What grips were sold on the 24-3 3" guns, and when may they have changed?

[YeshuaIsa53]

Many of us buy a gun we wonder about the grips. Sometimes the box doesn't elaborate enough to make us happy.

Lew Horton ordered the 24-3 in 3" as the Lew Horton Combat Variation. I read the first 100 were engraved, with 25 of those nickle and the rest blue. I have seen neither, unfortunately.

Not including the first 100 engraved guns, were the rest sold with Goncala Alves Smooth Finger-groove Combat grips? I bought one that had other smooth combat finger-groove grips, but were laminated. I saw a pair of them in a S&W box awhile back and copied the picture.

Since, I paid the high price of not-knowing and bought the "what I thought to be" correct grips for the gun, although the date may not match. Since then, I have been wondering. Can anyone shed light on the subject? Thanks. I'll try to post a pic of the laminated grips at a later date.

[Coastie762]

Don't know about all of them but this 3" 24-3 came to me ANIB with Goncolo Alves combats. I never checked but am pretty sure this one is not a Lew Horton gun. Serial number prefix is ALA.

[andy52]

My Lew Horton ANIB came with GA combats and the holster issued with the first 500.

[g8rb8]

Off the top of my head all Model 24-3 (and Model 624 - stainless) with 3" barrels would have originally shipped with smooth finger-groove Goncalo combat grips like those below and like those posted by Coastie762. These grips were solid wood and not laminated.

A quick review of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th edition, page 224 reveals the type of grips are not stipulated but a photograph of the 24-3 with 3" barrel shows smooth finger-groove combats grips like those pictured below.

Page 302 of SCSW does state Model 624 (stainless) Lew Horton Combat Special with 3" barrel did come with Goncalo combat grips.

[jaymoore]

The earlier 24-3s had a "fatter" front finger area than the later ones which seem to be found on most 624 3" revolvers.

[YeshuaIsa53]

Originally Posted by jaymoore

The earlier 24-3s had a "fatter" front finger area than the later ones which seem to be found on most 624 3" revolvers.

Thank you very much!

[HamHands]

Originally Posted by andy52

My Lew Horton ANIB came with GA combats and the holster issued with the first 500.

Do you still have the Holster? If so can you post pics please? I'm very interested in the holster you speak of. What a nice M24 LHS you have there. The GA's are beautiful!

[jaymoore]

Originally Posted by HamHands

Do you still have the Holster? If so can you post pics please? I'm very interested in the holster you speak of. What a nice M24 LHS you have there. The GA's are beautiful!

I have two variations of the holster, one being left handed, which i ordered with the revolver from Lew Horton. I should be able to find some photos in older threads when there's more time. Even have the bag in which it was shipped.

[HamHands]

Originally Posted by jaymoore

I have two variations of the holster, one being left handed, which i ordered with the revolver from Lew Horton. I should be able to find some photos in older threads when there's more time. Even have the bag in which it was shipped.

That's fantastic JM... Post pics when you have the time buddy!

[Shark Bait]

For those of you looking for info on the holsters, here are some pics. The two pancake holsters are for the Lew Horton 624, and the other holster is what was made for the 24-3. Last I heard was that 1000 holsters were made for the 24-3 and another 1000 for the 624. I imagine a small percentage were left handed versions. If anyone has more info or corrections to mine, please post it.

BTW, the 624 holsters are very comfortable to wear and accommodate a 3 1/2 inch 27 very nicely.

[HamHands]

Originally Posted by Shark Bait

For those of you looking for info on the holsters, here are some pics. The two pancake holsters are for the Lew Horton 624, and the other holster is what was made for the 24-3. Last I heard was that 1000 holsters were made for the 24-3 and another 1000 for the 624. I imagine a small percentage were left handed versions. If anyone has more info or corrections to mine, please post it.

BTW, the 624 holsters are very comfortable to wear and accommodate a 3 1/2 inch 27 very nicely.

Those look to be very well made and I appreciate you posting these pics! I really want a Righty version of these holsters. I have a well worn Desantis model "43" as my sole thumb snap/retainment holster for all my N frame 3" .44's to share which isn't optimal. I believe each gun needs it's very own holster to live, ride in. Nobody makes a high quality, thumb snap equipped, holster that will fit a Lew Horton profiled M24 or M29 Revo currently; and that is a shame considering the resurgence and renowned interest in this style gun! The Desantis "43" took 2 months of constant wear to break it in. And I'm used to holsters of much better grain of leather, double/triple stitching, exact model fit and overall quality of holster than the Desantis "43" offers. Maybe I could get Milt Sparks to replicate the Smith/LHS holster as they've done special order stuff for me before!

[jaymoore]

Originally Posted by HamHands

That's fantastic JM... Post pics when you have the time buddy!

Here's the link to the old holster photo thread:
The S&W left hand holster for the Lew Horton 24-3 3" revolver


I'd repost the photos, but have lost the ability to access the old P'bucket account some time back, and never got it sorted.

ETA: Most of my carry with the 3" 24-3 was done using a horizontal shoulder holster, Galco, maybe. Worked surprisingly well at concealment. Not condoned by most competitions, though... (Rather understandable if it's your basic cocked and locked 1911 type or anything that might have a touchy trigger.)

[2K7]

M24 3 Inch Lew Horton Holster.jpg

M624 Lew Horton Holster.jpg

[HamHands]

Originally Posted by 2K7

Attachment 399430

Attachment 399431

Thanks to Shark-Bait a great fellow member of this forum... I have procured an excellent OEM Smith's Lew Horton Special holster in fantastic condition for my M24-3 LHS! They are very well constructed, stitched, fitted, and only made with high quality leather. I can't wait to get back in town and start breaking it in to my M24. There really isn't but 1 at most 2 maybe options/manufacturers for an all leather, OWB, N frame holster with a thumb snap/retainment option these days. And while Desantis pocket holsters for "J" frames are fantastic... their 3" N frame model "43" holster really is Busch League at best in regards to materials used, construction, etc... I've never had a holster that needed over 2 months of constantly being worn my waking hours to break it in. Needless to say options are extremely limited for the 3" N frame!

