629-5 Classic 8 3/8” barrel question

[DoubleNickel]

Looking back on the first S&W I ever purchased. It is a 629-5 Classic with a full lug 8 3/8” barrel and hogue rubber grips with S&W emblem.
I’ve been doing some google searching and can’t find similar examples.

Did they make less of the dash 5 Classics with the long barrel?

I know the long barrels are less desirable so, no need to remind me. I’m just wondering why I can’t find examples of the same configuration elsewhere. My google skills are usually pretty strong. I’m sure I don’t have the only 629-5 Classic 8 3/8” ever made

 

[CWH44300]

That’s a sweetheart!!!
Congratulations

I think you’ll find the dash 5 guns to be a short 3 year run.
I’ve only seen a few in the wild and just posted one up myself.
Someone with the book may stop in and nail it down.
You have a very nice desirable gun made right before the lock appeared.
Smith may be able to help but don’t be surprised if they can’t. I just reached out to them not long ago.
I have the same configuration in a dash 6 DX and when I called the factory about it I was told they never made any. After photos were sent, they replied with a date of manufacture but also said no records of DX guns in the dash 6 era.
Like I said above, you have a very desirable gun and there’s probably not a ton of them floating around.
Enjoy it !