Collecting 3" round butt N-frames?

Manderson1980 · #51 09-02-2018, 07:40 PM

29-5 fluted snub nose?

75Vette · #52 09-03-2018, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manderson1980

I just picked up a 3" S&W 29-5 (correct -5) with a fluted cylendar and a full lug. It has the standard Pachmayr rubber grips that I see on all the earlier LH snub nose models. Everything appears to be factory, and I really need an expert to help me figure out what the heck this thing is.

Welcome to the forum. Very nice find. You can go to Lew Horton's web site and contact them with the gun's serial number and if it did cross their hands you'll get a letter with all the info you need.

BRatliff · #53 09-03-2018, 01:15 PM

Welcome to the forum!!

To be honest I had forgotten about my original post, after all it has been 4 and 1/2 years. I updated my post to include the models I have obtained so far. I probably have doubled my original list and still do not have them all.

I am certainly no expert, but the 3" guns are my favorite. I am constantly on the look out for them and can not own enough of them. My passion for them was fueled by a couple of SWCA members who will remain nameless, but who I consider among my closest friends.

Back on topic to your post, the model 29-5 does exist. I have seen two of them for sale on one of the larger auction sites in the past couple of years. One was without the box, the other was not up to the standards of what I was looking for. Both of these were unfluted cylinder models, probably overruns of the 29-4. In my uneducated opinion, the fluted cylinder is not correct for this model.

As with all things Smith & Wesson, never say never. Hope that helps a bit. Be advised, the 3" bug has no cure.

Best regards, Bob Ratliff.

one eye joe · #54 09-03-2018, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRatliff

Hello everyone. I'm a longtime lurker, newly registered member, seldom poster. Looking for a little insight and knowledge from the forum members. I will confess to being more of a semi-automatic type of guy.
I've been reading through the posts and looking at the pictures and now I'm hooked on the 3" N-frames. I have acquired a couple so far. The little boy in me is starting to come out and I was thinking of getting them all. My question is, how many is that? Is it even a reasonable goal? I'm thinking pre-lock, regular Smith & Wesson or Lew Horton models only. No Performance Center or "specially marked" models, like the "Trail Boss" or "Alaskan Backpacker". I have made a sort of shopping list of the models I know, looking to see if it is complete, which I doubt. I will list the ones I know, looking for help on the one's I don't know. I will list them in number order the best I know. The * indicates which ones I have obtained thus far.

* Model 24-3 44 Special fluted cylinder, blue, RR/WO
* Model 29-3 44 Magnum fluted cylinder, blue, RR/WO
* Model 29-4 44 Magnum unfluted cylinder, blue, RR/WO
* Model 610-2 10mm unfluted cylinder, stainless, RR/WO
* Model 624 44 Special fluted cylinder, stainless, RR/WO
* Model 625-3 45 ACP fluted cylinder, stainless, BR/WO
* Model 625-4 45 ACP fluted cylinder, stainless, BR/WO
* Model 625-7 45 Colt fluted cylinder, stainless, RR/WO
* Model 629-1 44 Magnum fluted cylinder, stainless, RR/WO
* Model 629-2 44 Magnum unfluted cylinder, stainless, BR/WO
* Model 629-2E 44 Magnum unfluted cylinder, stainless,BR/WO
* Model 629-4 44 Magnum unfluted cylinder, stainless, RR/WO
* Model 629-5 44 Magnum unfluted cylinder, stainless, BR/WO
* Model 657 41 Magnum fluted cylinder, stainless, RR/WO
* Model 657-4 41 Magnum fluted cylinder, stainelss, RR/WO

Those are all the one's I'm aware of, did I miss any? I figure in today's market they would be close to 24K, with the model 610-2, 625-7 and 657-4 being the most expensive. Looking forward to your thoughts and suggestions. Best regards, Bob.

I DIDN'T SPOT THIS 3" M629, FROM THE REGULAR PRODUCTION LINE, ON YOUR LIST. SORRY THAT ITS NOT READILY AVAILABLE, AND I DON'T RECALL THE DASH NUMBER. ITS NOT A LEW HORTON GUN.....

BRatliff · #55 09-03-2018, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by one eye joe

I DIDN'T SPOT THIS 3" M629, FROM THE REGULAR PRODUCTION LINE, ON YOUR LIST. SORRY THAT ITS NOT READILY AVAILABLE, AND I DON'T RECALL THE DASH NUMBER. ITS NOT A LEW HORTON GUN.....

More details please. always lookin to add to my meager collection.

