29-3 Lew Horton Classic Hunter - or not?

[Dude_Etc]

I did search 5 pages of threads related to that model and still don't know if the blued, full lug, unfluted, 4 position front sight 29-3 I purchased in '88 is part of Lew Horton's original production of 5k guns as the 3 letter prefix to the serial number seems to vary between examples I've seen discussed on the net(and Lew Horton co. didn't reply to my email before closing operations). Heck.

The serial is AYE30xx. The gunshop dealer told me he traded a .45 for it as the previous owner didn't like the recoil, and told me "I'll offer this to you - once". So I bought it. Fun and accurate with SWC handloads, outrageous plinker with cast round lead balls and reduced powder charges.

Going to be relocating to a location that isn't secure, so I need to sell or store my guns, before listing I'd like to know that it is part of the L.H. production run.

I did spend a few bucks on a trigger job at the gun shop, and turned down 5 bills for it back in '88 at the range. Any thoughts as to it's value would be appreciated.

Thanks (images are 2Mb - so links, sorry)

http://u.cubeupload.com/Dude_Etc/classichunterfull.jpg

http://u.cubeupload.com/Dude_Etc/cla...terframe29.jpg
http://u.cubeupload.com/Dude_Etc/cla...tercrane38.jpg
http://u.cubeupload.com/Dude_Etc/cla...ter4positi.jpg

[75Vette]

A call to S&W customer service may answer your question. Other than that, with LH's closing it's going to be tough getting that info going forward.

[andy52]

Unfortunately there is no way by looking at it to tell if it was a Lew Horton or not.
A friend of mine bought one back in the late 80s looks just like yours and I'm pretty sure it didn't come from Lew Horton.

[H Richard]

It looks exactly like one I sold about a year ago, s/n AZE47xx and I lettered it and it was not a Lew Horton. I think there was a fair number made other than the 5000 Lew Horton is attributed to. One rumor was they agreed to purchase 5000, but cancelled the order after receiving far less than that so S&W sold off the remaining ones.

[buck460XVR]

For the most part, being a limited run for Lew Horton is not going to increase the value of the gun any considerable amount. In fact, it may actually detract from the value, as most of Lew Horton's changes are cosmetic or appeal to a smaller group of shooters(like the huge front sight). Odds are, your trigger job is not going to significantly increase it's value either. Value will depend more on condition, especially with a blued gun.

[toad67]

Interesting, never seen a non silhouette gun with the 4 position front sight.

[Dude_Etc]

Thanks guys, while not the answers I was hoping for, there was a lot of good, factual advice/information in your replies - much appreciated.

I'll have to list it as 29-3 Classic Hunter, run the $500 (basically msrp acording to '89 gun digest)I turned down through the inflation calculator and hit or miss with my estimation of worth(condition is excellent, light cylinder rotation scoring, never carried).

The 4 position front sight I found useful when switching between 25 and 50 yard stations, or even squibs at 10 yards(I like holding center).

Story time(you may not like it - sorry)
At the range one day the was a skinny(looked to be pre-teen)boy sniping a silhouette (man) target at 50 yards with his .22 rifle. It was pre-gulf war era, boy didn't look even close to rotc age, and it just kinda felt odd. I didn't make comment or express judgement, I moved from the 25 to 50 yard station next to him, pinned a silhouette target downrange and fired 2 strings off a sandbag. Both were horizontal groupings - 1 forehead, the other throat. Maybe I was wrong and the lesson didn't need to be taught - dunno, maybe his dad was military.
Anyway, point being - the front adjustable sight is pretty useful.