New here and been out of handguns for 20yrs. I have a S&W 629 DX with an 8 3/8 barrel and wanted to know how these guns stack up to the other products out today. Comparing accuracy and durability. Also any downside to reducing the barrel length for ease of carry?

Thanks

Don't cut that barrel! Sell it and buy shorter but those guns don't pop up under every tree.

I have a -3 I think is what is it and it's an incredible shooting gun. Mine is also 8 3/8". Shoot it as is buddy. It will hang with anything pretty much accuracy wise.

629DX Classics were made from 1992-2002... They were basically 629 Classics that showed exceptional accuracy... The accurate ones set aside and given the DX label.. They were shipped with interchangable front sites and a test target... They were NOT specially tuned... Just the most accurate of production guns...They cost about 50% more than a regular Classic. They still command a higher price to collectors... Sometimes as much as DOUBLE if you have the original box and esp the test target...

lf you cut the barrel it would most likely destroy the accuracy... and DEFINITELY lts value.. lf it were my gun l would just buy another Classic with the barrel length of my choice... Classics come/came in 3,5. 6 1/2,7 1/2, and 8 3/8 inch lengths. lf its a matter of economics,likely you could sell your DX on the net and use the profit as you please.. (Buy ammo maybe).. Chopping the barrel on your DX would be kinda like chopping the top on a pristine 1957 Chevy BelAir 2 door hardtop.. IMHOP

Cutting the barrel down shouldn't have any effect on accuracy, assuming it's not done with a hacksaw and a vice. That said, I agree with everyone above that if you want a shorter barrel, you should find one with a shorter barrel. The DX Classic is an awesome revolver. I have had my eye of one belonging to a relative for a long time. He just won't sell it to me.......

If you cut the barrel off, it will still not be a pocket gun. I would think to get anywhere near 'easy to carry' you would need to be down to 3 inches, and that would effect it's hunting ability.
Like everyone said, don't cut it. Please don't. I'm sure someone would jump at the chance to trade with you for a shorter one.
But I'd recommend just finding a good holster. Bianche X-15 works well for me. I use them for 7.5" Ruger and a 10" t/c, and a shorter one for a 6.5" s/w.
As for how it compares to other guns, Well. The .44mag has long been passed up buy other rounds for 'the most powerfull....' but the fact is, unless you are on a steady diet of Grizzly bear, it will bag anything you want in N. America. Other guns will give you greater range, but anything 'more' is a want, not a need item.
Rugers are considered stronger, but the Smiths handle in-spec loads just fine. Smith's tend to have nicer triggers. And while Taurus and others are good guns, they are not as good as either the R or the S. Custom guns are custom, and priced accordingly.
So, you got a great gun, keep it, and shoot that sucker.

db

Thanks guys! I suspected that would be your advice just wanted to be sure.

I must say what a great site and thanks again for the words of wisdom.

I second the "find a good holster" comment. They carry fine with a good rig. I LOVE the long barrel Smiths!

Very nice, Glenn!

tdonnie welcome aboard. i use to hunt with a 8" dan wesson. do miss that gun. anyway used a uncle mikes shoulder holster that worked vary well. it had enough strap to fit over a heavy coat with a fat man (me) inside. i wouldnt cut that gun for love or money

I sure like the looks of that DX Glenn its a classy gun.

I hope to keep my 8 3/8 623-3 . Open sight revolver if ever was one in my neck of the woods. Can you tell I enjoy it?! MK

Whit, its hard for me to tell in the pic but is that a 6" barreled gun? I had a Magna Classic that looked just like my DX but it had a 7.5" barrel. Very Very nice sixgun. I just couldn't tell is your pic was a 6 or 7.5".

I agree with everyone else to not cut the barrel. It's better to just find the gun with the barrel length you want, and you will have a gun you won't ever lose money on.

There is a common misconception that these guns were specially selected guns that were culled from the herd as stated above, however this was more marketing hype than anything else and has no basis in truth. If you think about the price point these guns originally sold at, which was slightly more than a non DX model, you will also get the picture.

There were not hand selected, they simply were a limited "deluxe" run that included a test target, hardwood grips and a pack of interchangeable sights. They did meet an accuracy standard based on the test target, but they were certainly not the "most" accurate or specially selected models. These guns are no more accurate than a standard NON-DX model, it's just the those models did not include the deluxe extras or include a factory test target.

The other misconception with some is that these were performance center guns (which is their custom shop for the uninitiated), which actually are custom guns. The DX is essentially the same as a non-DX gun from a manufacturing perspective.

The reason these guns sell for more these days with collectors, is because they were a limited production run. Anything that is produced in limited numbers has more interest to collectors. It has no basis in their accuracy versus other 629 Classic's.

IC

I know they arent PC guns,tell me how you know the rest?

That model was the first pistol I ever hunted with. Great accurate firearm. Wish I had never sold it.