Lew Horton Smith & Wesson S&W Model 29-3 101224 .44 Mag 3″ Revovler NO CA
SOLD FOR: $1725
LSB#: 220501MW002
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Lew Horton Special M29-3 ‘The .44 Magnum’, N-Frame, Product Code 101224
Serial Number: ALB9510
Year of Manufacture: 1985
Caliber: .44 Magnum & .44 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “44 MAGNUM”. The sideplate has S&W’s monogram logo, the right side of the frame has the four line Marcas Registradas. The butt is marked with the serial number. The yoke cut is marked with the serial and model numbers. The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks.
Barrel Length: 3”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade with a red insert. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched and white outlined leaf in a base that is micrometer click adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth Goncalo Alves combat stocks with finger grooves, S&W medallions, and a speedloader cut. There are a few scattered little marks through the finish, the most noticeable is on the left panel behind the medallion. There are some scattered light handling marks. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. Overall, the grip is in about Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are some small spots of thinning and finish loss, some are covered by the grips. There is finish wear on the edges. There are a few little marks through the finish. There are some little spots of surface oxidation. There are some light handling marks. There is a thin turn line on the cylinder which goes through the finish. There is finish loss on the grip frame. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with almost no play on each chamber. The single action trigger is crisp. The double action is smooth. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a serial matching box.
Our Assessment: Developed in a collaboration between Smith & Wesson and Remington with the input of big-bore handgun shooters including Elmer Keith, The .44 Magnum revolver and cartridge took the revolver world by storm in the 1950s, later to be known worldwide, even outside the firearms community, as “the most powerful handgun in the world” due to its portrayal in the Dirty Harry movies. This is Smith & Wesson’s Model 29-3, their classic .44 Magnum revolver. It is one of about 5,000 made in 1985 as part of a limited run for distributor Lew Horton in a 3″ round-butt Combat configuration. This makes for a nice compromise between size and capacity with a full 6-rounds of .44 Magnum in a revolver which can still be concealed, maybe not in shorts and a t-shirt, but certainly in winter clothing. It will also be a little more convenient to carry when you’re competing with bears for the local stream’s fish. That said, Lew Horton has ceased operations at the end of the year and their limited production specials have always brought a premium from collectors. This is a revolver that would be just as well suited to adding to a Smith collection as it would carry for self-defense. Please see our photos and good luck!