A Lew Horton 24-3....or is it? PICS
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superpelly
Member
I have a 24-3 SN ALA 4XXX, I called Lew Horton and Smith and Wesson. Lew Horton does not have this SN in there systems. But I did talk to 3 people there, they said that they will sometimes send an order in to S&W but will not get all the guns in on the specified date. So S&W will take the small remainder and channel them through thier distrubution stores. I called S&W and verfied this and they said this happens often. I did give them the SKU number on my box NOT the SN and they list this is a Lew Horton Special. So you can sell the gun listing as Lew Horton special, even though some of the revolvers my not have gone through Lew Horton.
Found more info:
5000 were ordered, but LH could not sell the lot and the remainder where returned and sold thru S&W's normal channels.
Found more info:
5000 were ordered, but LH could not sell the lot and the remainder where returned and sold thru S&W's normal channels.
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I can't for the life of me see where it would add $1.00 to the value if it came from Lew Horton distr. or another distr.
BTW: I have both the 3" 24 and the 3" 624....... Ordered both of them as soon as they were announced. Very fine guns........No matter WHO sold them.
BTW: I have both the 3" 24 and the 3" 624....... Ordered both of them as soon as they were announced. Very fine guns........No matter WHO sold them.
superpelly
Member
Mike, SC Hunter
"I can't for the life of me see where it would add $1.00 to the value if it came from Lew Horton distr. or another distr.
BTW: I have both the 3" 24 and the 3" 624....... Ordered both of them as soon as they were announced. Very fine guns........No matter WHO sold them"
I know!! I asked S&W if Lew Horton does any modifications or anything to the gun, S&W said no, they place an order to us on how they want the gun set up and than we ship them to Lew Horton, who then puts them in there own box and any accessories!!!
"I can't for the life of me see where it would add $1.00 to the value if it came from Lew Horton distr. or another distr.
BTW: I have both the 3" 24 and the 3" 624....... Ordered both of them as soon as they were announced. Very fine guns........No matter WHO sold them"
I know!! I asked S&W if Lew Horton does any modifications or anything to the gun, S&W said no, they place an order to us on how they want the gun set up and than we ship them to Lew Horton, who then puts them in there own box and any accessories!!!
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johnny3
Member
24-3, 3" grips
Beautiful pictures Bob & everyone else!
One poster way back there said "24-3, 3" has a K grip frame." I didn't
think so, so I removed the grips from mine (AEM 828x) & tried a pair
of K-rnd. butt combats on, they will go on but do not cover the back strap
up at the top. Bottom line: the 24-3, 3" are N frame completely.
Beautiful pictures Bob & everyone else!
One poster way back there said "24-3, 3" has a K grip frame." I didn't
think so, so I removed the grips from mine (AEM 828x) & tried a pair
of K-rnd. butt combats on, they will go on but do not cover the back strap
up at the top. Bottom line: the 24-3, 3" are N frame completely.
Tyrod
Member
Assuming for a moment that there were sales of these guns as over runs or whatever. Would a genuine Lew Horton gun have any additional value over the same gun not under the Lew Horton umbrella?
Nemo288
Member
When the LH 3" 44's came out I got several of them. These
were the days when quality was mixed. Got a 24-3 serial
AEL08xx. Sold it. A 29-3 serial ALA93xx. The finish was so bad
I returned it to Smith. Sold it. The 624 serial ALV09xx I kept.
---
Nemo
were the days when quality was mixed. Got a 24-3 serial
AEL08xx. Sold it. A 29-3 serial ALA93xx. The finish was so bad
I returned it to Smith. Sold it. The 624 serial ALV09xx I kept.
---
Nemo
I got my 624 last year. There was a collection of guns at a LGS, many of them Smiths. A silent auction for each individual gun was held over a two week period. As I recall I won a dozen or so. Most of the Smiths which were all in 98 to 99% condition but most w/o boxes, were pretty common models. But two of those that I won were a 296 in the clamshell box with everything and a 624 with nothing, but unfired. My 296 winning bid was $350 and my bid for the 624 3" LH was $361. I just barely won that one. They are both great shooters and both wear the combat finger groove grips.
The 296 grips (an L frame) w/K frame RB fit my 500 Mag. The 624 N frame grips were too big for the 500 Mag. That was my education on RB grip sizes. I believe the 24-3 3" & 624 3" RBs were some of the last models (maybe also 1st) to have an N frame RB grip frame.