Best regards, Bob.

one eye joe · #56 09-03-2018, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRatliff

More details please. always lookin to add to my meager collection.

Best regards, Bob.

HI BOB, TRY TO GLEAN SOME ADDITIONAL INFO FROM THE HISTORICAL LETTER. UNFORTUNATELY, THE GUN IS AT A DIFFERENT LOCATION, AND I DON'T EXPECT TO BE THERE ANYTIME SOON......

ARMED WITH A LITTLE MORE INFO, A SEARCH OF THE S&W CATALOG, AND THE BLUE BOOK OF GUN VALUES, MAY HELP YOU TO ID THE EXACT MODEL....

Manderson1980 · #57 09-03-2018, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRatliff

Welcome to the forum!!

To be honest I had forgotten about my original post, after all it has been 4 and 1/2 years. I updated my post to include the models I have obtained so far. I probably have doubled my original list and still do not have them all.

I am certainly no expert, but the 3" guns are my favorite. I am constantly on the look out for them and can not own enough of them. My passion for them was fueled by a couple of SWCA members who will remain nameless, but who I consider among my closest friends.

Back on topic to your post, the model 29-5 does exist. I have seen two of them for sale on one of the larger auction sites in the past couple of years. One was without the box, the other was not up to the standards of what I was looking for. Both of these were unfluted cylinder models, probably overruns of the 29-4. In my uneducated opinion, the fluted cylinder is not correct for this model.

As with all things Smith & Wesson, never say never. Hope that helps a bit. Be advised, the 3" bug has no cure.

Best regards, Bob Ratliff.

Many thanks Bob, I agree 100% with the cylinder not being correct. I DIDN'T know there were any -5s with a full lug, so that just made my day!
I'll start with LH directly, and I might as well get a S&W letter while I'm at it. I picked up a cherry 586-4 2.5" (BRF) that needs a letter anyhow, and I've just been putting it off.

I'd like to know if S&W changed the cylinder on this for a customer, or if it's some rare small batch distributor exclusive/custom order. Odds are someone just changed out the cylinder on their own and the original is long gone, but either way I got a deal, so I'm happy.

I really appreciate everyone's help; I'll update as I learn more.

BRatliff · #58 09-04-2018, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by one eye joe

I DIDN'T SPOT THIS 3" M629, FROM THE REGULAR PRODUCTION LINE, ON YOUR LIST. SORRY THAT ITS NOT READILY AVAILABLE, AND I DON'T RECALL THE DASH NUMBER. ITS NOT A LEW HORTON GUN.....

Hey Joe,

I was able to download and zoom in on the photo you provided. The revolver obscures much of the text, but this is what I was able to see.

Serial number N629200, made or shipped in 1978, six years before the first 3" round but N frame, the 24-3 made for Lew Horton. More than likely a no dash model, sold for 80K at the time!! WAY, WAY outside of my league. The letter states engraved, I don't see any however.

Kind of reminds me of the three 3" guns commissioned by Dick Marble without the factories knowledge. Since this one is lettered, it must have had the factories approval. Although I can't possibly afford it, I would appreciate any additional information you might come across.

Best regards, Bob.

John Fugate · #59 09-04-2018, 12:23 PM

Bar none, when the smoke clears and hell has frozen over and no one is collecting guns , your 3 inch pre lock N frame Smiths will still be ones selling strong day in and day out. They are better than hundred dollar bills and harder to find. Strong stuff,,

Ask Joe Cebull,,, if you don't believe me.

HamHands · #60 09-07-2018, 02:37 PM

3" N frames and 1 7/8th inch "J" frames are all I own as I recently sold my 4" 625 off to my brother. My humble submission below..

NavyFrank · #61 09-07-2018, 04:54 PM

LEW HORTON made a limited runs of 3 inch N frames one that’s missing is the 25-10 in .45ACP in blue and nickel finish 150 of the blue revolvers made and the nickel guns 100 or less these don’t have the underlug barrel. Lew Horton is no longer ordering special runs from Smith & Wesson. Frank Jr.

Sverre · #62 09-07-2018, 05:23 PM

Lew Horton marketed a very limited number of blue and nickel 3" square-butt 24-6 44 Specials (~250 in each finish) back in late 2006. Catalog # 150120.
Good look finding one! They are scarce.

Cheers,

Sverre

N_Frame · #63 09-07-2018, 05:39 PM

I have a 610-2 (Lew Horton), 3" bbl, unfluted cylinder, rosewood grips, and RRWO, ANIB; and a 625-7 (Lew Horton), 3" bbl, rosewood grips, and RRWO, NIB.

one eye joe · #64 09-07-2018, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRatliff

Hey Joe,

I was able to download and zoom in on the photo you provided. The revolver obscures much of the text, but this is what I was able to see.

