My entire Model 24-3 collection!

[S&WIowegan]

All 24-3s are not ....

...necessarily Lew Hortons. The reason is S&W typically has an over-run on Lew Horton orders and eventually sells the overs into the regular distributors. For example, I have a 3" Model 624 that IS a Horton and another identical pistol that isn't a Horton(according to Horton's records).

 

[Narragansett]

Wyatt, I too have a big collection of S&W "25" revolvers in 45 Colt. All two of them....

S&W Model 625-9 "Mountain Gun" in 45 Colt

S&W Model 25-5 in 45 Colt

Thanks for looking at my entire Smith & Wesson 45 Colt collection....all two of them!

God bless,
Birdgun

BEAUTIFUL 25-5!!

 

[BaldEagle1313]

...necessarily Lew Hortons. The reason is S&W typically has an over-run on Lew Horton orders and eventually sells the overs into the regular distributors. For example, I have a 3" Model 624 that IS a Horton and another identical pistol that isn't a Horton(according to Horton's records).

One of mine is definitely a Lew - the box label has the correct SKU for it according the SCS&W.

I've sent them a request about the other but haven't heard back yet.

 

[Kingspoke]

S&W 24-3

Here's my recently acquired 24-3 4" and my best shooter, bar none, the (4th Model Target) pre 24!

 

[Vilkus]

I am learning a lot from this thread about my 24-3. But I'm also kind of mystified.

I am also intrigued by the notion that Lew Horton ordered these with the K-frame grip configuration. Last fall, my wife bought me a set of Grashorn Stags, and the ordered size was 'N-Frame, Round Butt'. As you can see, these now reside on my 24.

I remember reading a magazine article about the 24-3 Lew Horton guns that said they had a K size round butt frame.

(I think that these Horton guns were the first N frame guns to have a RB frame.)

I can tell you that the grips on my 24-3 LH will not interchange with the grips on my 65-5 w/round butt (K) frame.

I believe what the magazine article should have said was that L.H. guns have a RB frame similar to the K frame models.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

Here's the Shooting Times Skeeter Skelton article from 82 or 83 I still have that made me run out and buy the four incher. I got mine in Shotgun News from a place called "Southern Ohio..." distributors or something like that. $375 I bnelieve it was.

 

[jcelect]

I am learning a lot from this thread about my 24-3. But I'm also kind of mystified.

First, I had no idea that ALL 3" 24-3's where Lew Horton Specials. The guy that I bought mine from even said that the 24-3 that he sold me was emphatically NOT a LH Special, and would probably had charged me a bit more if he realized that it was. So is the statement really true? Are ALL 3" 24-3's LH's? Is my 24-3 below a Lew Horton Special?

I am also intrigued by the notion that Lew Horton ordered these with the K-frame grip configuration. Last fall, my wife bought me a set of Grashorn Stags, and the ordered size was 'N-Frame, Round Butt'. As you can see, these now reside on my 24.

On another thread, I learned that ZERO 24-3's left the factory in a nickel finish, brush or otherwise. My gun has a brushed nickel finish, but under the left grip can be found an 'N' inside a diamond, probably denoting that it had been returned to S&W for the new finish.

So what it looks like what I actually have is a 24-3 with a factory (albeit not original) brush nickel finish, with N-Frame grip profile, and which may or may not be a Lew Horton Special.

What say y'all?

The rest of the story!
In about 1984 Lew Horton ordered a 3", N frame, W/RB, in 44 Spl! This was the first time, post WW II, S&W made a 3" N frame and RB config! At that time a "Special Run" of guns required an order of 5000 units. People said LH was nuts as the guns would not sell! In about 6 months LH went back to S&W and ordered the same configuration in 44 Mag, and THEY sold fast! The rest is 3" N frame history. I DARE anyone to post a complete list of 3", RB, & N frame guns made since that time period! Here's a start!

jcelect

 

[Muley Gil]

I've been shooting S&W revolvers for a little over 50 years and I can't tell you how many I own but I've never had a 44 spl until a year ago. Lots of 44 mag, 45 Colt, and 45 acp but not a single 44 spl.

About a year ago I found a Triple Lock that I could afford at my LGS. Pretty good shape with a nickel refinish which is not my first choice but affordable trumps want. Got a factory letter and built it a box but I am wary of shooting a 105 year old gun. It will stay a safe queen.

Two months ago I found a 24-6 at the same LGS and figured it could be my "shooter". 6 1/2 inch barrel, target hammer and trigger. I am now sold on 44 specials and will certainly look for more. I have been playing around with light target loads and found some 185 Gr lead wadcutters at Matt's Bullets. 3.5 grains of Clays is similar to the old NRA 38 spl target load and is forgiving to old arthritic joints

I have a 5" .44 Special Triple Lock, shipped in 1910, that is a wonderful shooter. Don't rob yourself out of the opportunity of shooting one of S&W's finest revolvers.

 

[jtcarm]

Here's the Shooting Times Skeeter Skelton article from 82 or 83 I still have that made me run out and buy the four incher. I got mine in Shotgun News from a place called "Southern Ohio..." distributors or something like that. $375 I bnelieve it was.

Nix Shooting Supply, Lewisville Texas for me.

It then went directly to Jerry Peebles shop for round butt and a sweet action job.

It's one of two Smiths that I'll never part with.