Smith & Wesson S&W Model 24-3 Lew Horton Model 1950 Cat. No. 100787, Blue 3” 6-Shot, DA Double Action Revolver & Box, MFD 1984
Sold For: $948.00
LSB#: 161028DW37
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 24-3 The Model of 1950 Snub Nose Round Butt N-Frame
Serial Number: AEM1856
Year of Manufacture: 1984 (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson)
Caliber: .44 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “.44 S.&W. SPECIAL”. The rear of the cylinder is marked “E94 / 8 / 7”. The yoke is marked “644X6 / E24”, the cut is marked with the model and serial number, which is also found on the butt of the grip frame. The left of the grip frame is marked “E24 / 644X6 / F5”, the right is marked “T” in circle, “5” in heart and “3144”. The side plate has the S&W logo, the right of the frame has the four line Marcas Registradas. The factory box indicates model 24 and correct 3” barrel length but is not serialized to the revolver.
Barrel Length: 3” with rib and shrouded ejector rod.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade with a red insert, pinned onto the rib, the rib is serrated and matted for glare reduction. The rear sight is a square notched leaf in a micrometer-click adjustable base.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth presentation grips with S&W logo medallions. The grips have been ground and re-varnished, the left panel has a deep cut on the upper area for thumb indexing. The stocks have gap in fit to the butt of the grip frame, the rear grip strap is serrated for traction. The stocks have smoothed gouges and bruises, there are no cracks or major damages. The grips rate in about Good to Very Good overall condition as modified.
Type of Finish: Blue with Case Colored Hammer & Trigger
Finish Originality: Factory 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. The cylinder has a defined drag line with some small marks in the line that do not perturb the metal. The underside of the frame has some shallow scrape marks, the rib has a section of rub wear. The case colored items still have vivid tone, the hammer checkers are sharp. The rib and ejector housing have polishing blemishes under the finish from the factory. The screw heads are un-tooled. The markings are deep and crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Plus to Excellent condition and would rate in Excellent condition but for the stocks which have been modified, please see our pictures of this beautiful pistol.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Nominal play is observed side to side in full lockup of each chamber with no measurable back play. The double and single action trigger pulls are smooth with a clean break. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a period correct S&W two piece blue cardboard box, which indicates model 24 and correct 3” barrel length but is not serialized to the revolver. The lid’s corners have tears and the metal elbows have surface erosion in small areas. The inside of the box is a little roughed, rating in about Good condition. Also included is a sheet of factory wax paper, grouping of factory paperwork and an opened, but lightly (if at all) used cleaning kit in bag, all in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: Between 1984 and 1985, about 5,000 Lew Horton customized 24-3 revolvers with 3” snub nose barrels were produced. These pictures have stunning material quality and are among some of the most coveted modern S&W revolvers on the market…that is, if you can find one. This is a 24-3 from 1984, the first year of -3 production, retaining about 96% of its blue and case colored finishes. While the box is not serialized to the pistol, it reflects the correct model and barrel length. This should make for a great addition to any collection but no one is to stop you from using this as a really, really nice carry gun. It looks to have seen little use and will truck on for decades.
