Lew Horton Model 624 snubby range report

[tlawler]

I picked this LH Model 624 snubbie late last year along with a 1006. I finally made it to the range today and thoroughly enjoyed shooting it. The trigger is a bit stiff, but no stacking and smooth pull through. I think I’m just really spoiled after finding that Reeves Jungkind tuned DAO Python and it’s going to ruin me on everything I shoot from now on!

It was still quite pleasant to shoot and waaaay more manageable than my 657 snubby. I have no idea exactly what I was shooting; I loaded up a bunch of .44 Specials way before I had anything to shoot it in, and I’ll have to dig out my notes to find out, but I was getting 819 fps avg. velocity with what is probably a 240 grain Keith SWC. I limited it to 24 rounds due to starting to smoke the range out from burning lube. Not an issue at most ranges, but this one has poor ventilation and it compounds quickly. I know…I know, but it’s close, convenient, and cheap

I dug this target out of the trash; it had just a smattering of .22 holes, so I couldn’t let it go to waste. I was pleasantly surprised how accurate I was. I like guns that make me look good! I’m planning a trip sometime this week to my gun clubs outdoor range where I don’t have to worry about ventilation. But all in all, I really like this revolver.

 

[D Brown]

Very nice!

I think your load is a keeper.

 

[tlawler]

Found my load info

I found my spiral notebook with my load info in it. This goes way back to when I was still loading on a Lee turret, so right around the beginning of covid. In all of my newer batches, still all in ziplock bags in ammo cans, I tape a small square of paper on the inside with the load info. But back then, I was just filling baggies and writing it in a notebook.

Anyhoo, it’s a Keith 250 grain LSWC over 6.8 grains of Unique.

 

[Brian Parrish]

Love that load!
Tell me about the lube.
Is there a smokes less option?

 

[tlawler]

Love that load!
Tell me about the lube.
Is there a smokes less option?

This was a box of projectiles I bought at an estate sale, so maybe the lube is just old. It’s always been a problem when I shoot lead at this particular range due to their ventilation issues. Some stuff smokes more than others, and I’ve been moving toward powder coating with as-cast projectiles that I buy, and for when I finally start casting on my own. I still must have a literal ton of stuff I’ve bought up cheap at estate sales, garage sales, and various classifieds. Before covid hit and everything went bonkers, people would retire down here and move to an apartment and unload all their reloading components and equipment for pennies on the dollar.

 

[71vette]

Very nice! I’ve got its twin in blue and it’s bigger stainless brother. I’ve yet to shoot my 24-3 3 inch. I need to rectify that. My 4 inch 624 however is just a wonderful thing to shoot.

 

[M29since14]

…I dug this target out of the trash; it had just a smattering of .22 holes, so I couldn’t let it go to waste.

I had to “laugh with you” at this outrageous cheapness. I do that too. Even worse, sometimes folks buy an expensive pack of targets, use one or two, and throw the rest of them in the trash when they leave. I’m not too proud to rescue them from that fateful journey to the landfill (at least temporarily) and convert them to my own use.

I once had one of the short-barreled 624s and ended up selling it without firing a shot. Now I kind of wish I’d kept it, but I’m not sure why. I do have to agree with 71vette that the 4-inch 624, for my tastes, is just about perfect. Anyway, congratulations on your new .44 and thanks for the pictures.

 

[raygixxer89]

Very cool, OP! I have it's tein and it is such a hoot to shoot.

 

[wproct]

My eyes playing tricks on me.

That's a beautiful revolver! My eyes played tricks on me for a bit. For a second I thought your revolver had a wide target hammer on it, but it was a tread on the metal behind the revolver that made the hammer spur look much larger and longer than it is.

 

[kelljor]

Had a Horton 24, blue, sold it about a dozen years ago and have regretted it ever since. Wonder who has it today...........

 

[kelljor]

Knew a guy.....

Knew a guy who worked for a small police force (a city of about 44,000) who, when he made detective, carried a M24 Horton Combat in a shoulder rig. He said it weighed a ton but when he pulled it out the perps just sat down and raised their hands. It is a mean looking thing in person.

 

[6GUNSONLY]

Unique is a little smokey itself, couple with certain lubes you can get a cloud going after a couple of cylinder fulls.