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11-28-2010, 12:50 AM
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N-frames with 3" barrels
Hi guys. First post. I came here to ask a question. I want an N-frame in .44 mag or special, preferably blued, with a 3" barrel. On Gunbroker and Gunsamerica I've found a number and they're all selling for well over $800 and most are listed at over $1k. Several of the listings made reference to Lew Horton, and after consulting the oracle at Google it looks like he's a gunsmith that had a line of N-frames released to his specifications? If anyone wants to explain that, feel free.
I already own a couple of older J-frames and a model 657 .41 mag with a 6" barrel and love it. I don't really like the lock but it doesn't bother me all that much either. I specifically want .44 caliber, and I don't really care whether it's a mag or special because I don't plan on shooting full mag loads out of it.
The question is, in the history of the model 24 and 29, have there been regular production 3-inchers, or are they all limited-run? If not, what other years were they made? Are they all post-lock, and are there any that are pinned/recessed? I don't put too much stock in all that stuff, but I would like to know. And do I just need to resign myself to paying upwards of $1000 to get one? It seems ridiculous, but if that's the going rate for what I want...well, then I might have to reevaluate what I want. A couple of my wisened elders think I'm nuts for wanting oddball stuff like a '41 mag and revolvers with odd barrel lengths that are hard to find, but that's the yen I've got, so here I am.
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11-28-2010, 01:04 AM
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Lew Horton is a distributor/wholesaler. They contract with manufacturers like S&W to build model variations to their specifications. Sometimes, they become fairly popular and S&W makes the same variant for others.
The first 3 inch N frame was the Model 24-3 .44 Special. It was also the first round butt N frame gun. There were about 5,000 of them made in 1984-1985. They had followed the standard Model 24-3, with 4 and 6-1/2 inch barrels and square butts, that were made in 1983-1984. There were 7,500 of them. It was the first production .44 Special that S&W had made since 1966.
The success of the Model 24-3 led to the introduction of the same gun in stainless steel, the Model 624. Lew Horton also had them made with 3 inch barrels and round butts.
Since then, S&W has also made N frames with 3 inch barrels, both round and square butt, in .44 Mag, .41 Mag, .45 ACP, .45 Colt, 10MM Auto and others.
The Model 24-3 was introduced in the era after the pinned barrels and recessed cylinders had been discontinued, so all the subsequent 3 inchers are unpinned, non-recessed as well. Most were made in relatively small batches of several hundred to several thousand for numerous distributors, stocking dealers and catalog items.
The current suggested retail price for an N frame S&W is over $1,000, so it shouldn't be a surprise to find that older guns, made in small batches, with both shooter and collector demand, would cost that much.
If you look diligently, you can probably find a shooter grade 3 inch Model 24-3, 624, 29 or 629 for $700 or so, but that is a good price and if someone offers one at that, you need to pounce as it won't remain for sale long.
Last edited by BUFF; 11-28-2010 at 01:11 AM.
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11-28-2010, 01:17 AM
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You might want to look at the 696. It is a 44 spl made on the L frame which is smaller than the N and is more proportional to the 3" bbl. Owners love them, including me. The smaller frame size requires a 5 shot cylinder. It's a really nice size package for the 44 spl.
Charlie
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11-28-2010, 12:25 PM
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love my 696
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11-28-2010, 01:38 PM
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The 696 would be a viable alternative for him..however the price will still be in the 700-900 dollar range....so no real help there....price wise.
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11-28-2010, 02:16 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by S&W forever
love my 696
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11-28-2010, 05:26 PM
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I paid $800 for my 696, but they have been had - on this forum - for less. last one I saw was $650. way under $1000.
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11-28-2010, 07:46 PM
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I wish I was able to get these cheaper, but they were'nt coming down in price and I felt like I could not wait any longer.
If you don't mind the lock and/or MIM parts you can find some nice revos in 44 that me be in you price range. The pre lock and pre MIM parts carry a premium for sure.
There are still deals to be had, but thanks to the internet they are few and far between unless you find a local sale that is not listed.
Good luck!
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11-28-2010, 08:23 PM
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Okay, am getting one too.
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11-28-2010, 08:35 PM
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More pics
629 Jovino 3"
629 in 3"
625 in 3"
629 3" Mountain Backpacker
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11-28-2010, 09:19 PM
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629-3 Performance Center 77 of 300
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12-14-2010, 09:06 AM
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Just wanted to bring this thread back to life and say thanks for the replies, and especially for the 3" N-frame porn. Now I'm even worse off than I was before.