The 296 grips (an L frame) w/K frame RB fit my 500 Mag. The 624 N frame grips were too big for the 500 Mag. That was my education on RB grip sizes. I believe the 24-3 3" & 624 3" RBs were some of the last models (maybe also 1st) to have an N frame RB grip frame.
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GeeTen
Member
Batting .500 on 24-3s
I've had the good fortune to get two (2) of these beauties in my mitts. My first was a LH serial #AEJ16xx that I sold to my good buddy Walosi back in 2002 maybe? I received a note from his son that Don had passed away several years ago, but he loved that little revolver. Called it his "barbeque" gun and always wore it on his hip for any outdoor activities. His son just wanted to let me know about his passing and assure me that his dad's revolver would stay in the family.
I missed that little beauty for a long time, but was glad it remains in good hands.
Then, in 2006, I was shooting at a public range in Attleboro, MA when I happened to glance in a showcase on the way out. Lo and behold, an object of familiar, intense beauty was just sitting there waiting for me -- another LH 24-3, serial #AEL10xx, in pristine condition. Having promised the boys behind the counter my first born to put her on hold, I sprinted (!?!) to the nearest ATM and paid $341.25 OTD (yup, I still have the receipt). She's sitting here next to me right now -- and as soon as I get some new batteries for the digital camera, I'll post some pics. She's wearing a custom set of BTS+ walnut (?) Spegels that I got from SmithNut, too.
Ain't life wonderful?
Later sports fans,
F.
I've had the good fortune to get two (2) of these beauties in my mitts. My first was a LH serial #AEJ16xx that I sold to my good buddy Walosi back in 2002 maybe? I received a note from his son that Don had passed away several years ago, but he loved that little revolver. Called it his "barbeque" gun and always wore it on his hip for any outdoor activities. His son just wanted to let me know about his passing and assure me that his dad's revolver would stay in the family.
I missed that little beauty for a long time, but was glad it remains in good hands.
Then, in 2006, I was shooting at a public range in Attleboro, MA when I happened to glance in a showcase on the way out. Lo and behold, an object of familiar, intense beauty was just sitting there waiting for me -- another LH 24-3, serial #AEL10xx, in pristine condition. Having promised the boys behind the counter my first born to put her on hold, I sprinted (!?!) to the nearest ATM and paid $341.25 OTD (yup, I still have the receipt). She's sitting here next to me right now -- and as soon as I get some new batteries for the digital camera, I'll post some pics. She's wearing a custom set of BTS+ walnut (?) Spegels that I got from SmithNut, too.
Ain't life wonderful?
Later sports fans,
F.
Nemo288
Member
My ebony Spegel's have been here and went back doing the custom
fit thing. I am now officially holding my breath for their return.
Pix of the LH 3" 624 with them are forthcoming.
---
not quite blue yet Nemo
fit thing. I am now officially holding my breath for their return.
Pix of the LH 3" 624 with them are forthcoming.
---
not quite blue yet Nemo
gendaw44
Member
As a new member I am having fun sifting through the forum's archives for threads of interest on a few of my favorite S&W toys to see what may have been said of the Lew Horton 24-3. It seems that I am not alone in loving this little gem. I picked mine up at a gun show probably not too long after it was issued. It's another AEJ1xxx. the grips are ink numbered inside #23. I would love to get a high ride, r-hand cross draw belt holster for it but inasmuch as it is a morfed N/K frame I've never been sure of the proper one. I suppose it will be the N and not to worry about the K grip frame. Now lets see if I can bring this back to life. Thanks a bunch for looking.
Don't know if they are exactly 'Lew Horton', but if S&W marked ONLY what was left of the 5000 LH guns, then I would suspect they are just as rare.
Yes, not a great picture but it is mine. And with 'cowboy' loads at 10 yards it makes one six shot hole, and right where the sights look.
Yes, not a great picture but it is mine. And with 'cowboy' loads at 10 yards it makes one six shot hole, and right where the sights look.
24-3's are great. I worked at one of the largest S&W dealers on the east coast and could not for the life of me get the 3 inch LH model. I did pickup a 4inch and 2 6 1/2inch 24-3's as at that time I discovered the merits of the .44 Special round. When the 3inch 624 LH came out I had my boss order the LH special right from LH for me instead of waiting for it to hit the warehouse. Have the original shipping papers from LH serial number does not fall in with the LH listed guns in the S&W book. With S&W anything goes. Detective from the Camden County Prosecutor's office carried a 3inch 24-3 and wanted to trade me for the 624. 624 with the combat's just looked too nice. I did get the holster also and found one in a old holster bin at the local shop. I did pickup a 6 1/2 inch 624 later. The addiction continued with the 696(2) and the 396. Still looking for a 3inch 24-3. The hunt continues which is half the fun.
