Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this collectible double/single-action revolver today for a penny-start auction, this is the Smith & Wesson Model 24-3 “Combat Variation" Lew Horton Special, also known as the 1950 .44 Target Reintroduction.
A particularly notable variant of the Model 24-3 was produced exclusively for Lew Horton Distributing. This limited production “Combat Variation” featured a 3-inch barrel, a round butt, a Red Ramp front sight, and a micrometer-adjustable rear sight with a white outline, all finished in deep blue. Only 5,000 of these Lew Horton Specials were manufactured. Among them, 1,000 were shipped with a special black holster. Today, this Smith & Wesson 24-3 “Combat Variation" Lew Horton Special is especially prized by collectors for its limited production, distinctive design, and functional elegance.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 24-3 “Combat Variation" Lew Horton Special
Serial: AEJ8022
Date of Manufacture: 1984-1985
Caliber: .44 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 3"
Optics/Sights: Red Ramp Front with Adjustable White Outline Micrometer Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Finger Grooved Wood Grips with S&W Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Reintroduced in 1983, the Smith & Wesson Model 24-3 is a double/single-action revolver chambered in the powerful .44 Special cartridge. Built on the square-butt N-frame with three screws, it was offered in 4-inch and 6.5-inch barrel lengths, with scarce 5-inch and 5 1/2-inch variants also encountered. The Model 24-3 features a high-polish blue finish, a six-shot fluted cylinder with a nominal length of 1.57 inches, and a shrouded extractor rod. Notably, this model marked a design evolution that removed the traditional barrel pin. It came equipped with Goncalo Alves target grips, set against a 10-groove serrated backstrap and forestrap, enhancing both control and aesthetics. Sight and trigger configurations varied by barrel length: the 4-inch model featured a .265" serrated target trigger, a .400" target hammer, and a 1/8" Baughman quick-draw front sight, while the 6.5-inch version was outfitted with a .400" target trigger, a .500" target hammer, and a 1/8" Patridge front sight. Both models included a fully adjustable micrometer-click rear sight for precise windage and elevation adjustments. The first 100 units were factory-engraved and fitted with smooth walnut grips adorned with silver S&W medallions. Among these, 25 were finished in nickel, further adding to their rarity. Serial numbers for the Model 24-3 ranged from ABZ0000 to ABZ9999, with an estimated total production of approximately 7,500 units between 1983 and 1984.
Model: 24-3 “Combat Variation" Lew Horton Special
Serial: AEJ8022
Date of Manufacture: 1984-1985
Caliber: .44 Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 3"
Optics/Sights: Red Ramp Front with Adjustable White Outline Micrometer Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Finger Grooved Wood Grips with S&W Medallions
Action: Double/Single-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Reintroduced in 1983, the Smith & Wesson Model 24-3 is a double/single-action revolver chambered in the powerful .44 Special cartridge. Built on the square-butt N-frame with three screws, it was offered in 4-inch and 6.5-inch barrel lengths, with scarce 5-inch and 5 1/2-inch variants also encountered. The Model 24-3 features a high-polish blue finish, a six-shot fluted cylinder with a nominal length of 1.57 inches, and a shrouded extractor rod. Notably, this model marked a design evolution that removed the traditional barrel pin. It came equipped with Goncalo Alves target grips, set against a 10-groove serrated backstrap and forestrap, enhancing both control and aesthetics. Sight and trigger configurations varied by barrel length: the 4-inch model featured a .265" serrated target trigger, a .400" target hammer, and a 1/8" Baughman quick-draw front sight, while the 6.5-inch version was outfitted with a .400" target trigger, a .500" target hammer, and a 1/8" Patridge front sight. Both models included a fully adjustable micrometer-click rear sight for precise windage and elevation adjustments. The first 100 units were factory-engraved and fitted with smooth walnut grips adorned with silver S&W medallions. Among these, 25 were finished in nickel, further adding to their rarity. Serial numbers for the Model 24-3 ranged from ABZ0000 to ABZ9999, with an estimated total production of approximately 7,500 units between 1983 and 1984.
A particularly notable variant of the Model 24-3 was produced exclusively for Lew Horton Distributing. This limited production “Combat Variation” featured a 3-inch barrel, a round butt, a Red Ramp front sight, and a micrometer-adjustable rear sight with a white outline, all finished in deep blue. Only 5,000 of these Lew Horton Specials were manufactured. Among them, 1,000 were shipped with a special black holster. Today, this Smith & Wesson 24-3 “Combat Variation" Lew Horton Special is especially prized by collectors for its limited production, distinctive design, and functional elegance.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1160920559 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-03-29 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
1434 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-03-29 17:04:54 |
