Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > The Lounge
o

Notices

The Lounge A Catch-All Area for NON-GUN topics.
PUT GUN TOPICS in the GUN FORUMS.
Keep it Family Friendly. See The Rules for Banned Topics!


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 04-06-2011, 06:04 PM
frbeall's Avatar
frbeall frbeall is offline
Member
Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 283
Likes: 4
Liked 26 Times in 14 Posts
Wink Lew Horton

Can someone tell me what makes a Lew Horton a Lew Horton and why do they sell for a premium? I'd much rather just buy Smith's, which is all I own. I do have 1 colt which I gave to my wife, that doesn't mean I don't love her though.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 04-06-2011, 06:24 PM
Dashriprock's Avatar
Dashriprock Dashriprock is offline
Member
Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton  
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 765
Likes: 417
Liked 1,136 Times in 310 Posts
Default

Lew Horton is a distributor. The firm would periodically order limited edition runs of certain S&W revolvers in certain configurations. Being limited, they're more scarce and, to some, desirable. I, for one, adore my 624 LH snubbie.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 04-06-2011, 06:26 PM
bobelk99 bobelk99 is offline
Member
Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Central KY
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 13
Liked 196 Times in 94 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dashriprock View Post
Lew Horton is a distributor. The firm would periodically order limited edition runs of certain S&W revolvers in certain configurations. Being limited, they're more scarce and, to some, desirable. I, for one, adore my 624 LH snubbie.
As quoted.

Some of the runs were very limited and of especial collector interest.

Anybody know where there exists a list of the weapons produced just for Hortons?
__________________
Incoming fire has right of way
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 04-06-2011, 06:41 PM
wheelgun28's Avatar
wheelgun28 wheelgun28 is offline
Member
Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: SW CT
Posts: 2,419
Likes: 2,535
Liked 3,024 Times in 950 Posts
Default

I will take a shot at this one, pardon the pun
Lew Horton is a big firearms distributor in Massachusetts. They are pretty smart folks and found that there is a market for non catalog guns. So they contract with Smith & Wesson and other mfgs. They make runs of guns with different features, calibers, barrel lengths, porting, grip frames and combinations their of. Most of the runs are limited some around 5000 pcs. So they are desirable if a combination of parts strikes a cord with buyers. Like 3" N frames with .4X calibers.

I was told by a S&W salesman that LH got the idea to have S&W build these because people were modifying them or gun smiths building customs, he made mention of the John Jovino mods, like the Effector I suppose.
I was also told the S&W was very hesitant to make the first batch. So they wanted the order to be for One Million dollars worth of guns hoping to dissuade LH. They did it anyhow and the rest is history.

I think the first was the 24-3 3" 44spl

Thats how I know the story to be not sure if its 100% true or folk lore mixed in...

Last edited by wheelgun28; 04-06-2011 at 06:45 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 04-06-2011, 09:04 PM
Dennis The B's Avatar
Dennis The B Dennis The B is offline
US Veteran
Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: SE Mich - O/S Detroit
Posts: 3,159
Likes: 2,026
Liked 2,801 Times in 1,017 Posts
Default

About the same time as the Model 24-3's in .44 Special, he also ordered Model 29-3's chambered in .44 Magnum, both with 3" barrels. I own a Model 24, but this past weekend, I passed on a Lew Horton Model 29-3 because someone had taken the Morado finger-groove combat grips and replaced them with Pachmayr's.

Both were made ca. 1984-1985.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 04-07-2011, 02:38 AM
jkc jkc is offline
Member
Lew Horton  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Mesa, AZ
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 1,256
Liked 630 Times in 357 Posts
Default

I take an occasional glance at the Horton website, which usually has strange permutations on S&Ws, some of which are pretty cool. I once owned a Horton-run M63 with adjustable rear sight and 2" barrel --- a rare and unusual specimen. I think the explanations offered are accurate --- Horton antes up enough money to support limited edition production runs, thereby creating "instant" collectors item value, or at least, something different and sufficiently scarce to fetch the long dollar.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 04-07-2011, 02:48 AM
Snapping Twig's Avatar
Snapping Twig Snapping Twig is offline
Member
Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: S.F. Bay Area
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 527
Liked 3,813 Times in 1,243 Posts
Default

Of the three LH's I have in the safe, I was only aware of two being LH guns. I actually had another and again I didn't know it was a LH or I'd have kept it.

