DOB, information request 629-3 Classic DX

[grip frame]

Only time I have made this request.

I just picked up what I believe is an early (1990) 629-3 Classic DX in 6.5"

The literature in the box indicates 1990 (owners manual and test target).

Serial # is TJA3846

If it is a 1990 it would have to be a very early 629 classic dx brought out just after the Magna Classic runs.

I have several 629-3 classic dx revolvers and have owned several more and this is the only one with the serial number on the underside of the frame top strap (also like the magna classics).

The test target that came in the box with the revolver has a strange number listed in the serial number section that does not match the serial number on the gun, it does not appear to be a normal serial number. I am wondering if someone can shed some light on this also. The serial number on the test target is
522-83x8, test date 10-23-1990.

The revolver came with a different set of front sights than my other -3 DX revolvers. Red ramp,.250 gold bead partridge,.250 plain black partridge,.187(200 yards) black partridge and .227(100 yards) black partridge.

As usual with the other 629-3 revolvers I own the mechanics and fit/finish are spot on. From what I have seen some very high quality revolvers were being made at this time in the 29 and 629 series. I feel confident in saying that on average the 629-3 and 29-5 revolvers were built better than the later 629-4 and 29-6 versions.

Thanks

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Based on the s/n prefix the date on the test target is likely correct.

Two questions....

1.) What's the Spec. Ord. Number?
2.) And is the Product Code 103644?

Both are on the box label. You can also sometimes find them mixed in with the paperwork.

 

[jaymoore]

Based on the s/n prefix the date on the test target is likely correct.

....

The OP's question seems odd to me, in that I wouldn't expect the "DOB" (shipping date or assembly date) to be all that much different from the test fire date. Maybe some delay in shipping, but by the 1990's, with revolver production on the decline, one would think test firing would occur straight away after assembly.

Are there any DX's out there that have "divergent" dating?

 

[AveragEd]

My only DX is a five-inch and I've come to learn (at least I think I have) that they didn't come with a test target. I read somewhere that only the 6-1/2" and 8-3/8" guns were shipped with their target. Seems strange but...

Your sight package sounds like the accessory package I bought from S&W.

Ed

 

[grip frame]

I'm trying to verify that it is a 1990 production and that the test target is original to the revolver.

Another oddity is that it came with the magna classic front sight card showing the different sight blades and trajectories with them installed.

Ed, I have owned two different 5" 629 DX classics and they both came with test targets FYI.

Spec. order code is 0303
product code is 103644

Thanks

 

[RobO]

I prefer the turtle dove sights.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

The ship date based on the label code is.....

October 30, 1990

Product code is correct for a 6.5-inch DX from that era.

 

[farrell]

629-dx

I also have a dx 61/2 inch barrel s#tjb12xx, target date 2-28-92,pc code 103644,spec ord #2063. All numbers match target, gun and box. I don't think your target and sights match your gun.all of mine are the same heights, Some of those that came with the classaic gun were yardage marked.

 

[AveragEd]

I bought my gun by itself - no sights, target or extra stock - so I can't help with what should have come with one. But for $800, I wasn't worked up over the missing goodies.

Ed

 

[grip frame]

Thanks Kernel.

My revolver in question is one of the earliest 629 classics being produced in 1990, the same time as the magna classic's. These revolvers were all introduced I believe in 1990. Perhaps Smith included different sight kits with the first DX revolvers than the later standard 5 sight set that came with later ones.


I believe the sights,test target,literature and grips are original to my revolver. It also has the cleaning kit and rear sight adjustment tool.

The serial number listed on the test target I still can't figure out, its not a correct style for any other revolvers either. I think it is original for my revolver as its dated 1990 and lists a 6.5" barrel.

Its all making sense now with a test date of 10-23-1990 and a ship date 10-30-1990.

 

[KLYDE]

Finally got around to pulling out my box to check. My dash 3 DX has a special order date of 1058. Approximately four months later than yours. Serial # is TJB135x. No s/n on inside top strap.
My target has a serial number of 229-81x63 (can see it in picture) with a date of 2-7-91. Literature has a pamphlet on the sights that is titled "Model 29/629 Classic Accessory Front Sights". Sights were the same as you described. I'd say your target and accessories are authentic to the gun. Don't know the meaning of the strange serial number on the target. Possibly some internal code. I'm thinking the front sight package may have varied between dash numbers depending on what was in stock. I know that S&W did sell the individual sights at one time. About 3 or so years ago they souped the individual sights into sight packages and offered for sale. I don't think they are still available.

Stumbled upon it a couple years ago for $850 at a LGS. Box and all goodies except the sight tool. I don't think it had a box of ammo put through it.
Klyde