Buzzsaw
Well-known member
Whats the difference? just the grips??
629 Classic vs 629 Deluxe ???
- Thread starter Buzzsaw
- Start date
Standard production 629 Classics that fired smaller test groups had DX added to their barrel etch and wood Combat stocks and extra front sights added to their box along with the test target. For most of the program's life the group was 5 Federal 240 grain cartridges fired at 50 yards. All the targets I've seen were under 2". Since S&W made Combats sell for hundreds of dollars whether or not they are included is important when valuing a 629DX. In the final years still readily available Badger stocks replaced S&W made Combats and the test distance was reduced to 25 yards.
Obviously one test group is not enough to conclusively prove one revolver is more accurate than another but at least it demonstrated the 629 DX could shoot.
The 629 Deluxe is a modern 629. The only thing they have in common with 629 DX revolvers is that both are variations of the Model 629.
I guess it is too early for me to read simple questions. In case it is interesting I'll give you a short time to read this than delete the entire reply.
Obviously one test group is not enough to conclusively prove one revolver is more accurate than another but at least it demonstrated the 629 DX could shoot.
The 629 Deluxe is a modern 629. The only thing they have in common with 629 DX revolvers is that both are variations of the Model 629.
I guess it is too early for me to read simple questions. In case it is interesting I'll give you a short time to read this than delete the entire reply.
Last edited:
AveragEd
Well-known member
Don't delete your post - there are a lot of people who did not know that until you posted it.
One correction I will offer is that not all barrel lengths of DX guns had the test target included. I forget which ones were the exceptions but there was one if I recall correctly. My five-inch did not come with one but I bought it used so it's hard to say with any certainty that five-inch guns were exceptions.
Ed
One correction I will offer is that not all barrel lengths of DX guns had the test target included. I forget which ones were the exceptions but there was one if I recall correctly. My five-inch did not come with one but I bought it used so it's hard to say with any certainty that five-inch guns were exceptions.
Ed
soonerbb
Well-known member
I called Smith and Wesson couple weeks ago for clarification on the barrel shroud of a a Model 69 i'm purchasing. I also ask him if they were firing the Deluxe 629's to get the designation. He said they hadn't done that years...
629 Classic
I don't know anything about the DX but I do have a Classic with a 5" barrel. I really like the balance but I've only fired it at 10 yds at a 4" bull. It must be pretty accurate because at 81, I can still keep them all in the black. I did replace the factory grips with a set of Culina smooth targets.
I don't know anything about the DX but I do have a Classic with a 5" barrel. I really like the balance but I've only fired it at 10 yds at a 4" bull. It must be pretty accurate because at 81, I can still keep them all in the black. I did replace the factory grips with a set of Culina smooth targets.
75Vette
Well-known member
From what I'm seeing on the S&W website, The 629 Classic comes with the rubber grips and the Deluxe comes with Altamont grips and is available with either a 3" or 6 1/2" barrel. If you're looking to buy one new I personally would go with the Classic. The wood grips aren't worth the extra money and you'll more than likely toss them once you shoot the first few rounds. They were made for looks, not to be shot.
AveragEd
Well-known member
My curiosity and my hope that my fading memory might be right for once led me to my SCoSW, 4th Edition, where on page 307 under "Model 629: .44 Classic DX (Deluxe) Stainless" is the sentence, "...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." Apparently five-inch guns WERE the exception, possibly because they were only produced for about one year (production began in 1991 and ended in 1992).
I really like the valuations, which usually are very conservative, that estimate $1,000 in excellent condition with a 50% premium for five-inch barrels.
Ed
I really like the valuations, which usually are very conservative, that estimate $1,000 in excellent condition with a 50% premium for five-inch barrels.
Ed
dr. mordo
Well-known member
I wouldn't buy based on the name, I'd buy based on the features.
The current production Deluxe guns come in somewhat unusual and desirable barrel lengths - 3" and 6.5" full lug. I do agree the stock Altamont grips are not optimal. I shoot light magnum handloads and carry 210gr Silvertips in my 3" M629 Deluxe, and use magnas and a BK grip with no issues. If I was shooting full tilt 240gr magnums, I'd want something rubber and soft.
The current production Deluxe guns come in somewhat unusual and desirable barrel lengths - 3" and 6.5" full lug. I do agree the stock Altamont grips are not optimal. I shoot light magnum handloads and carry 210gr Silvertips in my 3" M629 Deluxe, and use magnas and a BK grip with no issues. If I was shooting full tilt 240gr magnums, I'd want something rubber and soft.
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HamHands
Well-known member
I wouldn't buy based on the name, I'd buy based on the features.
The current production Deluxe guns come in somewhat unusual and desirable barrel lengths - 3" and 6.5" full lug. I do agree the stock Altamont grips are not optimal. I shoot light magnum handloads and carry 210gr Silvertips in my 3" M629 Deluxe, and use magnas and a BK grip with no issues. If I was shooting full tilt 240gr magnums, I'd want something rubber and soft.
Nice set-up Doc-Mordo! If you are ever in the mood or have the need for Magnum Pills just slip on a pair of "Cop-Gloves!" These pictured below soak up recoil very well. They are quite svelte and don't get caught-up in the trigger or hinder operating in any way, only better it. They give a perfect purchase on the grip and allow me to more than double the amount of Full-House Magnum rounds in a range session and triple the amount of Specials I can shoot before fatigue starts to set in. PM me if you want to know where to buy them!
I was at a gun show last year about this time and saw a mint no box 29 classic with rubber fact grips that had the Smith silver emblem on them , it was perfect 6.5 high polish blue 29 classic . I was not looking for one but looked at them in the past . I took it home for 725. never fired it yet .
dr. mordo
Well-known member
Nice set-up Doc-Mordo! If you are ever in the mood or have the need for Magnum Pills just slip on a pair of "Cop-Gloves!" These pictured below soak up recoil very well. They are quite svelte and don't get caught-up in the trigger or hinder operating in any way, only better it. They give a perfect purchase on the grip and allow me to more than double the amount of Full-House Magnum rounds in a range session and triple the amount of Specials I can shoot before fatigue starts to set in. PM me if you want to know where to buy them!
I've seen your other posts about "Cop Gloves" and found some on Amazon I plan to order one of these days. Thanks for the tip!
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