[BoneDigger]

While at the gunshop today I found a nice .44 magnum with a 2.5 inch barrel. It's a Model 29-3 and has good bluing and wooden S&W combat grips. The shop owner was selling this as a consignment gun and said he was unable to find the specific gun listed in a gun Value book. He said he thought that it was a Lew Horton gun, but I have no idea what that means.

First, what is a Lew Horton gun?

Second, should it be marked as such? I don't see any such markings.

Third, what frame size is this gun? Maybe a N-frame?

Lastly, Anybody make a good holster for a 2.5 inch Model 29?

I appreciate any help. These are really bad pictures, but I just took them in my truck out in the parking lot. The grips need to be sanded, but I'll do that myself. Smudges on the bluing are from extra oil and are not scratches or rust.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n203/T_McMakin/Model-29-2.gif


http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n203/T_McMakin/Model-29-1.gif


Todd

[BoneDigger]

OK, I called smith and Wesson and they verified that this is indeed a Lew Horton, "Combat Model", one of 200 made. Basically it has a smoothed/rounded trigger, white outline sites, and something done to the hammer. Also, obviously has the combat grips. Made in 1985.

Where can I get a holster for a beast like this?

Todd

[.41Dave]

First, congrats on a sweet find!

First, what is a Lew Horton gun?

A Lew Horton gun is one of a special run made for Lew Horton, a distributor.

Second, should it be marked as such? I don't see any such markings.

No, it should not be specially marked

Third, what frame size is this gun? Maybe a N-frame?

Yes, it is an N frame

Lastly, Anybody make a good holster for a 2.5 inch Model 29?

Actually, it is a 3" barrel, and El Paso Saddlery makes several superb holsters that would work for your gun. I have one of their #77 "Tortilla" holsters for a similar 3" model 657 .41 magnum. I highly recommend it (along with a good belt).

[Starter52]

Buy a GOOD pair of ear muffs. :D :D :D

[rcmodel]

+1
Good Earmuffs & El Paso Saddlery will be your two best friends.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/KTOG/1224.gif
rcmodel

[pinkymingeo]

Nice gun. The SCSW says approx. 5000 were manufactured 1984-85.

[GCW5]

+2 with rcmodel.

I have one in stainless with a 3" barrel, recoil is "brisk" with hot loads. I carry it in a El Paso 1942 chest holster for bear protection while elk hunting.

I also went with Hoague rubber grips for shooting comfort, though the wood ons look nice.

Have fun!