657 no dash 3"

Joined
Apr 19, 2015
Messages
12
Reaction score
5
Location
Shenandoah Valley, VA
Can the experts chime in with their knowledge of a 3" 657? Specifically, numbers produced, and relative value? The SCSW mentions a small run for Lew Horton, yet also lists a regular product code. I recall seeing some info one time about 5 different serial number blocks for this gun. What, if any difference, is there between the Horton guns and supposedly regular production guns? Are the Horton guns no dash as well? I forgot to mention this is a RB, and the code on the box is 103951, same as in the book. Thanks for any information.
 
Register to hide this ad
I do not pay attention to engineering revisions, but I am sure they are different. They were produced 12 years apart after all

The 1986 production run was roughly 5500+/- revolvers with a standard profile barrel. I put boot grips on mine but they shipped with factory combats

657-3.jpg


The late 1998 run for Lew Horton was a full lug style barrel. Quantities have been reported as 150, 200 and 300 by different sources.

Value is what someone is will to pay. Depending on condition these have exceeded $2000 on the auction sites from time to time. In almost any condition, these will reach the $900+ mark
 
There were 5490 657 3" RB produced circa 1986. I recently sold mine for $1100 (no box). They were not distributed by Lew Horton, the LH version came out in 97-98 and had a full lug barrel.
 
Last edited:
There's one listed on GB as a genuine Lew Horton but without the full length barrel lug.



If I didn't already have one just like it I would be bidding on it instead of mentioning it here. Heck, I might bid on it anyway.
 
Last edited:
I have one of the 1986 production 3" 657 revolvers also...only way I will let go of mine is when someone pries it out of my cold dead hands!! Hopefully, that will not happen soon!!
 
This is the real Lew Horton .41 Mag. It is a 657-4.

4AB72B3E-AF1E-4FEB-B9E0-E8CF466C2F71_zpsqgryr1q3.jpg


Here is my 657 no dash. It isn't the Lew Horton exclusive no matter how many Gunbroker ads say otherwise. Strangely enough it is a square butt gun, so I like it over my Lew Horton.

657hybrid_zps5eab7f08.jpg
 
Square Butt...that is interesting...was it original or did someone screw a 3" on a 657 that had a longer barrel...

Bob
 
Square Butt...that is interesting...was it original or did someone screw a 3" on a 657 that had a longer barrel...

Bob

Yeah, to my knowledge all the 657 no dash 3" are RB. Never heard or seen exceptions unless converted after leaving the factory.
 
I'm guessing converted afterwards, but I've read maybe twenty or so left the factory like mine. I have no way of knowing if that is true or not, and I'm not dropping the money on a letter to find out. Supposedly 'Jackthedog' from AuctionArms had a factory square butt three inch 657 he sold off a few years ago. I carry mine, and I shoot it. That is good enough for me.
 
Last edited:
Great info from everyone. Especially like the values given!Reading all this, I guess it's safe to say the Horton guns can be easily distinguished 2 ways- the full lug and the -4. Scott1970- your pictures of your Horton look like the finish is more matte than highly polished like mine. Is that the case?
 
Great info from everyone. Especially like the values given!Reading all this, I guess it's safe to say the Horton guns can be easily distinguished 2 ways- the full lug and the -4. Scott1970- your pictures of your Horton look like the finish is more matte than highly polished like mine. Is that the case?


The 657-4 Lew Horton came with a matte stainless finish.
 
I do not pay attention to engineering revisions, but I am sure they are different. They were produced 12 years apart after all

The 1986 production run was roughly 5500+/- revolvers with a standard profile barrel. I put boot grips on mine but they shipped with factory combats

657-3.jpg


The late 1998 run for Lew Horton was a full lug style barrel. Quantities have been reported as 150, 200 and 300 by different sources.

Value is what someone is will to pay. Depending on condition these have exceeded $2000 on the auction sites from time to time. In almost any condition, these will reach the $900+ mark

Today I picked up this 3" 657 no dash ANE39XX. I thought these came with the rounded combats and not the flat side combats like mine and those pictured above. What years and on what models did the use flat side combats?
Thanks
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2533.jpg
    IMG_2533.jpg
    77.5 KB · Views: 29
Last edited:
Back
Top