What make Lew Horton unique or more collectible

[minermax]

I am a novice here, so I would like to ask what is difference on the Lew Horton models (29-3)What kind of work is done to one? The one I am considering my friend told me when he bought it in the 1990's the seller told him it was some special something or another, he just does not remember what it was. I will call Lew Horton on monday and have them verify the serial # for me.Any info here would be nice. Thanks !

 

[Knightenforcer]

Its my understanding after doing some research here, online and reading the S&W standard catalog that Lew Horton is a distributor who does special orders from S&W. The collectibility factor is basically up to you, the collector.
ETA:
The only Lew Horton 29-3 I saw in the standard catalog says:
"Lew Horton Special M29-3 combat magnum 3" barrel, contoured wood grips, redramp front sights, white outline rear sight, smooth combat tirgger and semi target hammer, product code 101224 approx 5000 made, 1984-1985"

 

[mes227]

I don't think that Lew Hortons are generally more collectible, but LH does have a knack for picking custom features that make a nice revolver! I have a 657 LH and it's one of my favorite revolvers.

 

[1aafan]

Oh yeah they are! As in the Super K! Special Barrel config, porting, grips, etc...

 

[TwoPoundPull]

Because LH sometimes ask manufacturers to build limited numbers of "special" stuf....Like 314 of these...

 

[handgunner356]

The Lew Horton specials are probably not that much more valuable than standard run guns, but like as been said they do have some unique models. It is good to check serial numbers because offen if a Lew Horton model does well, S&W will have other runs of the same or simular guns which dilutes the market. The 29/629 is a good example, not all 3" guns are Lew Hortons.

 

[Nemo288]

Lew Horton has distributed some unique Smith's like the 3" 624.
However it is probably the limited runs that make a gun more
valuable in the future and LH is not the only distributor doing this.
Once I find a gun I like, I don't usually consider selling it
anyway so the distributor means little to me. My estate may
feel differently who knows?

...Nemo...

 

[Snapping Twig]

LH took the basic S&W and made it more desirable by custom designing the features shooters wanted.

3" 44's, round butts, custom hunter packages.

S&W picked up on this and often produced more of these for sale through their regular dealer network once the trial balloon of the LH version showed their success.

LH is only one of many distributors that did, and still do, this.

 

[ohiococonut]

I was under the impression that guns supplied by LH and other distributors were exclusive and not offered by anyone else or produced outside of the limited run that distributor sold.

Has anyone bought the "exact" same gun that was sold by LH (or any other distributor) from any dealer that was not part of that limited run for a particular distributor?

 

[Ranger98]

The 1911 Lew Horton Subcompact to which I added to CT laser grips.

 

[feralmerril]

Yes, I bought this "Lew Horton" 66-3 at a gunshop in lancaster california, and seen another at another gunshop just down the road a few weeks later. I suppose they were overuns?

 

[Bob L]

MY 629-1 with the 3" barrel and combat gips is a S&W model, not a LH.

 

[Old Timer]

I have two Lou Horton 3 inch SS 624, 44 spaecials that I bought at one dealer. I have never seen any more since. I wonder how many were made.

 

[kennyb]

i have the 3"657 and 3"629 both are combat magnums,both have the finger groove combat grips and shoot like a charm...the 657 is normally my carry gun...neither one of these guns were distributed by lew horton...

 

[Skip48]

How are the Lou Horton guns marked? Do they have special paperwork and box? I have never seen one. Thanks, Skip48

 

[357larry]

There are people who will pay a premium for the Lew Horton Guns, but it may take a while to find them.

I don't mean to offend anyone here, but the Super-K and the F-comp model 66's never did anything for me. I'll take a 3 inch model 66 with a standard profile barrel over one of those any day. And I always thought the 3 inch barrel N-frames looked out of proportion. A 3 1/2 inch barrel would have looked much better, ala model 27. Just my opinions, yours may vary.

 

[Stu Honea]

I mostly agree,but I do like the Super K. Wish I had one.

 

[Dennis The B]

I own a Model 24-3, and I love it. When you consider that the stocks alone are worth $250, and up, the fact that they didn't make many of them, and that they lack the internal lock, makes the prices a bit crazy. And, yes, even though mine was shipped in 1984, it has a pinned barrel, in an "unpinned era".

 

[1aafan]

Now that's just damn good looking! Why I LOVE mine!!

 

[jughed440]

I own a Model 24-3, and I love it. When you consider that the stocks alone are worth $250, and up, the fact that they didn't make many of them, and that they lack the internal lock, makes the prices a bit crazy. And, yes, even though mine was shipped in 1984, it has a pinned barrel, in an "unpinned era".

very nice!!! IMHO, that's one of the most beautiful revolvers of all time

i bought a 3" 24-3 w. Combats at an auction on Sunday. Ser # AEM08XX. Can't wait to take it to the range.