S&W PC Lew Horton Comp 40

[RedCardinal]

Here is a flyer on the Lew Horton Comp 40 I have had for a long time but never owned or handled the pistol. I would like to see some comments about the pistol from someone who actually used it in competition. Thanks

 

[hoytx10]

I’ve always wondered how do you break down the pistol for cleaning?

 

[Doug M.]

If it is like my 945-1, slowly and painfully.

 

[4T5GUY]

I’ve always wondered how do you break down the pistol for cleaning?

Due to the comp being permanently attached, the barrel can not be removed from the slide. Not a deal breaker but it’s a bit harder to clean.

Jim

 

[JohnHL]

I’ve always wondered how do you break down the pistol for cleaning?

Due to the comp being permanently attached, the barrel can not be removed from the slide. Not a deal breaker but it’s a bit harder to clean.

Jim

That has always been a Performance Center head scratcher to me.

John

 

[Sevens]

I think that most compensated semiautomatic pistols suffer a similar fate. As it’s awfully important that the comp never works itself free and probably goes through a lot of stress, they typically don’t make them removable.

 

[Dparker]

I have a S&W Lew Horton Comp 40 and have pondered the same thought!

Cheers!!!
David

 

[RedCardinal]

I agree that maintenance is a little more difficult to do, but I am mostly interested in the concept of the comp for competition and whether or not it was successful. I don't know anything about competition rules or pistol classes. What association IDPA, PPC or ???. Someone who has BTDT help me out.

 

[4T5GUY]

Hopefully maybe JP/PPCSHOOTER will see your original posted question.

He was able to give me personal insight/knowledge/history into the very specific pistol I got some time ago. His experienced input is valuable and appreciated.

Sorry if I contributed to the thread drift.

Jim

 

[toddcfii]

I used to do PPC shooting. Compensators were specifically disallowed during the time frame this pistol was sold and are disallowed now. I am pretty sure this was aimed at IPSC shooting. There was the issue of power factor. Compensators take some of the speed out of a projectile and some 40 cal rounds that met power factor would fall below the line with a compensated barrel. IDPA allows compensated barrels but 9mm is the go to caliber as larger is not required. So I don’t think this was aimed at IDPA. But I don’t know what IDPA is as doing when this was released. Was IDPA even in existence then? Edit IDPA founded 1996. When did this pistol come out?

 

[4T5GUY]

When did this pistol come out?

Late 1991-early 1992.

I’ve redacted the attached Lew Horton letter. I think it’s for the correct run as it states the PCE prefix. The letter unusually does not state the product code or mention the comp.

Jim

 

[RedCardinal]

The product code is 104401. See label photo. It is from the 2nd photo, 1 of 40 special edition, SN PCE0176.

 

[4T5GUY]

1 of 40 special edition, SN PCE0176.

It’s been hours of me racking my brain. I remembered that very uncommon Product Code. I was pretty sure it was a Comp 40. I thought I remembered they originally came with a cool briefcase with STUFF.

Well I finally found the outstanding original post, 25 Sep 2021 by wlp624. I did not try the search function here because. Yep number 38 of 40. Although it would have been quicker if the post had been referenced, I’ve read most everything on line about the Comp 40’s so not a waste of my time.

Jim

 

[RedCardinal]

4T5GUY, you are correct. I don't mention forum members in my posts when I have documents or photos unless they are relevant to the subject. wlp624 is a longtime friend, and I have followed his collection by contributing to it and buying from it.


Back to the original question of how successful the Comp 40 was as a competitive pistol. I needed to know because I had just purchased one without any knowledge of its performance. It is slightly used but complete in the original PC blue plastic case with manual and original unused PC logo magazines. The only performance problem I have found is a cracked BarSto barrel on a forum member's Comp 40 with the saga of finding a replacement barrel and a gunsmith to do the expensive work. Despite that, he is shooting it and likes it. I don't intend to shoot it much, if any but would like to know the experience of those who have.