S&W Lou Horton Model 24

Published on January 19, 2026
Duration: 15:15

This video reviews the Smith & Wesson Lou Horton Model 24, a limited production .44 Special revolver. The presenter, Hickok45, highlights its unique 3-inch barrel and round butt configuration, commissioned by Lou Horton in the 1980s. He discusses its collectibility, shooting characteristics, and compares it to other S&W revolvers, ultimately finding it a surprisingly pleasant shooter despite initial reservations about the short barrel on a large frame.

Quick Summary

The S&W Lou Horton Model 24 is a rare .44 Special revolver commissioned in the early 1980s, featuring a unique 3-inch barrel and round butt. Despite its collectible status and short barrel, it proved to be a surprisingly accurate and enjoyable firearm to shoot.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Lou Horton Model 24
  2. 00:16Lou Horton's Taste in Firearms
  3. 00:33Shooting the .44 Special
  4. 00:45The .44 Special Cartridge
  5. 00:543-inch Barrel on an N-Frame
  6. 01:03The Lou Horton Special Explained
  7. 01:35History of the Lou Horton Commission
  8. 01:50Production Run Details
  9. 02:10Custom Grips
  10. 02:24Initial Impressions and Doubts
  11. 02:54Observing on Gun Broker
  12. 03:15The Decision to Acquire
  13. 03:26Thank You to Sponsors
  14. 03:51Holster Recommendation
  15. 04:09More Shooting with Underwood Ammo
  16. 04:14Pleasantly Surprised by Shootability
  17. 05:00Shoots Better Than Expected
  18. 05:15Liking .44 Special
  19. 05:24Not Much to Dislike
  20. 05:35Target Shooting
  21. 06:01Sights Are Right On
  22. 06:14Comparing Barrel Lengths
  23. 06:25Lou Horton Specials Recap
  24. 06:30Many Don't Fire Them
  25. 06:38Condition of the Firearm
  26. 06:44The Need to Fire
  27. 06:58Liking It As a Shooter
  28. 07:05Beautiful Piece of Hardware
  29. 07:08Old School Smith and Wesson
  30. 07:11No Pin Barrel
  31. 07:27Pin Barrel Era End
  32. 07:34.44 Special vs .38 Special Chambers
  33. 07:50Classic S&W Features
  34. 07:57Contoured Barrels
  35. 07:58Model 24 Target Model Comparison
  36. 08:13Amazing Difference a Longer Barrel Makes
  37. 08:27Round Butt vs Square Butt
  38. 08:35Target Hammer and Trigger
  39. 08:46.44 Special is a Wonderful Round
  40. 08:51Collectible Status Recap
  41. 08:53624 Model Comparison
  42. 09:03Safe Queens
  43. 09:15Fondling vs. Firing
  44. 09:21Justifiable Answer for Not Firing
  45. 09:34The Need to Shoot
  46. 09:46Christening the Firearm
  47. 10:07Bowling Pin Shooting
  48. 10:18Playing Around
  49. 10:21Duck Behind Cover
  50. 10:24Shooting on One and a Half Legs
  51. 10:33One More Shot
  52. 10:36Sharing the Firearm
  53. 10:48Unfired Examples
  54. 10:56Why People Don't Fire Them
  55. 10:59.44 Special Ammo Cost
  56. 11:07The Collector's Mindset
  57. 11:24A Real Candidate for the Safe
  58. 11:27Six More Bowling Pins
  59. 11:39Missed the Pin
  60. 11:44Cowboy Needs Attention
  61. 11:52.44 as an Old West Round
  62. 12:05A Jewel of a Firearm
  63. 12:07Sharing Information
  64. 12:13Lou Horton's Special Runs
  65. 12:19Distributor Special Runs
  66. 12:29Coolest Guns from Distributors
  67. 12:42Round Butt and 3-inch Barrel Idea
  68. 12:47First N-Frame 3-inch Barrel
  69. 12:53Would It Sell?
  70. 12:57Why Guns Go Out of Production
  71. 13:11Distributor's Role in Production
  72. 13:22Convincing Manufacturers
  73. 13:27The 5,000 Unit Commitment
  74. 13:36Reducing Manufacturer Risk
  75. 13:42The Lou Horton Special Recap
  76. 13:443-inch Round Butt N-Frame
  77. 13:51Extra Cool Firearm
  78. 13:59Great Gun for Defense
  79. 14:04Sponsor Mentions: Talon Grips
  80. 14:29Sponsor Mentions: Ballistol
  81. 14:47Social Media Channels
  82. 15:05Website and Other Platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the S&W Lou Horton Model 24?

The S&W Lou Horton Model 24 is a limited production revolver chambered in .44 Special, commissioned by Lou Horton in the early 1980s. It is notable for its 3-inch barrel and round butt configuration, making it a unique and collectible firearm.

When was the Lou Horton Model 24 produced?

The Lou Horton Model 24 was commissioned around 1983-1984. Approximately 5,000 units were produced as part of this special run, featuring specific custom grips and the distinctive 3-inch barrel.

How does the 3-inch barrel affect the S&W Model 24's performance?

Despite initial skepticism about a 3-inch barrel on a large-frame .44 Special, the presenter found the Lou Horton Model 24 to be surprisingly accurate and pleasant to shoot, indicating that the shorter barrel doesn't necessarily detract from its shootability.

Is the Lou Horton Model 24 a good defensive firearm?

The presenter suggests that the Lou Horton Model 24, with its .44 Special caliber and relatively compact 3-inch barrel, could be a good firearm for defense, offering significant power in a manageable package.

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