Serial number N629200, made or shipped in 1978, six years before the first 3" round but N frame, the 24-3 made for Lew Horton. More than likely a no dash model, sold for 80K at the time!! WAY, WAY outside of my league. The letter states engraved, I don't see any however.

Kind of reminds me of the three 3" guns commissioned by Dick Marble without the factories knowledge. Since this one is lettered, it must have had the factories approval. Although I can't possibly afford it, I would appreciate any additional information you might come across.

Best regards, Bob.

HI BOB. THE REVOLVER IS DEFINITELY NOT ENGRAVED. THE COST OF THE REVOLVER WAS IN LINE WITH ORDINARY S&W PRICES AT THE TIME......

I WILL ATTEMPT TO LOCATE MY BILL OF SALE. PERHAPS IT WILL DISCLOSE ADDITIONAL INFO.......

IIRC, I WAS ABLE TO LOCATE THE REVOLVER IN THE STANDARD CATALOG, BY SERIAL #, BACK IN THE DAY.........

HamHands · #65 09-07-2018, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by one eye joe

I DIDN'T SPOT THIS 3" M629, FROM THE REGULAR PRODUCTION LINE, ON YOUR LIST. SORRY THAT ITS NOT READILY AVAILABLE, AND I DON'T RECALL THE DASH NUMBER. ITS NOT A LEW HORTON GUN.....

That is one beautiful example!

HamHands · #66 09-07-2018, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRatliff

Hey Joe,

I was able to download and zoom in on the photo you provided. The revolver obscures much of the text, but this is what I was able to see.

Serial number N629200, made or shipped in 1978, six years before the first 3" round but N frame, the 24-3 made for Lew Horton. More than likely a no dash model, sold for 80K at the time!! WAY, WAY outside of my league. The letter states engraved, I don't see any however.

Kind of reminds me of the three 3" guns commissioned by Dick Marble without the factories knowledge. Since this one is lettered, it must have had the factories approval. Although I can't possibly afford it, I would appreciate any additional information you might come across.

Best regards, Bob.

Please elaborate! Sounds like he had the line make a Smith & Marble version of awesomeness!

hkcavalier · #67 09-07-2018, 07:59 PM

Good luck on your collection. I have only run across one for sale in person, and I bought it (with a little help from the members here, goading me to do so). I refuse to go the Brokegunner route with these as the prices are into the stratosphere. I did get the factory holster. If that ends up being the last 3" RB N frame in my safe that's fine...they are just not available for sale all that often.

jtcarm · #68 09-07-2018, 09:24 PM

A 3” N-frame collection isn’t complete without one by the man who invented the concept: John Jovino.

gma · #69 09-08-2018, 12:34 AM

Kind of feel left out with my 25-2 2 1/2" model. Not marked Jovino Effector, however when I purchased new at LGS they said it was a Jovino. I know the 1/2" difference in barrel length evidently put it in another category, but still feels like an orphan of sorts.

GWW · #70 09-08-2018, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRatliff

. Be advised, the 3" bug has no cure.

Best regards, Bob Ratliff.

Yeah it does, it's called a wife LoL.

Hank Dodge · #71 09-08-2018, 01:58 AM

I really do like the feel and balance of a 3-inch N-frame. I've got a solid start to a "collection" going here....

I'd like to turn up another set of factory combats. If anyone has a "shooter grade" set kicking around that they would consider selling, please let me know.

Collecting 3" round butt N-frames?-n-frame-group-3-inch-jpg

Collecting 3" round butt N-frames?-n-frame-group-3-inch-jpg

BRatliff · #72 09-08-2018, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GWW

Yeah it does, it's called a wife LoL.

You are absolutely right!! Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt. Put my collecting spree on hold for nearly thirty years, LOL!!

BRatliff · #73 09-08-2018, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HamHands

Please elaborate! Sounds like he had the line make a Smith & Marble version of awesomeness!

A truly great story. If my grand-daughters were here they could provide you the link. If you do a search for "fixed sight model 29" you will find the links on page two. They are titled "fixed sight model 29" and "model 29-58 a gripping story" both started by forum member Doc44.

My quest to acquire these "hand cannons" has postponed my retirement by years!! These three guns are the "Holy Grail" of 3" guns in my opinion.

