Lew Horton model 24-3

[Bullseye Bill]

Can someone help me out with a little detailed history of the subject 3" blue .44 special?? How many total were made; which ser. nrs. were made in which years; original retail price; current market value range?? And any other info relevant to this model. Sure would appreciate the education.

 

[4TenMan]

1000 made my book says they made them in 1984

 

[M28]

Although several sources indicate that 1,000 were manufactured, other sources indicate 5,000 were manufactured which is the same number indicated in the factory letters.

I haven't been watching the market on these lately, but will hazard a guess that a NIB specimen would go for $ 700. Hopefully someone who has been following the market lately will jump in if I'm all wet.

Brian~

 

[H Richard]

Nice shooters are going fo r$700 plus. NIB ones will possibly bring $800. I smile every time I take mine out for exercise.

 

[Jimmymac46]

I may be wrong, but I believe Lew Horton ordered 5000 of nearly every 'Horton' contract Smith he purchased as an exclusive. I recall reading many years ago about Horton and his special order guns, and I believe they were mostly in 5000 gun block. I don't think Smith tooled or set up many smaller orders (in those days) other than for law enforcement.
Additionally, I have one, and many, many others in this forum have 24 Horton's, so I would find it difficult to believe that only 1000 we made. Again, I could be mistaken.

 

[feralmerril]

I have the 66-3 that goes with this paperwork. Sez 300 were made.

 

[DCWilson]

I know that NIB LH 24-3s have sold for $950 and $1000. I have seen them advertised (but don't know if they sold) for $1100. These are California prices. Seems to me that good quality shootable guns are going to be $650-800. Collectible quality pieces, with boxes, tools and paper, are the higher-priced guns.

It was my understanding that the production run was 5000, but they didn't all come out at once. There was also a distinction based on whether or not you bought just the gun, or a gun and holster package. I seem to remember that the gun and holster combos numbered only 1000, but I may be confusing this with some other gun.

 

[no dash]

From what I understand, most of the Horton guns are in 5000 gun lots with exceptions. He does do limited runs of 300 sometimes with different features than the 5000 runs.

 

[jimmyjoe]

I seen one in a little gun shop in Mason, Texas not to long ago for $700. Gun looked to be in 99% condition with no box.

 

[BUFF]

In the March, 1985 issue of SHOOTING TIMES magazine, the cover story was the introduction of the stainless steel Model 624, which largely was manufactured because the production of the 7,500 4 and 6-1/2 inch Model 24-3's didn't satisfy consumer demand. In the article written by Dick Metcalf, there is a sidebar article written by Skeeter Skelton that discusses the 3 inch Model 24-3. Quote:

"An extremely interesting sidelight has occurred recently, at least partly due to Smith's cancellation of the Model 24. Lew Horton's Distributing Co. made a special contract only a year or so ago with the S&W factory for an exclusive run of what it was to call the Combat Model 24. A most unusual gun, it has a three-inch barrel, red ramp front and white outline rear sights, and a K-frame round butt grip. It is a handsome piece of machinery and a revolver that is excedingly suitable for law enforcement and defense.

"I talked to Lew Horton about this unique little gun in December. He sadly told me his initial run of 5000 blued Combat Model 24s was already sold out. But not to worry - he's already ordered 5000 Combat Model 624s made to the same specifications in stainless steel."

I found out about this gun before they were sold out, and my dealer ordered me one from Lew Horton that I picked up September 6, 1984. The holster for the three-inch Model 24-3, made by S&W's leather company, was a $30.00 extra, sold separately, packaged separately. Mine is S/N AEJ14XX, and was the first one to hit my town. When he got mine in, my dealer, also a big S&W fan, called Lew Horton and ordered a few more.

I paid $401.74 out the door, which included about a 6-1/2% sales tax. I haven't shot it. I think I may be able to get my money back if I sold it...

SCS&W III says they were made in 1984 and 1985, and suggested retail was $380.00.

 

[Bullseye Bill]

Thanks guys. I have seen other sources quoted indicating 1984 -1985 mfg. dates and a total run of 5,000, so y'alls info supports that. 'Preciate yer help on this.

 

[P35fan]

Bullseye Bill:

Here is a picture of my Model 24-3 with the proper holster:

 

[Smithhound]

According to the factory letter on mine 5000 were ordered, but LH could not sell the lot and the remainder where returned and sold thru S&W's normal channels.
I think they are one of the most attractive firearms produced during that time.
RD

 

[bubbajoe45]

I have been watching prices on these for several months. Anything that still has the grips on it is going for upwards of 750-800. NIB generally over 1K. The grips are ?what? 200-300?

 

[Mickey D]

Contact Lew Horton at [email protected]

Provide serial number and they will email back if it is or not from their distribution center.

 

[4TenMan]

5,000 made with 1,000 shipped with black holster retail was $380