Smith & Wesson 29-3 3” Non Lew Horton

[JLove008]

Hello all,

I recently purchased a S&W model 29-3 3" in excellent condition. The revolver is probably one of the cleanest I own at this time. It was advertised as a Lew Horton edition, but after reaching out to Mrs. Susan Lorusso at Lew Horton she informed me that "I was unable to locate this particular serial number". I'm still pleased with the revolver, but wondering how many of the 5000 model 29-3 3" actually went through the Lew Horton distributor? This particular 29 has a ALB prefix and the product code is 101224. A fellow member also posted the following as well.

"Last year I spotted 4 3" 29-3 advertized as being from LH but when I sent the serial numbers to Earl at LH he said none of them were from LH.

On one occasion he said that near the end of LH runs the remaining undelivered guns on orders were cancelled due to declining sales so S&W sold them and overruns to other distributors."

 

[Lou_the_welder]

That one looks nicer than mine! I also have a 29-3 3". And also has the ALB prefix.
I was under the impression that the 3" was first offered in the -3 as a regular offering (?) And not so much as tied to a Lew Horton gun. I could be wrong on this.
I also have a buddy with a 3" and also an ALB prefix.

I wonder what then were the prefix Lee Horton used on those guns.

 

[rbmac52]

Lew Horton had some great ideas for special run revolvers from Smith & Wesson, but there is absolutely no added value to one distributed by them compared to the same exact gun distributed by someone else. That would be like saying a Cadillac purchased from one dealer was better than the exact same Cadillac purchased from another.

Enjoy your new Model 29-3 3". They don't make them like that anymore. Those were the days!

 

[JLove008]

Majority of the 29-3 3" that are/were advertised online are claiming to be Lew Horton editions. It appears most of those are ALB prefixes as well. It's certainly not a deal breaker for me, considering the condition of this one. Susan Lorusso at Lew Horton could confirm yours if you would like. [email protected]

That one looks nicer than mine! I also have a 29-3 3". And also has the ALB prefix.
I was under the impression that the 3" was first offered in the -3 as a regular offering (?) And not so much as tied to a Lew Horton gun. I could be wrong on this.
I also have a buddy with a 3" and also an ALB prefix.

I wonder what then were the prefix Lee Horton used on those guns.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

Majority of the 29-3 3" that are/were advertised online are claiming to be Lew Horton editions. It appears most of those are ALB prefixes as well. It's certainly not a deal breaker for me, considering the condition of this one. Susan Lorusso at Lew Horton could confirm yours if you would like. [email protected]

Hmmmm......

I may just do that. Thank you.

 

[75Vette]

My 3" 29-3 has the ALB serial number as well. I don't think it's an LH but doesn't matter much, the gun was such a nice example from the factory. I bought it with Pachs on it but fixed that.

 

[CobiaS&W]

My 3" 29-3 has the ALB serial number as well. I don't think it's an LH but doesn't matter much, the gun was such a nice example from the factory. I bought it with Pachs on it but fixed that.

Are those Culina Grips? Outstanding!

 

[Erocksmash]

Majority of the 29-3 3" that are/were advertised online are claiming to be Lew Horton editions. It appears most of those are ALB prefixes as well. It's certainly not a deal breaker for me, considering the condition of this one. Susan Lorusso at Lew Horton could confirm yours if you would like. [email protected]

Is lew in business again? I thought all inquiries were futile due to the doors closing ??

 

[75Vette]

Are those Culina Grips? Outstanding!

Yessir they are Culinas. Stabilized maple burl.

 

[JLove008]

A fellow member mentioned the following:

"I was able to get into contact with the COO of the Company, Mrs. Susan Lorusso, she has shared with me that she has maintained all of the records, and she shared that she would like me to pass on this information".

She was extremely helpful and a pleasure to speak with. I'm currently waiting on a letter from her at the moment. She can be reached at [email protected]

Is lew in business again? I thought all inquiries were futile due to the doors closing ??

 

[JLove008]

That's an amazing looking revolver! I really like the grips as well!

My 3" 29-3 has the ALB serial number as well. I don't think it's an LH but doesn't matter much, the gun was such a nice example from the factory. I bought it with Pachs on it but fixed that.

 

[mrstang01]

Wow 75Vette, that is a beautiful set of Culinas! I'm going to have to find a set.

Michael

My 3" 29-3 has the ALB serial number as well. I don't think it's an LH but doesn't matter much, the gun was such a nice example from the factory. I bought it with Pachs on it but fixed that.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

Email sent. And while we wait. Here's a pic of mine. It has ALOT of use to it. Lol. ALB serial #

 

[75Vette]

Wow 75Vette, that is a beautiful set of Culinas! I'm going to have to find a set.

Michael

Thanks Michael. Contact Jennifer but be prepared to wait. They have to wait for wood from a special supplier and I was on the list for close to three years. Worth it though!

 

[6917sctygrp]

Beautiful gun, but I can't imagine it is one that would be fun to fire at the range.

 

[JLove008]

If you don't mind please keep us updated. I would be interested to know if it's a LH.

Email sent. And while we wait. Here's a pic of mine. It has ALOT of use to it. Lol. ALB serial #

 

[LostintheOzone]

Beautiful gun, but I can't imagine it is one that would be fun to fire at the range.

Yeah, how do they shoot? Great to collect but if a guy wanted to load for one and actually shoot it I would be curious about that.

I'm looking for a 44 Spl right now and mostly seeing these 3" models with inflated price tags.

But then I guess everything is inflated these days.

I have a 2 1/2" model 19 that shoots exceptionally well with reduced loads at around 800 fps.

 

[Truckman]

I'm looking for a 44 Spl right now and mostly seeing these 3" models with inflated price tags.

Inflated is right...A month or so ago I found a boxed one on the internet at a considerably lower price than elsewhere, so I snagged it...It looks good enough to pass for unfired...This past weekend a fellow was selling off some of his father's guns, and another one was among the pile...No box, but very clean and the price was right...

So now I have one for show and one for go...I sent an email to Mrs. Horton asking her to verify they are both LHD guns...The S/N's are very close...You just have to stay on the move and keep your eyes open to find them......Ben

 

[JLove008]

Hello Mr. Ben,

I look forward to speaking to you again at the next Conroe show. The model 52 and 586 are still a great part of my collection. I managed to acquire a model 24-3 LH as well.





Best regards,
Justin L.

Inflated is right...A month or so ago I found a boxed one on the internet at a considerably lower price than elsewhere, so I snagged it...It looks good enough to pass for unfired...This past weekend a fellow was selling off some of his father's guns, and another one was among the pile...No box, but very clean and the price was right...

So now I have one for show and one for go...I sent an email to Mrs. Horton asking her to verify they are both LHD guns...The S/N's are very close...You just have to stay on the move and keep your eyes open to find them......Ben

 

[Truckman]

I'll see you then, Justin......Ben