that will sell for less than a 629 or 29 Magna Classic.

My advice for you is the search out an excellent condition 629-3, 629-4 5" Classic.

 

[jaymoore]

Unless you are some sort of "wizard precision" shooter you would be well served with a just plain Classic. Easier on the pocketbook. Joe

Or get over the lock and get a 629-6. I've found them to be as good as or better than my DX's, but I only usually shoot to 100 yards. Wind makes 200m .44 shooting a bit iffy.

 

[CH4]

My guess is it's not a DX

And or it's the later iteration.

I am content with my late 5" 629-3 Classic. It's ability to shoot small groups exceeds mine.

 

[65Whelen]

You're looking for a grail gun, expect to pay a premium, especially one in good shape. The 5" ers and DXs are out there, with a little patience and perseverance they can be had but expect to pay. To find a 5" DX good luck.
If i ever seen one I'd be all over it. I have a 629-4, 5", paid 1350 couple years ago. Honestly, I think I overpaid for it but they're hard to find and I wanted it, bad. But in the long run I'm fine, I don't see prices going down.

 

[JumboJVT]

Welcome to the S&W Forums. Only $800? What's wrong with it?

Nothing I can see. Bore and foring cone look good, B/C gap at 0.004 and uniform. Barrel is on straight, takeup and timing are good. SA trigger is as good as any older Smith. DA is not exceptional, but much better than many recent production 629's I've handled. No evidence of anyone having been inside it. Doesn't appear to have been shot much.

 

[JumboJVT]

My guess is it's not a DX

Nope, plain Classic. Didn't say otherwise.

 

[JumboJVT]

Wow, I've seen these sell for more than double on gunbroker. What a deal.

After several days of soul searching (and researching), I went back today and bought it for the $800 asking price. We'll find out in 72 hrs what I missed! I'll try to remember to post and after-action report, but right now I've got wood and leather to order.

 

[CWH44300]

You're probably going to enjoy that 5" gun
It seems like they have a legendary following
I know mines a true jem

 

[TheTinMan]

Well I bid on an apparently clean 629-4 Classic with a 5" barrel and box the other day. The winning bid was $1,306. I was close but the Amoskeag auction is coming up next week.

 

[JumboJVT]

Just realizing that in my enthusiam I might have managed to poach the OP's thread. See "New to me 629 Classic" thread for followup.