LH produces firearms that are configured correctly for specific needs and they do it before the factory can make a case for them. In so doing they prove markets and make larger runs or trends in specifications possible for the factory.

Once these firearms are shown to have a market, the factory can commit to making them in numbers.

IMO, LH is prescient in their designs. I know that a 3" .44 in either Spl or mag is a fantastic carry gun for the woods and I know that their other designs are equally thoughtful for the task at hand. Witness the Mtn Gun in S&W's line, that had roots in LH design.

I value mine highly and they'd literally be the last to give up if it ever was the case that I had to.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 04-07-2011, 03:43 AM
JcMack's Avatar
JcMack JcMack is offline
Member
Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Deepest, darkest, Indiana
Posts: 6,187
Likes: 3,357
Liked 6,179 Times in 1,890 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by bobelk99 View Post
Anybody know where there exists a list of the weapons produced just for Hortons?
I recently tossed out a 7 yr old blue book. I'm pretty sure there was at least a partial list of LH guns in it.
__________________
SOS USA
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 04-07-2011, 06:30 PM
don95sml's Avatar
don95sml don95sml is offline
Member
Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Near Roanoke, VA
Posts: 341
Likes: 5
Liked 6 Times in 5 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JcMack View Post
I recently tossed out a 7 yr old blue book. I'm pretty sure there was at least a partial list of LH guns in it.
You're right. The Blue Book of Gun Values lists Lew Horton guns - the reference can be found in the index under "L". For each gun there is a notation of quantity made, year issued, and retail price. There is no listing of current value.
__________________
Quoth the raven:
"Nevermore"
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 04-07-2011, 06:48 PM
LouisianaJoe's Avatar
LouisianaJoe LouisianaJoe is offline
Member
Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 1,124
Liked 3,064 Times in 838 Posts
Default

I have a Lew Horton 29-3 Classic Hunter. It has a 6" barrel and a non fluted cylinder. It has adjustable front sights and they made 5000 of these.
I have the box, cleaning kit, front and rear sight adjustment tools, manual and the warranty card for this. I have thought about selling it, but I do not know what it would be worth.

__________________
Corripe Cervisiam

Last edited by LouisianaJoe; 04-08-2011 at 01:37 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 04-07-2011, 07:06 PM
feralmerril feralmerril is offline
Absent Comrade
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: utah
Posts: 13,063
Likes: 2,547
Liked 7,201 Times in 3,064 Posts
Default

This paper came with my lew horton 66-3. It says only 300 were made for lew horton. Yet I bought it in a california gun shop sold as new/used. Right after I bought it I seen another at another gun shop a few miles away. That was 25 years ago or so, and I have yet to see another. I belive many so called lew horton guns were somehow sold by other dealers across the country.


Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #12  
Old 04-08-2011, 06:38 AM
frbeall's Avatar
frbeall frbeall is offline
Member
Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton  
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 283
Likes: 4
Liked 26 Times in 14 Posts
Default

That clears things up a bit. Thanks for the input. My wife and I go to several estate auctions and I've seen a few LH. I'll look with more interest next time.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 04-08-2011, 06:43 AM
mkk41 mkk41 is offline
Banned
Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: South East , PA . USA
Posts: 5,027
Likes: 485
Liked 1,610 Times in 884 Posts
Default

It's been said that the smaller runs get a bit more attention and are fitted/finished a bit better.