Serial number ending in 333 is owned by forum member Doc44. Serial number ending in 444 was on one of the big gun sites a couple years back. I was in the hunt and had the high bid a couple of times but ultimately lost out. I believe it sold for a little more than $8000.00. Serial number ending in 555 is reputed to be owned by another member of the S&WCA.

Best regards, Bob.

BRatliff · #74 09-08-2018, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtcarm

A 3” N-frame collection isn’t complete without one by the man who invented the concept: John Jovino.

I completely agree. Been looking for a extremely highly conditioned example since I started this madness.

I have seen a few for sale, either they were not of the condition I was wanting or were not proven "Jovino's". I do have in my collection a very nice Austin Behlert model 29-2. I will try to dig it out of the safe and post up a couple photos when I get time.

Best regards, Bob.

HamHands · #75 09-08-2018, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkcavalier

Good luck on your collection. I have only run across one for sale in person, and I bought it (with a little help from the members here, goading me to do so). I refuse to go the Brokegunner route with these as the prices are into the stratosphere. I did get the factory holster. If that ends up being the last 3" RB N frame in my safe that's fine...they are just not available for sale all that often.

Truth.. I've bought the last 3 N frames off of GB.. 2 of them were new and I got great deals on them. The vintage Lew Horton Special M29-3, yeah, I won't be buying anymore vintage 3" "N's" off of there! I lost out on 3 M24's and 2M29's before finally deciding I'm not going to be outbid. Looking back, and being this is my favorite handgun I own I'd pay it again; but only once!

But common new models off of GB with the buy it now button.. good deals are had on there I must say.

tjpopkin · #76 09-09-2018, 05:49 PM

I had a matched set...same Serial# of Nickel and Blue Model 24-6's, 25s in .45ACP and 29-10s...all 3"...
I also have a 3" fixed sight Model 629-6 fixed sight

white cloud · #77 09-09-2018, 06:13 PM

This is a great thread. I have really enjoyed it. Nothing says bad like a large frame snubby.

NMPinNYC · #78 09-09-2018, 06:15 PM

Can't collect what I've never seen!

BRatliff · #79 09-10-2018, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NMPinNYC

Can't collect what I've never seen!

Was looking through some photos of local and regional shows I have attended. Thought you might enjoy the photos. They are in no particular order except for these. They are my PC UDR's or Performance Center Defensive Revolvers. Bob

BRatliff · #80 09-10-2018, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by white cloud

This is a great thread. I have really enjoyed it. Nothing says bad like a large frame snubby.

Some more photos in no particular order.

BRatliff · #81 09-10-2018, 10:52 AM

Some more.

BRatliff · #82 09-10-2018, 10:55 AM

There might be an L frame or two as well.

pharman · #83 09-10-2018, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NMPinNYC

Can't collect what I've never seen!

WELL...Now you've seen em!

My friend Bob has a FANTASTIC collection of 3" N frames

BEAUTIFUL...JUST BEAUTIFUL...Roger

BRatliff · #84 09-10-2018, 11:00 AM

A keen eye will see that there are no rubber grips in any of these photos. I think they are good for shooting, but I LOVE the combat grips. All of the custom grips pictured were supplied by our very own John. Culina. Many thanks for your impeccable work John!!

BRatliff · #85 09-10-2018, 11:04 AM

These are about all I have on my hard drive at the moment. Sadly some of the harder to find models and some of John's finest grips are not included. I will try to get some more photos soon.

I am both happy and surprised that this thread has been so popular. When I first started buying these my father thought I was nuts!!! I just thought they looked cool. Best regards, Bob.

pharman · #86 09-10-2018, 11:15 AM

Anyone interested in these can see some at the Northeast Ohio "Bunch" on Oct 6 at North Olmsted Ohio Sportsman's Club )details of which can be found in the "Lounge" area)

There will possibly be a 625-7 45 Colt 3" there and a 460 ES 2 3/4" there also...the 460 ES is the biggest snub that S&W made I believe...totally AWESOME...Roger

BRatliff · #87 09-10-2018, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pharman

WELL...Now you've seen em!

My friend Bob has a FANTASTIC collection of 3" N frames

BEAUTIFUL...JUST BEAUTIFUL...Roger

Thank you my friend. I owe it all to you and Joe. I guess the cat is out of the bag. The two SWCA members I eluded to in an earlier post were none other than Roger Jarrett and Joe Cebul, my mentors!! I have been so very fortunate to have met you both and call you my friends.

See you at the next meeting of "The NE Ohio Bunch". I am planning to display my model 629 snubs. I have recently added a couple of unique ones.

All the best, Bob.