Frank Ruple
SWCA # 2087
Frank Ruple
SWCA # 2087
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rburg
Member
OK, a Lew Horton 24-3 story. Long ago, like in the last century and a different record keeping system, I was hiking along a gun show. And there in front of me was a very nice short barrel 44 Special. I didn't really give a hoot about Lew Horton, it looked all the world like a worthy piece, so I bought it. The only part of the old record keeping system of any relevance was the fact that I can't now explain how much I paid back then. But I'm guessing $300, maybe a bit more. But it did have a few problems, like not having its box, and wearing the most hideous rubber grips ever to come out of a Goodyear plant. My plan had been simple, I would replace them with great Goncolo Alves and all would be right with the world.
But then other things got in the way. And I'd fired it and loved the way it shot, and I even found the best holster for it I'd ever seen. Only after finding and buying a set of round butted smooth Magna's did I realize you couldn't buy for love or money a correct set of grips back then. So my little prize lost a bunch of its luster.
And then another outside event took place. KY passed its CCW law.
I have a buddy who has always been a lousy shot. Murphy was one of those guys who had to own the "best" semi auto. And he couldn't hit a barn if he was standing inside. Worse, our CCW course included a range session. The student to pass had to actually hit the man shaped target more than half the time (11 of 20) shots at 7 yards! And Murphy was seriously stressed over it. He absolutely had to have his license because all his friends had one, but he found the requirement pretty daunting with his AutoMags and Desert Eagles.
So he decided to pay for lessons. Not a bad way of approaching the problem, and he could do it without any of us knowing. But even though his shooting was improving, it wasn't a slam dunk he'd pass.
About this same time I concluded my collecting needed to change directions. I was in hot pursuit of K22s and Registered Mags. And being a poor boy, I was running into minor money shortages. So I made a decision to dump a bunch of guns I didn't want or need. And the 24-3 was on the block. I'd made up a list of guns and prices and gave it some private distribution. So Murphy called and wanted to come looking and maybe buying. I'd been dumping some M39s and a HiPower or two, and figured those were what he wanted.
Nope, he wanted the short M24. I had reservations about putting him into a gun that wasn't "his style". But he was insistent, so I sold it to him for $400. And because he was a buddy, I even included a bag of my best homebrew. Probably 100-150 44 Specials. Fully expecting him to shoot them up and bring the gun back because it was "defective" for not hitting the paper.
Stranger than that, he came over the following week. To show me his targets! I wasn't expecting much. But for the first time in his life he put together a group on the paper. He was never going to win any awards for his shooting, but for him a 7 yard group you could cover with a paper plate was just outstanding. I even considered he'd faked them, but the guy who came with him saw it with his own eyes. The guy could actually fire a revolver! I felt a lot better about the entire deal. That was probably in about 1998. All was well with the world.
But then 2 years ago, in the worst of the recession, I got a letter from Murphy. That was his style, he lives 3 miles from me and mailed me a dozen letters a month. The rest of the civilized world would email things, he'd photocopy and mail stuff. That day's letter contained a list of guns for sale. And on the list was that 24. So I picked up the phone and told him to bring it back to me, I wanted it. He grumbled a little, but I had a reputation for paying cash, and he apparently needed some. So over it came, but at $600. I didn't mind, I figured it was a good gun even at that price. When he brought it to me he dropped the price by another $50. And it needed cleaning desperately.
So it now lives in the gun collection, where it will stay. Its a shooter, not a collectors item. And during the time it was gone, I bought a 627x8 that came with ugly grips (seems like a trend). So Don Collins was next to our tables and I asked him if he could make me a set of round "N" grips. He said sure, and made a tracing of the grip frame. Those never went on the 627, but they may go on the Lew Horton. Right now its wearing a set of Combats that look and feel great. And it still fits the holster I found for it maybe 15 years ago.
The little gun has come a long way. It still weighs more than my 329, and a whole bunch more than my 396. But its a worthy gun to take shooting or just carry. For whatever reason, 3" Ns carry easily. So these days its referred to as the gun that went to live with Murphy and taught him how to shoot. Then it came home to poppa.
But then other things got in the way. And I'd fired it and loved the way it shot, and I even found the best holster for it I'd ever seen. Only after finding and buying a set of round butted smooth Magna's did I realize you couldn't buy for love or money a correct set of grips back then. So my little prize lost a bunch of its luster.