This might warrant a new thread, but I hear much made of the MIM parts and the desirability of older Smiths. My old man, who isn't really a handgun guy but only likes revolvers, will only entertain the thought of older Smiths. My 629 in 6.5" is new with that ugly lock and shoots like a champ with the hands-down best factory trigger I've ever felt on a revolver, and I've been comparing it to other new N-frames and L-frames in stores. Functionally, do these cost-cutting changes really amount to anything?
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12-14-2010, 12:13 PM
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3" Porn!
Hey RichardH, Here is a link to a past post about 3" guns which has a lot of pics of 3" N frame guns! 3-inch Barrel $$ Madness!
Sorry to say, your observation on the pricing of these guns is 100% correct. To add to this insult is the pricing of rare items like the 3" 610($1300+), 3" 625 45 Long Colt($1300+). and 625 45 ACP($1000+) with many more! There have been many variations of the 3" 629 made so they can be found for less money.
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12-14-2010, 02:02 PM
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Going to play the contrarian on this one. I've never liked 3" barrels on the N-frame S&Ws. They just look un-balanced to me. Ever since I first saw one (a Model 27) I've thought the 3.5" is more balanced and the shortest barrel acceptable.
I was lucky enough to get this 3.5" 44 Special (624) recently.
It almost immediately became one of my favorites...and yes, the butt has been rounded.
Dave
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Last edited by Dave T; 12-17-2010 at 11:41 AM.
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12-14-2010, 11:59 PM
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I would certainly take that model 624 with the 3.5" barrel, but from what I can see it seems like 3.5"s are even rarer than 3"s. I like the looks of both. I got to hold one Smith, an older model 27, with a 3.5" barrel and fell in love with the balance, but I've never seen another one.
It looks like the only new option (for those that can stomach it) is the Talo exclusive model 629 with 3" barrel.
This is a bit off-topic, but has anyone had a problem with carbon deposits or scoring that can't be removed from the cylinder walls when firing .44 special from a .44 mag (or .38 from a .357)?
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12-15-2010, 12:16 AM
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****** photos, but HTH.
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12-15-2010, 09:03 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave T
Going to play the contrarian on this one. I've never liked 3" barrels on the N-frame S&Ws. They just look un-balanced to me. Ever since I first saw one (a Model 27) I've thought the 3.5" is more balanced and the shortest barrel acceptable. Dave
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+1
IMO 3" is perfect for K and L frames but too short for N's, for me this has less to do with balance but ejector rod length. A full length ejector rod is important in a fighting handgun. Also once I stuck a 3" 24-3 in my belt and when I bent over it popped out, barrel is too dang short, that short, fat stubby really needs a holster to ride in!!! Having said all that, 3" is what is available, close to $700 seems to be a fair price today.
Be aware if you plan on shooting .44 Spec a lot it is better if you reload, factory ammo is somewhat hard to find and pricey.
m.
Last edited by Mack; 12-15-2010 at 09:22 AM.
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12-15-2010, 11:19 AM
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I enjoy the 3in N Frames I have a Model 25, (2) 625's all in 45ACP a 610 in 10MM and a 696 in 44SPL (L Frame) Up to 25yds I don't see a whole lot of difference. JMHO
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12-15-2010, 12:24 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RichardH
I would certainly take that model 624 with the 3.5" barrel, but from what I can see it seems like 3.5"s are even rarer than 3"s. I like the looks of both. I got to hold one Smith, an older model 27, with a 3.5" barrel and fell in love with the balance, but I've never seen another one.
It looks like the only new option (for those that can stomach it) is the Talo exclusive model 629 with 3" barrel.
This is a bit off-topic, but has anyone had a problem with carbon deposits or scoring that can't be removed from the cylinder walls when firing .44 special from a .44 mag (or .38 from a .357)?
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get a chamber brush in the appropriate caliber...it's a bit larger then the bore brush that you are probably using...it will remove the deposits...just this year i have found a M29 and a 657 both 3"for far less then $1000...they are both fun to shoot...the 657 is my current carry gun....
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12-15-2010, 07:09 PM
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I love the balance of the 3" S&W's in any frame size. They point well, look darn handsome and shoot very accurately for me. Another plus is they are a delight to carry with their short barrels. They are on the expensive side but are a wortwhile investment IMO.
For hunting I like a 6" barrel for the extra velocity and longer sight radius. Heck I like all of the barrel lengths with the 3"'rs being my favorites, but don't own a 8" hog leg.
Your friends who hack you for wanting an odd ball .41 magnum must have no experience with the round. It's a hard hitter, or a softie depending on the load. It will do everything a .44 mag will do with the right load and bullet. Ammo is available and reloading really brings this round to life. My old 6" 57 has taken 38 deer over the years and was my last ditch bear protector in Alaska. I owned 3 .44 mags at one time and am now up to 4 .41's and zero .44's.