[HamHands]

Originally Posted by jaymoore

Here's the link to the old holster photo thread:
The S&W left hand holster for the Lew Horton 24-3 3" revolver


I'd repost the photos, but have lost the ability to access the old P'bucket account some time back, and never got it sorted.

ETA: Most of my carry with the 3" 24-3 was done using a horizontal shoulder holster, Galco, maybe. Worked surprisingly well at concealment. Not condoned by most competitions, though... (Rather understandable if it's your basic cocked and locked 1911 type or anything that might have a touchy trigger.)

I appreciate you taking the time to give the link!

Photobucket has ruined more threads on more forums than any other hosting site. I refuse to use them for anything and have gone to Imgur.com for all my family, friend, sports, cars, and firearms pics and they have been great. Check them out if you haven't already!

I've never used a shoulder holster before. But I have recently acquired a Smith 6.5" DX that if I really enjoy shooting I could see a Shoulder Holster in my future for sure. Not to compete with but for Woods/Mountains carry for when hiking, kayaking, 4x4ing,... most certainly!

[jaymoore]

Another option, if you can find one used, is the old (1970's era) Roy's pancake holster for the 3 1/2" M27. I like them, not that i carry big iron much anymore, except in the woods.

BTW, for hunting, etc., there are also "bandoleer" holsters, which I often utilize for both iron and optic equipped revolvers. Usually nylon, as they tend to get wet. And really only needed when dragging out a deer, jumping creeks, etc. Otherwise, the revolver is generally in hand!

[HamHands]

Originally Posted by jaymoore

Another option, if you can find one used, is the old (1970's era) Roy's pancake holster for the 3 1/2" M27. I like them, not that i carry big iron much anymore, except in the woods.

BTW, for hunting, etc., there are also "bandoleer" holsters, which I often utilize for both iron and optic equipped revolvers. Usually nylon, as they tend to get wet. And really only needed when dragging out a deer, jumping creeks, etc. Otherwise, the revolver is generally in hand!

That is a great idea, the Roy pancake holster as long as it has a thumb strap/button for retention! I have a a belly band holster I was using for when running outdoors with the GSD pup getting her exercise. Secure, snug and close to the body with decent presentation time (about 3 seconds compared to 1.5seconds with an OWB holster), but sweat was a constant problem in the summer time. It sure does hide an "N" frame like no other though!

[jaymoore]

Originally Posted by HamHands

That is a great idea, the Roy pancake holster as long as it has a thumb strap/button for retention! I have a a belly band holster I was using for when running outdoors with the GSD pup getting her exercise. Secure, snug and close to the body with decent presentation time (about 3 seconds compared to 1.5seconds with an OWB holster), but sweat was a constant problem in the summer time. It sure does hide an "N" frame like no other though!

Trigger is exposed, like most all "old school" revolver holsters, but otherwise, it should do! LisaG also has a GSD, so I get the need for retention. The Roy's holster rides high, which is a good thing with the fat N frame cylinder. I think my 3.5" M27 Roy's is the one i had to restitch (with black telephone wire (also "old school" any more)-very effective!) as it's seen a bunch of use as well over the years.

[HamHands]

Originally Posted by jaymoore

Trigger is exposed, like most all "old school" revolver holsters, but otherwise, it should do! LisaG also has a GSD, so I get the need for retention. The Roy's holster rides high, which is a good thing with the fat N frame cylinder. I think my 3.5" M27 Roy's is the one i had to restitch (with black telephone wire (also "old school" any more)-very effective!) as it's seen a bunch of use as well over the years.

I posted the below pic in another thread so maybe you already saw it Jay... I got an OEM Smith "BLW-624" New Old Stock holster from another member here, "Shark-Bait"... It is my favorite all leather holster I have, still have, or ever tried! I have shoe-boxes and a gun bench peg-board full of leather, hybrid leather/kydex, and synthetic material holsters that I tried for lots of guns but didn't work well with my body type/fit that I need to put on eBay. But this Holster is a superb 3" N frame Holster that rides quite high on the belt line, is super comfortable, and hides very well. The thumb snap has a positive audible snap both on/off and a definite feel for snapped or unsnapped. Presentation once the cover garment is outta the way is fast and very fluid. It's pretty much all I could ask in a holster. I've never had a holster that didn't cover the trigger guard/trigger before. I figured no big deal because I've practiced trigger finger control for so well upon drawing and presentation. But with as much time we spend in the woods late fall, winter, and early spring (summer is too damned hot)... especially in winter months when wearing multiple garments... some have draw strings and cinches, for example my NorthFace Jacket & over Coat are worn together & sometimes with rain gear atop; all of those layering garments have draw strings on the pockets and sides of the the hems so you can draw/cinche them tight for heat and comfort/wear. Well you have to be really careful with those as I'm sure your know... when you re-holstering a weapon because they can get wedged into the trigger guard and the holster's trigger covered area... and next thing you could have a hole in the ground, your boot, or worse even. And anyone would have a hard time getting back to your Jeep or mountain home for help in that situation in the NC mountains. Well, I really don't have to worry about that anymore with this Holster! It just may be "MY" perfect "Woods-Gun" holster!

[jaymoore]

Nice holster, indeed! I have one just like it, but more "experienced". Only problem is that it's right handed, so not much use to me....