Smith & Wesson Model 624 3” ALU prefix

JLove008 · #1 10-09-2022, 11:53 PM

After searching for the past few months I was finally able to locate a 3” model 624 no dash in trade (product code 103580 - RB, RR, WO). Overall, I’m pleased with the condition after a good cleaning and adding a spare set of factory combat grips.

Unfortunately, it’s not one of the“1st 100 3” Combat guns, some reported w/ ALU SN prefixes, Laser engraved 1985 limited edition”(Code 103583). The gentlemen I acquired it from believes it’s a Lew Horton, but I’m not too sure considering the ALU prefix. I may request a LOA just to have, but if it’s not a LH, certainly not a deal breaker.

dsf · #2 10-10-2022, 01:39 AM

Beautiful gun.

I found a blued version not so long ago, it came with factory rounded combats. I like the service round butt and adapter combination better for the shorter barrel types.

IMG_0284.jpg

Not sure why the short barreled 44 Special doesn't get quite the same love as the Model 27 though.

CH4 · #3 10-10-2022, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsf

Beautiful gun.

I found a blued version not so long ago, it came with factory rounded combats. I like the service round butt and adapter combination better for the shorter barrel types.

Attachment 596661

Not sure why the short barreled 44 Special doesn't get quite the same love as the Model 27 though.

I love my 24-3 and 3.5” 27s equally.

Still looking for a 3” 624.

JLove008 · #4 10-10-2022, 02:20 AM

I’ll have to take a group photo once the pre 27 arrives.

624 3”, Pre 27 3.5”, 24-3 3”

hkcavalier · #5 10-10-2022, 03:06 AM

I'm not sure where all the prefix data comes from. I had a very low ALU serial 624 that wasn't engraved but was a Lew Horton gun confirmed by the distributor, and I also briefly owned a First 100 engraved 24 (all were LH, no need to research) that didn't fall in that supposed matching serial range.

Hope that helps a little.

Vtgw938 · #6 04-30-2023, 04:03 PM

I have a ALU prefix at it is verified as having gone through Lew Horton Distributors.

S&WIowegan · #7 04-30-2023, 04:54 PM

My two 624s are both ALW serial numbers only 229 numbers apart. One is certified Lew Horton and the other is not. The verified LH gun also has the magical factory Red C stamped on the box. The non-Horton is a factory over-run of the LH order.

Vtgw938 · #8 04-30-2023, 07:11 PM

"The non-Horton is a factory over-run of the LH order."

In that vain, I checked with Susan Lorusso on my three suspect LH's and found all three were distributed by them. One was a 686, 2 1/2 inch that I was sure was an over-run gun like yours. It came to me with standard round magna grips and no white outline rear blade. That one was a surprise.

Don't think I'm going to pony up $60 for letters though. Even the over-runs are the same gun, just didn't get sold in the retail market by Lew Horton Distributors.