What I know:
---------------
Model 25-2, 45acp
SN N75XXXX (late 70's?)
2-3/4 inch Barrel
No Barrel Markings
Round Butt (modified)

What I don't completely know:
----------------------------------
Lew Horton or Jovino?
(%90 sure it's a Lew Horton)
Production numbers? (how many?)
Special order or Mods to this Model?

* Any info or details would greatly be appreciated

Attached Images

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	40883767_1185871004912448_970018372391534592_n.jpg (78.4 KB, 179 views)
	40911528_1029334667239468_5555516467681689600_n.jpg (70.8 KB, 141 views)

You joined the Forum 16 years ago and this is your 1st post?

I will bet it is not a Lew Horton. They did not have gunsmiths that modified revolvers. Lew Horton had custom Factory variations.

It does resemble a style that was very popular back then. John Jovino's shop turned them out like popcorn. However MANY other gunsmiths of the day also did the same conversions.

Mine was done by Austin Behlert
With a lack of markings on the firearm, a Factory Letter might let you know who did the work. But only if the revolver was shipped directly to the conversion shop.

If someone sent the gun off for conversion after they bought it, you may never know which shop did the work

It's been a while. Usually visited the site for info and pics.
Don't like asking questions I already know the answer.
Google is great, but I trust hands on info alot more.

Thanks for your response. Maybe I'll post some candy pics soon.

Great looking gun, something about those chopped 25-2's
No markings on the barrel, I'm thinking its a 2-3/4" Effector model, produced on a limited basis by the John Jovino Co. in NYC (They bought regular 25-2s from S&W, then cut them, rounded the grip-frame, did the actions, etc.) Very cool revolver, by the way whether Lew Horton or Jovino

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It is the Indian not the arrow

The one below is a verified Jovino conversion that shipped in 1982. The one you posted is most probably a Jovino or a Behlert.

For comparison purposes.

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Bill

Looks like Jovino to me based upon the ejector rod housing, but it could be Behlert or another gunsmith from the time period.

Lew Horton did not offer such a configuration as mentioned above. As a result of the popularity of these gunsmith modifications, I believe that Lew Horton began ordering unique short barrel N-frames from the factory. Congrats on a fine specimen.

Your gun is not a Horton.....barrel is too short. As previous posters have said, Horton orders factory built guns of many different configurations for distribution to retailers. You can call Horton direct and they will tell you if it's one of theirs.

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Bob.
SWCA 1821

That revolver is sweet OP! These conversions are an area I really need to learn more about myself. For months a local dealer had a model 58 that had the barrel chopped, round butt and hard chromed. I passed on it every gunshow thinking it was a non original frankengun. I told another collector about it and he immediately purchased it. It was a Jovino and worth way more than the $700 the dealer had been asking.

I bought mine from Pinkeymingeo on this forum. It looks just like yours. I cannot prove it is a Jovino, but I believe it is. I love mine, Congrats.............

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dd884
JMHO-YMMV

This little blaster started as a 28-2, when I found it had already been converted to this configuration in .44spl. Had some issues initially, had a great local gunsmith take care of it and it was a great shooter. Now lives with a different forum member. I was told it was Jovino but never could figure out 100% who did the conversion.

Looks like a Jovino to me. LH has never produced anything quite like that.