Jebus35745 · #88 09-11-2018, 09:59 PM

Hey wait for me, Bob has a great collection of 3” N’s. We have seen them at the NE Ohio Bunch, he also collects Kurac grips. Getting close to the Bunch, can’t wait. Larry

tjpopkin · #89 09-11-2018, 11:16 PM

Here is a 3" 629 that I carry.....In fact, it was my only carry gun 15years ago.....and does it shoot....

The second gun is the Power Port 3" fixed sight gun...

Kingspoke · #90 09-11-2018, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjpopkin

Here is a 3" 629 that I carry.....In fact, it was my only carry gun 15years ago.....and does it shoot....

The second gun is the Power Port 3" fixed sight gun...

Man o man, that 1st 629 is so cool! I like that carry comp as well!

chiefdave · #91 09-11-2018, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HamHands

But common new models off of GB with the buy it now button.. good deals are had on there I must say.

Totally agree with you. While I only have 1 3" N I do have a lot of K's, mostly Victory models. About 75% were purchased via online auctions and most at bargin prices. Have found out if you contact the sellers they will often work with you.

HamHands · #92 09-12-2018, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by white cloud

This is a great thread. I have really enjoyed it. Nothing says bad like a large frame snubby.

No doubt.. and with the punch to match! The first pic below is of my favorite handgun. It balances oh so well in the hand/extended forearm(s) and being a 3" barreled version presentation up & out & on center-mass of target is quicker for me than my 4"+ CZ 97B (another uber favorite handgun), my 4" barreled 1911 Commander, and my 4"+ barreled CZ SP-01.

All semi-auto's pic'd below used to be in the carry rotation but mostly they are relegated to home defense now because I carry either the pictured M29, an 3" barreled M629, or my 1 7/8" barreled M36 "J" frames now.

I'd say I carry one of the aforementioned Revo's 70% of the time. My beloved CZ "P-01" is the only semi-auto that I carry 30% of the time. For me the P-01 is the perfect semi-auto and the snubby "N" and "J's" are the perfect Revolvers for carry. They just work for me and work well. YMMV of course!

All semi-auto's except the P-01 are Dedicated Home Defense pistols; either upstairs or downstairs in quick access safes or in furniture that is specifically made to hide them in plain sight with quick access.

The CZP-01.. 2nd down from top with VZ's slim line grips is actually thinner than my Commander 1911 with VZ slim Aliens.

Pic of slim line VZ grips on the dedicated HD Commander..

tjpopkin · #93 09-15-2018, 02:58 AM

I have to admit, the 625 2" .45ACP in Scandium makes for a really nice carry gun...since you hardly know it is on your belt....it is a thumper in the hand, but very manageable.....

CH4 · #94 09-15-2018, 06:01 AM

Wow, I feel so inadequate. I have five 3” N frames, two 629-1s, two 657s and a 625-3. I guess I need to diversify. I always wanted a 24/624 because of the tapered barrel, but the magnum’s utility made more sense.

Manderson1980 · #95 11-13-2018, 02:44 PM

Wanted to follow up with you Bob, I really appreciate your help. I received my S$W letter, and yes, it is a -5 (overrun). I was also able to acquire the correct cylinder (but I kinda like the current look, so I may keep it this way for a bit). I also couldn’t help committing a bit of sacralig by adding a set of Altamonts, but I will retain the Pachmyres for obvious reasons.
Attached is the letter, along with a few before and after pics.

BRatliff · #96 11-14-2018, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manderson1980

Wanted to follow up with you Bob, I really appreciate your help. I received my S$W letter, and yes, it is a -5 (overrun). I was also able to acquire the correct cylinder (but I kinda like the current look, so I may keep it this way for a bit). I also couldn’t help committing a bit of sacralig by adding a set of Altamonts, but I will retain the Pachmyres for obvious reasons.
Attached is the letter, along with a few before and after pics.

My pleasure, glad I was of some assistance. For myself personally, this is what makes this forum the absolute best database for all things Smith & Wesson. The members here gladly share their knowledge freely and there are some VERY knowledgeable members here!! It's a pity Mr. Jinks did not provide the number of units produced for the 29-5, I would guess there were not too many produced. I have read that the factory records are not as specific on the later models.

I will have a few extra days off next week for the Thanksgiving holiday. I will try to dig a few more out of the safe and post up some photos. There are a few adorned with some absolutely stunning grips by John Culina.

Best regards, Bob.

greenmachine · #97 11-15-2018, 12:48 PM

I have a few.

657
624
29-3
629-2
625-4
625-7