Currently considering an alledged 629-3 Classic DX which is for sale. However,it shows NO signs of the laser etching on either side of it's 6.5" barrel. Box markings appear authentic (from pix), no extra front sights or factory target either. Seller alledges it's unshot but is listing it as "used" due to lack of sights and target. Does anybody have serial numbers with which I could authenticate this gun? Many thanks.
How to confirm authenticity of alleged 629 Classic DX
- Thread starter dunflyin
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bigggbbruce
Member
Unfired and no etching..
No sale..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No sale..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome to the Forum.
Dieseltech56
Member
What makes a DX a DX is the barrel markings. No markings no DX
Gotta have the barrel markings, mine has wood and rubber grips,5front sights and 50 yard certified test target. That is what mine has but is a29-5 blueCDX
AveragEd
Member
Fishinfool
Member
My understanding (I might be wrong) is that there is no separate serial number series that would differniate a DX from a regular production 629-3.
My understanding is all were test fired for accuracy, and that only those guns that passed a certain minimum group size received the "DX" roll mark.
My understanding is all were test fired for accuracy, and that only those guns that passed a certain minimum group size received the "DX" roll mark.
Dieseltech56
Member
That and I'm sure not every 29 or 629 was tested. There could absolutely be regular guns out there just as accurate
Other than the unanswerable question of how many of the regular production 629 Classics were tested for accuracy, all the information above is good. However, the barrel etchings were pretty thin and easily removed with metal polish. Unless it has the wrong barrel profile, with what ever etchings were there gone there is no way to tell whether it left S&W etched DX. One way or the other, a stainless revolver that Bubba over polished does not deserve a premium price. Additionally, Bubba's polishing makes it hard to believe the revolver was never fired. It is easy to clean all trace fouling off a stainless revolver.
A simple but not well publicized inspection disproves most sellers' claims that a magnum is unfired. Revolvers leave S&W with the rear inside edge of of the forcing cone sharp. It does not take very many magnum cartridges to make the edge feel dull.
A simple but not well publicized inspection disproves most sellers' claims that a magnum is unfired. Revolvers leave S&W with the rear inside edge of of the forcing cone sharp. It does not take very many magnum cartridges to make the edge feel dull.
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Is it being priced as a DX model? Would you be ok with it as simply a 629 Classic, if the price was fair? I can relate to your not wanting to buy something being misrepresented, either through the seller's ignorance or willful deception.
You've gotten some great replies. The people you meet here tend to give really good advice and information.
Welcome to the Forum!
You've gotten some great replies. The people you meet here tend to give really good advice and information.
Welcome to the Forum!
gunnails
Member
If you can acquire the serial number S&W could probably help answer this over the phone.
Ask the seller what the serial number of the gun is and see if it matches the number on the box.
The 629-3 is a transitional gun. Many changes were made and it still carried the dash 3. Before the DX showed up on the barrel , there were guns produced and shipped with the changeable/spring loaded front sight etc. They were only shipped with one set of grips {Hogues} instead of the 2 sets shipped with the DX. They were shipped with no target and not with the 5 different front sights. {I think they shipped with 3} They came with either a 5 or a 6 1/2 inch barrel. They were still a fine gun and as far as can be told, they were also the equal of those with the extra items and the DX on the barrel. {marketing...all about marketing}
Mine is a 5" M29-5, and has the test target
Bottom Line #1: Buy the gun, not the story.
Bottom Line #2: If the gun is right, it's right----and if it isn't, ALL HANDS MAN YOUR BATTLE STATIONS!!
Bottom Line #3: "Large and reputable dealers" are just as well informed and honest as the latest new hire---a k a "Some folks got it, and some folks ain't."
Ralph Tremaine
Bottom Line #2: If the gun is right, it's right----and if it isn't, ALL HANDS MAN YOUR BATTLE STATIONS!!
Bottom Line #3: "Large and reputable dealers" are just as well informed and honest as the latest new hire---a k a "Some folks got it, and some folks ain't."
Ralph Tremaine
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