3" 657
Three 3" S&W's. K, L and N frames
My four .41's. Also my favorites
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Last edited by Sportsterguy; 12-15-2010 at 07:40 PM.
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12-15-2010, 07:59 PM
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Awesome collection!
I do hand load my .41 mag; 210 gr Hornady JHP over ... I forgot how much 2400. That's embarrassing. I tried the powder/load that was rated tops in the Sierra manual, but results were not the same, either from increased recoil or because the gun just didn't like that load as much. My model 657 with 6" barrel is a fantastic shooter, but that size gun with loads pushing a 210 gr bullet in the 1150-2000 fps range is about as much juice as I care to handle. I'm on the smaller side, but it makes me wonder what kind of lunatic wants stuff like the .460 Ruger and .500 S&W.
My attraction to the .44 special was the idea that I could toss a heavier bullet at slower speeds off the same platform (with a much shorter barrel, of course), and that it could be something to keep at home and that the wife might also be able to shoot. I would definitely be hand loading. But since .44 mags are so common and you can shoot both, I will probably wind up with one of those when the day comes. As it stands now, I'll have to sell something in order to get something else, and I'm not real keen on unloading anything that I have currently.
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12-15-2010, 10:13 PM
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Did someone say 3" N frames???
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12-15-2010, 10:37 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by toroflow1
Did someone say 3" N frames???
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Ken, you're making me dizzy
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12-16-2010, 11:35 AM
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That is an amazing collection...and I thought I was nuts.
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12-16-2010, 12:30 PM
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I really love the 44 Special and in the 3 inch 24-3 it is a great match up.
Carry mine a lot in town for ccw, carry the 4 inch out among the cows. As a short guy I don't handle anything over a 4 inch well on a belt so I've gotten rid of most of the longer ones.
I load everything from shot loads for rats in the barns, to light plinkin' loads with 180 grain on up bullets to the old Keith bullet for deer and coyotes.
The other day I was looking and couldn't believe how many thousands of 44 caliber cast bullets I have laying around (and wondered why am I always casting more?). I better get busy and shoot faster or there'll be a bunch for somebody else after I'm in the ground and that just wouldn't be right.
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12-16-2010, 12:56 PM
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3" N frames
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12-16-2010, 08:39 PM
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24-3 44 Spec. by Lew Horton shipped in 1984. It came with the same RB combat grips most of the other show, but I didn't like the feel so modified some RB to SB grips.
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12-16-2010, 10:23 PM
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Its got to be photoshop...right???? pardon me while I wipe my drool off of the keyboard.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ladder13
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12-16-2010, 10:47 PM
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I'm a fan of 3" N-frames - here's a 24-3 I was lucky to spot at a gun show this year in San Francisco:
...with Eagle 'Heritage' grips:
..my fav is, of course, the 629-6 "Trail Boss" with unfluted cylinder:
--Neill
PS - I will say that 3" K-frames are quite handsome/handy as well...
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01-22-2014, 01:01 PM
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3
Quote:
Originally Posted by toroflow1
Did someone say 3" N frames???
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Now that is truly the "Wheel of (good)Fortune."
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04-30-2014, 10:51 AM
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Big "3"
People like to say "you only get six shots". So what?! They're six really big shots.
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11-21-2015, 01:18 AM
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I bought a Lew Horton Model 25-2 in '84. The barrel is 2 3/4 inch, not 3", and came with round butt Pachmayr stocks and a fitted thumb-break holster. The front sight had been mounted a bit cattywampus so I milled it off and replaced it with a heavy duty blade. I also chamfered the cylinder, black parkerized it and did a trigger job on it. Sometimes I shot .45 auto rim but usually preferred .45 APC with full moon clips, especially when I was shooting IPSC matches. Quit shooting matches decades ago but I still carry it using full moon clips. Superb piece.
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11-21-2015, 04:55 PM
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Zombie thread!
John...welcome to the forum...but start a new thread and post photographs!
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11-22-2015, 01:40 AM
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Just love this series of posts. Forget the 3" 44mag and go for the same in 44 special. You are gonna love it. Accurate and doesn't beat you up with recoil and muzzle blast,plus they are fun to shoot. Frank
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45acp, 610, 624, 629, 696, ccw, colt, ejector, fluted, heritage, l frame, lew horton, model 24, model 25, model 27, model 624, model 625, n-frame, performance center, recessed, round butt, smith-wessonforum.com, swca, unfluted |
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