Certain models were done by the Performance Center too.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 05-20-2012, 09:31 AM
wheelgun28's Avatar
wheelgun28 wheelgun28 is offline
Member
Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: SW CT
Posts: 2,419
Likes: 2,535
Liked 3,024 Times in 950 Posts
Default

Bringing this back up with am added tid bit

back in the olden days of 1985, S&W got permission from a distributor (unnamed) to sell 100 624 3" guns to the employees. Employee price $294.50 including Federal Excise Tax

Also available was the 686 2 1/2" at $214.46 including FET

These were desirable and the company held a lottery to see who could buy one!


Last edited by wheelgun28; 05-20-2012 at 09:44 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 05-20-2012, 09:57 AM
-db-'s Avatar
-db- -db- is offline
US Veteran
Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: MI
Posts: 4,569
Likes: 13,995
Liked 5,918 Times in 1,761 Posts
Default

Interesting, wheelgun28. It was my understanding that the LH 2.5" 686s had WO rear sights but that is not mentioned in the employee sales ad. Note it is mentioned for the 624, however.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 05-20-2012, 10:23 AM
Mickey D's Avatar
Mickey D Mickey D is offline
Member
Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Carmen, Idaho
Posts: 4,294
Likes: 5,570
Liked 3,587 Times in 1,298 Posts
Default

3" 24-3 Lew Horton .44 special, confirmed with call to LH.
Unfortunately no box or custom holster.

__________________
Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #17  
Old 05-20-2012, 01:12 PM
bobf's Avatar
bobf bobf is offline
US Veteran
Lew Horton  
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NW Florida
Posts: 638
Likes: 647
Liked 483 Times in 146 Posts
Default

A recent Lew Horton mod 29, 200 were made.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 29 10a.jpg (84.6 KB, 150 views)
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 05-20-2012, 01:18 PM
7tenz's Avatar
7tenz 7tenz is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: so cal
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 539
Liked 764 Times in 399 Posts
Default

I never recieved any documentation on my 3" 610 to the effect of it being a LH run, just the owner's word from the pawnshop where I bought it new.
I seen several other identical examples over the years in forums that claimed theirs was LH. Got it 99. It's pre-lock. I hated the original grips, & put these on.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg DSCN0024.JPG (247.5 KB, 106 views)
__________________
9tenz
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 05-20-2012, 02:38 PM
Mickey D's Avatar
Mickey D Mickey D is offline
Member
Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton Lew Horton  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Carmen, Idaho
Posts: 4,294
Likes: 5,570
Liked 3,587 Times in 1,298 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 7tenz View Post
I never recieved any documentation on my 3" 610 to the effect of it being a LH run, just the owner's word from the pawnshop where I bought it new.
I seen several other identical examples over the years in forums that claimed theirs was LH. Got it 99. It's pre-lock. I hated the original grips, & put these on.
You can contact Lew Horton Dist. and provide your serial number. They will confirm if they distributed it.

[email protected]
__________________
Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 05-20-2012, 06:09 PM
7tenz's Avatar
7tenz 7tenz is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: so cal
Posts: 1,360
Likes: 539
Liked 764 Times in 399 Posts
Default

Thanks for the link, Mickey D. Why didn't I think of that. I'm pretty sure it is LH, but I'm going to check with them anyway. They had the only 3" unfluted satin ss that I'm aware of.
__________________
9tenz
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
Reply

Tags
44 magnum, 624, colt, effectors, fluted, jovino, lew horton, model 24, model 29, pachmayr, performance center

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Lew Horton 629 value Paastor Bob S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 1 01-15-2014 08:27 PM
Odd Lew Horton set 25-9? flomofo1 S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 7 10-18-2009 12:24 AM
Wanted 24-3 Lew Horton Box, Manual, and Lew Horton Holster chevygarage WANTED to Buy 1 05-29-2009 02:59 PM
Holsters: Lew Horton 624; Bianchi Model 41's; Lew Horton 686 Added P35fan Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 5 02-28-2009 04:52 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:55 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)