S&W 629 DX vs regular 629 ?

[arthury]

In the past, there is apparently a difference in the accuracy requirement for a 629 to be categorized as a DX gun. People have vouched for it and S&W has confirmed that.
Is there any difference these days?
Looks like they don't even laser the DX or Deluxe word on the bbl anymore.

What are your thoughts?

[MtGun44]

Never heard of it. I have a number of Smith .44 mags....

[djgoings]

I have several S&W 29 and 629's. My 29 DX (1990's vintage) has a full barrel underlug. Not sure if it makes it more accurate but does balance better for me. My 29 DX w/6.5" barrel is definately my favorite S&W 44mag.

[Don Purcell]

They say the DX was supposed to show more accuracy potential and maybe they are but my older 29s won't take a back seat to them.

[Shuz]

I have 2/ea 629 5" bbl'd Classic DX's that I bought new in the early 90's. They are the most accurate 629's I've ever owned and I've owned a bunch of 629's. One DX wears a 4x Leupold EER scope and it consistently gives me less than 1", 5 shot groups from a rest with the target a 4" bull at 25 yards. The other DX wears a Hi-Viz fiber optic front site and I've used this one to kill many white tailed deer and feral cats and dogs.

[sixshot]

I've owned at least a dozen model 29's over the years & one 29 DX, mine was a 6.5" model & I decided to scope it one time just to see how good it really would shoot since my old eyes couldn't do it justice. What a joy to shoot, with just about any quality load my 25 yd. groups were 1/2" or less & you could do it until you ran out of ammo. 50 yds groups would stay around 3/4-1" groups with the 4X Leupold proving the accuracy of the gun & the quality of my Keith handloads.
A friend from Idaho Falls (some friend) talked me out of it & he just smiles every time we discuss that gun. If you have one keep it, when you die will yours to me!!!
All of my 29's shot great, non could equal this gun, just like an outhouse, it was a one holer!

Dick

[dubber123]

I have always heard the DX models were better finished/fitted. I have never had one, but I will say that the guns produced after upgrading their machinery were MUCH better than the older guns on average. I have a pair of Mountain Guns in .44 mag/.45 Colt, and they were excellent out of the box. I also have a 625 5" Classic in .45 Colt, also excellent. I am not so sold on their EDM barrels now, but throats on cylinders seem much more consistent.

[arthury]

I have always heard the DX models were better finished/fitted. I have never had one, but I will say that the guns produced after upgrading their machinery were MUCH better than the older guns on average. I have a pair of Mountain Guns in .44 mag/.45 Colt, and they were excellent out of the box. I also have a 625 5" Classic in .45 Colt, also excellent. I am not so sold on their EDM barrels now, but throats on cylinders seem much more consistent.

That's fascinating.
What's the ballpark number for when they upgraded their machinery?
Are they still using EDM or ECM anymore?

[g17]

Back when I sold guns, the only difference that I recall between a DX and a Classic (both had full underlug barrels) was that the DX came from the factory with a set of interchangeable front sight blades whereas a regular classic came with only one. S&W used to and may still sell the front sight pack for these. I have a 5" from the early 90's and it's one of the more accurate guns I shoot.

[sixshot]

I think the DX guns were factory tested for accuracy, if they didn't shoot to a certain level they weren't marked DX. Might have even been some test targets sent with the guns, can't remember.

Dick

[dubber123]

That's fascinating.
What's the ballpark number for when they upgraded their machinery?
Are they still using EDM or ECM anymore?

I believe it was in the late 80's early 90's that the machinery was updated. I recall of all people it was the British that spent the money on the upgrades during their ownership. I think all new barrels are EDM machined.

[MakeMineLead]

Here's mine, not the DX, bought NIB around 1994 or 5. It came w/ one blade, which can be switched out, and the rubber grip. 5" barrel. Very accurate.

[arthury]

Beauty!!!!

[Dpmsman]

I also have a 29 Classic but with the 8 3/8" barrel. It's a real shooter. Like others have said the DX was tested for accuracy and also came with five front sights.

[wdr2]

Dick - that old DX of yours shot a 0.6in 5 shot 25yd group a couple weeks back with Verals 280gr LBT and some Power Pistol. I have a Burris Fastfire on it these days. Fantastic revolver.
Bill

I've owned at least a dozen model 29's over the years & one 29 DX, mine was a 6.5" model & I decided to scope it one time just to see how good it really would shoot since my old eyes couldn't do it justice. What a joy to shoot, with just about any quality load my 25 yd. groups were 1/2" or less & you could do it until you ran out of ammo. 50 yds groups would stay around 3/4-1" groups with the 4X Leupold proving the accuracy of the gun & the quality of my Keith handloads.
A friend from Idaho Falls (some friend) talked me out of it & he just smiles every time we discuss that gun. If you have one keep it, when you die will yours to me!!!
All of my 29's shot great, non could equal this gun, just like an outhouse, it was a one holer!

Dick

[ynst]

I also have a 29 Classic but with the 8 3/8" barrel. It's a real shooter. Like others have said the DX was tested for accuracy and also came with five front sights.

My 629 DX is an 8-3/8" barrel as well. Had it since '02. As for the DX, all handguns are test fired. Those 629's that performed well were sent out to the back shop for further refinements and became DX versions. They also came with a set of walnut grips which, in my case, fit my hand a lot better than the rubber grips.

[ynst]

I think the DX guns were factory tested for accuracy, if they didn't shoot to a certain level they weren't marked DX. Might have even been some test targets sent with the guns, can't remember.

Dick

Actually, if they performed well during initial testing they were converted to DX models.

I had a few friends who worked there when I lived in western Mass years ago.

[boatswainsmate]

Copied from a DX review.
The factory test target that sets apart the DX from all others. All 29 Classics were test fired, but those that grouped under 1 ½-inches at 50 yards from the machine rest had their barrels engraved with the additional DX lettering. The target was included with the gun to prove its accuracy. They used Federal 240 JHP's as the test.

[mac60]

Mr. Jerry talks a little about it here.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFoxfjORvh8