I recently bought two N Frame Snubbies from the same seller who thinks they may have been Lew Hortons. One is a 624 no dash with a ALW prefix and the other is a 629-4 with a BRL prefex.Both pistols have a ball bearing lock added on the crane. Both are ported in the Taurus style.I did not think that Smith ever ported guns in this manner .The special has 3 ports and the magnum has 4.The 629 looks unfired and i dont have the heart to shoot it.The 624 carries well and recoils like a 38 special!!!I paid 1250 for the pair.Appraisal estimates and any light that someone can shed on this for me will be greatly appreciated.pictures attached

Does anyone know what these are?. I know some of you collectors have a wealth of info. please share with me here.

Haris ,many gunsmiths perform this type of porting today, and while it may be effective, collectors frown upon it because it is not factory.
You bought a pair of shooters. Shoot and enjoy them both for what they are.
I would imagine the 4 port 44 magnum would be more manageable with
full power loads, and this would be the only advantage.
You did not get hurt on the price ,so shoot or carry them both.
Being stainless they will clean up nicely after use.

Next time you come across an anomaly while shopping,
inquire before making the purchase, there are no stupid questions,
only stupid answers.

Regards and good luck,
Allen Frame

__________________
NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

I am uncertain of their value, but man oh man are they nice to look at! Beautiful Smiths!!! Sorry I could not assist in the area of their value. Enjoy the pair. Be safe.

I notice that both also have the additional crane lock. That is another nice custom touch.

Beautiful guns! Shoot'em and enjoy them.

My guess is that somebody modified them. The barrels appear to be the original length since the lettering appears to be centered. But do they belong on those revolvers? The crane lock is often an indication that a shorter barrel has been installed. A good gunsmith can do the porting. Do the sights have tritium? I have seen rear sights that look like these but I'm not so sure about the front. How is it attached? It looks to me like somebody spent some good dollars to have these revolvers modified. It looks like you made out very well indeed. I'd shoot both of them.

Dave Sinko

Was the crane detent added? In my limited experience,I haven't seen a top detent,only detents on the front of the crane.