Thanks for all of the helpful information about my trusty 4596, which is a "Lew Horton" gun.

Can anyone help me with information about who Lew Horton is? What is different or special about these guns? Why were these "special" (i.e., limited,) production runs like the 4596 done?

Lew Horton is a distributor. They order some special runs of guns with unique features. Davidson's and Talo are some more examples.

I've asked this same question, and nobody knows who "Lew Horton" is . . . the guns usually are a bit unique and some of the older ones I really like. Anything with the lock on it won't hold value.

Thanks! Your reply makes me wonder whether the whole production run of 4596s like mine (less than 400 total) were all marketed by Lew Horton, and to whom.

Allow me to introduce you:
Welcome to Lew Horton's

Thank you for your interest in Lew Horton's.
If you have questions or comments
about our products, please e-mail us at [email protected]
or call us at 508-366-7400. FAX: 508-366-5332
Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 5023, Westboro, MA 01581

__________________
Science plus Art

Thanks for the info. on the mysterious Lew Horton. I've sent them a note to find out what they can tell me about the history of 4596s. I'll share their answer with the forum as soon as I get it.

From SCS&W 3rd ed - @ 500 made in 1990. A 4506-1 frame with 4516-1 slide. Worth lettering IMO.

__________________
You do what you are.

Thanks to OKFC05 I got connected to Lew Horton's and put my questions about the origin of this model variant to them. Here is their response in full:

"The gun you own is in fact a Lew Horton's exclusive Special Edition produced for us by Smith & Wesson in April of 1990. We commissioned 500 pieces and sold all of them to our various dealers throughout the 1990's. Being a wholesale distributor, we produce various types and styles in short runs based on standard Smith & Wesson products that we feel the public would like, and this is just one of many we have had produced for us over the years. Hope this helps you out."

My thanks to all responders who took their time to help the new guy.