They are a distributing company that will order runs of guns with certain features not found on regular offerings in the line. Many LH guns are put into production as Performance Center guns as well.
hth, and Welcome to the Forum!
The reason I ask is because I just bought a 686-1 3 states away. It has a 6 inch, ported barrel. I have been looking at 586/686 for some time now and that was the first time I've seen one with a ported barrel.
Lew Horton guns were ordered with particular options that S&W could provide, such as barrel length, sights and grip configurations. Most had 3" barrels.
I don't believe they were sent out for porting. I have been wrong before.
Lew Horton 24-3 .44 Spl
Edit to include: There were a few Performance Center guns that were Ported.
686-4 2/12" ported barrel.
3" Carry Comp & Power Port LH Spl