Green light? 629-1 3 inch Lew Horton **Update-Bought it, PICS ADDED

SVT28 · #1 02-14-2015, 07:28 PM

In preparation for my tax return I've been hunting around for another rare Smith revolver. Today I came across a 629-1 in a small local gun store to me. It has the 3 inch barrel, appears to have original combat stocks and is about 98%. I did not ask about a box or documents, yet.

Price was $1,199. I think they would take $1000. Hypothetically it has the box, is it worth it? I don't reload or own other 44 mags... but this pistol may be a nice investment . Should I make an offer?

Also, were all 3 in 629-1with combats Lew Horton models?

Thanks in advance
Svt28

Update: Life is too short and I got a great deal. So I bought the gun today. Sure no box, but the pawn shop owner told me it has been unfired except by the factory. This was even more evident when I cleaned it and found next to no residue. It also came with a kirkpatrick custom holster (added bonus) and rides quite nicely in it. Of course I'm going to shoot it soon, but not before pics.

RogerA · #2 02-14-2015, 07:41 PM

Sounds like a BUY to me. It is only a Lew Horton if Earl at Lew Horton Distributing says it is, call him with the serial number and check it out. 1-800-446-7866. Good Luck. Here is my Lew Horton.

mc5aw · #3 02-14-2015, 07:48 PM

That't not the revolver to dither about re: investment value. It is a beautiful carry gun, and well worth the $1K. It won't last long, even at the asking price. Buy it, a quality holster, and get a few boxes of .44 Special HPs. You will have a premium CCW rig.

Kernel Crittenden · #4 02-14-2015, 07:53 PM

I think $1,000 is fair, but full value. A LH gun is just a normal Smith right off the standard production line. They received no special attention during manufacturing. They did often have features not available from S&W standard catalog, like unfluted cylinders or special barrel lengths.

S&W Fan · #5 02-14-2015, 08:05 PM

Count me as another vote to get it. You won't be sorry.

mc5aw · #6 02-14-2015, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kernel Crittenden

I think $1,000 is fair, but full value. A LH gun is just a normal Smith right off the standard production line. They received no special attention during manufacturing. They did often have features not available from S&W standard catalog, like unfluted cylinders or special barrel lengths.

+1 to the Kernel.

The value comes by way of completeness. The factory combats alone are worth ~$200, thus bringing the revolver down to $800 w/out. The original box should easily bring ~$50, making the stripped 629 a $750 value. Far too many people turn their noses up at $1K+, but broken down, it is fair market pricing, especially when compared to new models.

SLT223 · #7 02-14-2015, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kernel Crittenden

They did often have features not available from S&W standard catalog, like unfluted cylinders or special barrel lengths.

Yes, which are often desirable and fewer made justifying the premium above the standard catalog guns. The 3" 629 are very desirable...even w/o special attention to the action. I have no complaints about mine, and it's never parting from my possession.

CH4 · #8 02-14-2015, 08:16 PM

I am not 100% sure all LH 629-1 3" serial numbers start with ANC, but mine does.

RogerA · #9 02-14-2015, 08:36 PM

My Lew Horton serial starts ALD.

Kernel Crittenden · #10 02-14-2015, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr.Lou

I am not 100% sure all LH 629-1 3" serial numbers start with ANC, but mine does.

The 3-inch M629's have a range of s/n prefixes. I have 10 in my s/n collection and only one is an ANC. The two oldest have BBE prefixes.

Kernel Crittenden · #11 02-14-2015, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogerA

My Lew Horton serial starts ALD.

I have two ALD's. One of which was strangely marked ".44 Spl" but still had the standard 103610 product code. Just one of those things.

SJshooter · #12 02-14-2015, 08:58 PM

They aren't getting any cheaper -- and frankly, this is one of the most gorgeously proportioned and fun-to-shoot Smiths available. Get it!

g8rb8 · #13 02-14-2015, 10:23 PM

I'll add to the chorus. Go for it.
John

From the SCSW:
629-1 (1986-1987): 8,000 manufactured with round butt and 3" barrel, distributed by Lew Horton and S & W. (my emphasis)

"Sounds like a BUY to me." RogerA

"Buy it." mc5aw

"...get it." SJshooter

"...very desirable..." SLT223

"...gorgeously proportioned..... Get it!" SJshooter

"....$1,000 is fair, but full value." Kernel Crittenden

SVT28 · #14 02-15-2015, 05:31 PM

So update. No box.

Right next to the 629-1 is a mint 624 no dash 5 and half inch. Came from the same private owner as the 629. The prices are Rock bottom. 700 for the 624 and 1100 for the 629-1 out the door. Both for 1750. Both are mint condition. The 629-1 has correct grips and is AVV serial so I know it's a lew horton. The 624 is correct too.

I'm going back to negotiate a deal tomorrow, I think I want both. Any knowledge on the 624?

-Svt28

murphydog · #15 02-15-2015, 05:51 PM

The 5.5" 624 is not common, reported but I have not seen one. If it is truly that barrel length I think it is worth $650-700

.

peepaw · #16 02-15-2015, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVT28

So update. No box.

Right next to the 629-1 is a mint 624 no dash 5 and half inch. Came from the same private owner as the 629. The prices are Rock bottom. 700 for the 624 and 1100 for the 629-1 out the door. Both for 1750. Both are mint condition. The 629-1 has correct grips and is AVV serial so I know it's a lew horton. The 624 is correct too.

I'm going back to negotiate a deal tomorrow, I think I want both. Any knowledge on the 624?

-Svt28

I like the way you think. You might be able to get a decent deal trying to buy them both. Good luck.

JCS&W · #17 02-15-2015, 05:57 PM

All M629-1 3" models are not classified as a Lew Horton. There is Classic Hunter that is a M629-1 3", but the Classic Hunter has a unfluted cylinder.

grizz700 · #18 02-15-2015, 06:00 PM

Money well spent. Good luck and you are a lucky person and none of this is real without pictures tomorrow night.

b_san · #19 02-15-2015, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mc5aw

+1 to the Kernel.

The value comes by way of completeness. The factory combats alone are worth ~$200, thus bringing the revolver down to $800 w/out. The original box should easily bring ~$50, making the stripped 629 a $750 value. Far too many people turn their noses up at $1K+, but broken down, it is fair market pricing, especially when compared to new models.

I strongly disagree, the market says that complete it's a $1300-1500+ gun depending on the pictures and the auction. Some have gone in that range without a box but market value is probably closer to $1100-1200ish for the gun itself. Unless you're talking a needle in a haystack find at a gun shop in the boondocks or from a neighbor without an internet connection, you just aren't likely to find one for less.

To the OP, if it's in the condition you descibed I'd try to negotiate but I'd buy the 3" at the asking price and expect it to appreciate from there. The 624 is probably a great value too but my interest doesn't wander much past 4" guns so I'm not up on current market value.

jughed440 · #20 02-15-2015, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kernel Crittenden

I have two ALD's. One of which was strangely marked ".44 Spl" but still had the standard 103610 product code. Just one of those things.

Does it happen to be this one?? I foolishly sold it a while back

Kernel Crittenden · #21 02-15-2015, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jughed440

Does it happen to be this one??

No, it wasn't, but it is now. Now I have three ADL's. Thanks.

Notice the box says ".44 SP" under Caliber.

SVT28 · #22 02-16-2015, 05:15 PM

Update: Life is short and I negotiated a great deal. Pics to follow tonight when I get home and clean her up.

Lew Horton confirmed that this S/N never hit their database. AVV79XX

-Svt28