was thinking about getting one. what is the deal w/the long cylinder. Is it also capable of shooting the magnum? If anyone has one could you be so kind and post a pic?

Thanks Jim.

I would hope not, the gun wouldn't take the pressure if it did fit. What do you mean by "long cylinder"?

It appears that the cylinder is longer than the older .44 specials. I have a 24-3 and the cyl is not as long. The frame window is fuller on the new ones. Jim.

quote:

Originally posted by Idahoser:
I would hope not, the gun wouldn't take the pressure if it did fit. What do you mean by "long cylinder"?

The new 24s are using the same length cylinders as the .44 Magnum guns, as opposed to the shorter cylinder of the original .44 Specials. I assume it is a cost-saving measure. I would not be surprised if they are also heat treated like the .44 mags and the only thing different is a shorter chamber. Wouldn't want to be the one to try that theory out, though, by hotrodding the reloads.

Personally, I have no interest in a 24/624 that doesn't have the shorter cylinder.

quote:

Personally, I have no interest in a 24/624 that doesn't have the shorter cylinder.

I agree with that. In my opinion, its not a true M24/624. It is simply a short chambered 44 mag. What's the purpose?

I personally have a 24 6.5", a 624 6.5", and a 624 4".

The new revolver should work just fine with the longer cylinder. The "point", I would think, is that it has the same barrel profile as the original Model 24 and therefore will not be as barrel heavy as the Model 29 and 629.

If you reload, you can safely load a 250 Keith to 1200 fps and that is really just about all that a hunter needs for deer. Further, the Skeeter load (7.5 Unique behind a 250 Keith) is an absolute "Classic" intermediate load (about 950 fps). The Skeeter load has been my most used load in my 624's and 24 although recently I have started loading a 200 gr WC for play (Group Buy six cavity mould from the Cast Boolits forum).

Dale53

quote:

Originally posted by Dale53:
The new revolver should work just fine with the longer cylinder. The "point", I would think, is that it has the same barrel profile as the original Model 24 and therefore will not be as barrel heavy as the Model 29 and 629.

Dale53

The longer cylinder adds additional weight beyond the original 24. Plus, it doesn't look like a 24 should. I don't begrudge anyone who likes them, but I don't. I'd rather buy a real 24 than one of the new ones. The fact that the "real" 24s don't have locks is just gravy.

Then the bullet will have to "jump" that extra distance before it hits the forcing cone.
Same theory of thought of those people who believes there might be a loss of accuracy shooting .38 special target loads out of a .357 gun.

I was all set to lay down my $$$ last Friday on a new M24. Then I compared it side by side to an M29 Classic. I was checking the cylinder length and sure enough they are the same. I'll bet the heat treating is the same too. It looks like all the did to make the M24 was to put the lighter barrel on it and run the reamer in short.

With out the proper length for a M24 cylinder and thin grips, I lost complete interest in it. Since I all ready have two old M29s why should I limit myself to using just the shorter case? I'll stick with my 29s (and no @#$% lock)!

quote:

Originally posted by Saxman:

With out the proper length for a M24 cylinder and thin grips, I lost complete interest in it. Since I all ready have two old M29s why should I limit myself to using just the shorter case? I'll stick with my 29s (and no @#$% lock)!

Agreed. Rather than buying one of the new M24s, I'm going to keep my eyes open for a deal on a used Mountain Gun.

I do have to give S&W credit for the stocks on the new 24s. Those new magnas are pretty sharp. I might have to see about picking up a set to use on one of my older guns with a Tyler T.

quote:

Originally posted by jim sobieski:
what is the deal w/the long cylinder. Is it also capable of shooting the magnum? Thanks Jim.

From the original thread on the new .44 Special, back in 2004, we were told S&W simply decided to go with the standard full length cylinders. To me, this means my handloads for these .44 Specials can be seated out more. Not a problem.

And, back in the 1980's S&W went on record as saying the M24-3s and .44 magnums had the same heat treat/ strength/ whatever. S&W said the two gus were equally strong.

These are not exactly the same as the older models. I think they still look pretty good.

quote:

Originally posted by Poohgyrr:

quote:

Originally posted by jim sobieski:
what is the deal w/the long cylinder. Is it also capable of shooting the magnum? Thanks Jim.

And, back in the 1980's S&W went on record as saying the M24-3s and .44 magnums had the same heat treat/ strength/ whatever. S&W said the two gus were equally strong.

These are not exactly the same as the older models. I think they still look pretty good.

I thought I'd read the same thing about the heat treatment, etc. Still, you hear people all the time saying the Keith load will shoot your 624/24-3 loose. If the guns are the same thing, the Keith load should be quite mild for it.

I agree - the guns aren't bad looking. But, for me, if they are going to build them the way they do, I'll just get a pre-lock Mountain Gun. That way, I can shoot Specials or Magnums. I'm just picky - a 24/624 should have the shorter cylinder.

quote:

And, back in the 1980's S&W went on record as saying the M24-3s and .44 magnums had the same heat treat/ strength/ whatever. S&W said the two gus were equally strong

Back when I purchased my first M624, I talked with the most knowledge S&W Customer Service Rep I have ever talked to : Doug Brassard.

It is my recollection that the steels were the same, but there were differences between some dimensions, most specifically the forcing cone angle. The 44 Mag and 44 Special have some sort of different forcing cone angle.

I have shot the 240 L and 17.0 grains load in my M624, and it was not pleasant. I am not going to do that anymore, and I believe it is hard on the revolver.

Skeeter Skelton recommended 7.5 grains Unique, and that is all the power I want. Now days I am shooting 6.25 and 6.5 grains Unique with a 240. That load shoots well out to 50 yards (the max distance at the range) and does not beat me up.

For me, I like the concept of big bullets at low pressures and moderate velocities. I can shoot them all afternoon, still get a good ping on my gong target, and my arms don't hurt when I get home.