Lew Horton model 624 question
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Lew Horton did not make any guns but distributed special edition models like the 24-3 and 624, both 3" barrels. The 4" and 6" 24-3 and 624's were standard production models and I am not aware of any 6-1/2" barreled 624. As far as I know, the 4" and 6" models were not Lew Horton limited production items. And, there were overruns of the 3" guns that are outside of the Lew Horton serial number range.
Weren't they 6 1/2 inch?
Yep, the 624 came with 3, 4 and 6.5" barrels.
As did the Model 24-3.
When S&W reintroduced the 24, (known to all of us as the 24-3), they completely underestimated the demand. They thought it was just a small, core group of diehard .44 Special fans. That's why they announced it as a limited edition of 7,500 pieces, to be as close to the original as possible (ie: same barrel lengths: 4" & 6.5"). The Lew Horton 24-3 special order with 3" barrel came about a year later. Yet, the demand still persisted.
The idea behind the 624 was to curcumvent the promise they made regarding the 24-3 being a limited edition, yet still find a way to satisfy market demand by offering a standard production .44 Special revolver.
So, the 624 was intended to be exactly the same as the 24-3, the only difference being the use of stainless steel. These standard production revolvers were offered in 4" & 6.5". The 624 with 3" barrel was another Lew Horton special order.
To make a long story short, and reiterate what has already been said, the 624 was made with a 6.5" barrel, not a 6".
Back then, it was sort of a big deal that S&W went with the 6.5" instead of using the 6" barrel that was then "de rigueur" across the full product line.
The idea behind the 624 was to curcumvent the promise they made regarding the 24-3 being a limited edition, yet still find a way to satisfy market demand by offering a standard production .44 Special revolver.
So, the 624 was intended to be exactly the same as the 24-3, the only difference being the use of stainless steel. These standard production revolvers were offered in 4" & 6.5". The 624 with 3" barrel was another Lew Horton special order.
To make a long story short, and reiterate what has already been said, the 624 was made with a 6.5" barrel, not a 6".
Back then, it was sort of a big deal that S&W went with the 6.5" instead of using the 6" barrel that was then "de rigueur" across the full product line.
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The first 100 24-3's were engraved, some of them came with holsters. I have a 3" 24-3 Lew Horton Special, they were also available in stainless but I believe have the 624-3 designation. The Lew Horton's have a factory code of 103583. The issue date is '85
The original run of 624 guns were NO DASH models.
The original Model 24 NO DASH was originally offered in the 4" and 6-1/2" barrel lengths, and the Model 24-3 in 6-1/2" was a nod to the original.
The original Model 24 NO DASH was originally offered in the 4" and 6-1/2" barrel lengths, and the Model 24-3 in 6-1/2" was a nod to the original.
I guess the thing that I am missing in this thread is the difference between a 624 and 24-3 Lew Horton Special. What sets these revolvers apart from their 4" and longer barrel lengths is the fact that they are based on a round butt frame as opposed to the square butt frame. I have had my hands on a 624 Lew Horton Special that a friend of mine owned who is also responsible for my acquisition of his 24-3 Lew Horton Special. They are identical except for the stainless as opposed to blued steel. He kept his 624 as it came with the issued holster and passed the 24-3 on to me. It is one of my favorite carry revolvers and is usually with me when afield, I did have a special set of stocks made for me by John and Jennifer Culina. They were originally made for a 629 Mountain Revolver which also has the round butt frame, they fit me so well that I kept them while trading off the 629.
I stand corrected on the 6-1/2" barrels. Thanks.
ALSO...My nickel and blue 24's have 6.5 in barrels too.
