I never had the intentions of buying a s&w m24 in 44spec. Until I walked into the LGS sale on S&W revolvers. I loaded 44 special for my 44 mag revolvers but I been reluctant to shoot 44 special rounds out of them because of the ring left around chambers in the cylinder. Did I need a m24 still not sure. But my LGS had a m24/6 1/2" barrel in nickel on clearance nib. The nickel blinded me, so bad I was reaching for my wallet. It was over. It came home with me. Did I need it still not sure but it is purdy.