And then another outside event took place. KY passed its CCW law.
I have a buddy who has always been a lousy shot. Murphy was one of those guys who had to own the "best" semi auto. And he couldn't hit a barn if he was standing inside. Worse, our CCW course included a range session. The student to pass had to actually hit the man shaped target more than half the time (11 of 20) shots at 7 yards! And Murphy was seriously stressed over it. He absolutely had to have his license because all his friends had one, but he found the requirement pretty daunting with his AutoMags and Desert Eagles.
So he decided to pay for lessons. Not a bad way of approaching the problem, and he could do it without any of us knowing. But even though his shooting was improving, it wasn't a slam dunk he'd pass.
About this same time I concluded my collecting needed to change directions. I was in hot pursuit of K22s and Registered Mags. And being a poor boy, I was running into minor money shortages. So I made a decision to dump a bunch of guns I didn't want or need. And the 24-3 was on the block. I'd made up a list of guns and prices and gave it some private distribution. So Murphy called and wanted to come looking and maybe buying. I'd been dumping some M39s and a HiPower or two, and figured those were what he wanted.
Nope, he wanted the short M24. I had reservations about putting him into a gun that wasn't "his style". But he was insistent, so I sold it to him for $400. And because he was a buddy, I even included a bag of my best homebrew. Probably 100-150 44 Specials. Fully expecting him to shoot them up and bring the gun back because it was "defective" for not hitting the paper.
Stranger than that, he came over the following week. To show me his targets! I wasn't expecting much. But for the first time in his life he put together a group on the paper. He was never going to win any awards for his shooting, but for him a 7 yard group you could cover with a paper plate was just outstanding. I even considered he'd faked them, but the guy who came with him saw it with his own eyes. The guy could actually fire a revolver! I felt a lot better about the entire deal. That was probably in about 1998. All was well with the world.
But then 2 years ago, in the worst of the recession, I got a letter from Murphy. That was his style, he lives 3 miles from me and mailed me a dozen letters a month. The rest of the civilized world would email things, he'd photocopy and mail stuff. That day's letter contained a list of guns for sale. And on the list was that 24. So I picked up the phone and told him to bring it back to me, I wanted it. He grumbled a little, but I had a reputation for paying cash, and he apparently needed some. So over it came, but at $600. I didn't mind, I figured it was a good gun even at that price. When he brought it to me he dropped the price by another $50. And it needed cleaning desperately.
So it now lives in the gun collection, where it will stay. Its a shooter, not a collectors item. And during the time it was gone, I bought a 627x8 that came with ugly grips (seems like a trend). So Don Collins was next to our tables and I asked him if he could make me a set of round "N" grips. He said sure, and made a tracing of the grip frame. Those never went on the 627, but they may go on the Lew Horton. Right now its wearing a set of Combats that look and feel great. And it still fits the holster I found for it maybe 15 years ago.
The little gun has come a long way. It still weighs more than my 329, and a whole bunch more than my 396. But its a worthy gun to take shooting or just carry. For whatever reason, 3" Ns carry easily. So these days its referred to as the gun that went to live with Murphy and taught him how to shoot. Then it came home to poppa.
Nemo288
Member
Very neat story. The 3" 24 and 624 are some of the first round butt
N frames and I have found that the fit is a little different than
later models. That's why I had Craig Spegel do the custom fit thing
where he mails the semi-finished stocks and you trace the frame
on them for final trimming. The results are perfect. Very comfortable to shoot as well.
I qualified for CCW with this rig. Yeah, the 4" shoots better
but this gun hides better and is just plain cool.
Needless to say, I was the only one totin' an N-frame at the CCW class.
...Nemo...
N frames and I have found that the fit is a little different than
later models. That's why I had Craig Spegel do the custom fit thing
where he mails the semi-finished stocks and you trace the frame
on them for final trimming. The results are perfect. Very comfortable to shoot as well.
I qualified for CCW with this rig. Yeah, the 4" shoots better
but this gun hides better and is just plain cool.
Needless to say, I was the only one totin' an N-frame at the CCW class.
...Nemo...
Very nice grips! Most later round butt N frames have the K/L grip frame size including the 500 X frames.
Nemo288
Member
I was barely able to fit a 500 grip on my 1989 Mountain Revolver.
I could tell the dimensions have changed over the years.
A bit of crafting was involved.
...Nemo...
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