S&W Model 624 .44 Special

[Say When!]

Can any http://smith-wessonforum.com member tell me which S&W Model 624 .44 Special revolver is more rare between the 3-inch barrel (Lew Horton edition) or the 4-inch barrel version?

Also, does the 3-inch barrel (Lew Horton edition) have different grips/stocks compared to the 4-inch barrel version?

Thank you.
Kind regards.

 

[2K7]

624 Rarity

I believe you will find the 3 inch Lew Horton the more valuable of the two. 3 inch Horton guns came with finger groove goncalo alves grips.

Rarer than the guns are the 3 inch holsters. Blue version could be had with a thumb brake holster and the stainless 624 could be had with a pancake style holster.

Even rarer than that were the left handed versions of the holsters.

 

[k22fan]

1980s 3" 624s are much more common than 1980s 4" 624s. Lew Horton was not the only distributor who ordered and sold 3" 624s. While which distributor handled a 3" 624 makes no difference to most collectors, even comparing only the number sold through Lew Horton 4" 624s are still less numerous.

Value is another matter. 3" barrels are popular among this forum's members and there is no doubt that the S&W made Combat Stocks that were standard on 3" 624s are more valuable than the Target Stocks that were standard on 4" 624s. I guess which is preferable comes down to what you want to do, conceal a grapefruit or carry a large service size handgun in a belt holster. That still leaves comparing value an open question.

 

[HamHands]

I believe you will find the 3 inch Lew Horton the more valuable of the two. 3 inch Horton guns came with finger groove goncalo alves grips.

Rarer than the guns are the 3 inch holsters. Blue version could be had with a thumb brake holster and the stainless 624 could be had with a pancake style holster.

Even rarer than that were the left handed versions of the holsters.

I'm blessed to have found an almost "Minty" 3-inch M24 Lew Horton Special I had been after for years... and then sourced an OEM "Smith" holster for her about 6 months after I got the M24... which was about 2.5 years ago. I wouldn't turn down a 4" with target stocks ever that is for sure... but I wouldn't have one over a 3" version with "Combats" in regards to carry or style points that is for certain... It is truly my favorite handgun with the best DA/SA trigger I've ever owned or tried. And it points faster on target from the hip than my 4" 1911's and 4" barreled CZ's even do. They have a "cult" following and command the prices they do for a reason. I wouldn't want to try and source one now in these prices however!

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

From the thrilling days of yesteryear.