I didn't really take the time to get a close look at this as 44 Special isn't really my thing (I was too busy buying the 25-2 next to it) and it was priced pretty high but I thought I'd run it past the experts here as I have several questions. I apologize for the extremely poor photograph, the scratched up display case glass certainly didn't do me any favors!

1. The front sight looks wrong to me.
2. The grips look wrong to me (shouldn't they be non-relieved diamond targets?)



What would a quick price range be for something like this? Like I said, their price struck me as high ($2000) but then again I know very little about 44 Specials.

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Mark

Looks to me like one of the recent "Classic" series.... A model 24-13. Laminated grips and not a pinned barrel.

My guess is it's an $800 gun if in great shape.

First off it's a 5 screw. Front sight looks right, those are later magna grips. Overall the gun looks very nice. Serial number should be a S prefix.

$2000 isn't far off, I would start at $1500 and point out that the grips are wrong. Those aren't the easiest models to come by and they are not make them anymore.

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George Jamison

Just my old eyes or is there no barrel pin? If not, that would mean a newer production gun.

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No life story has happy end.

There is a pin but it hard to see unless photo is enlarged. I think George is correct in his assessment of value.

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John. SWCA #1586

When I enlarge the picture I think I see a pin but even then it is hard to see/tell.

Front sight is correct for a 1950 4th Change .44SPL 6 1/2 Inch target.

I guess you didn't get the serial number?

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HIS Trains 'a LEAVIN

The revolver is a 1950 Target 44 (pre-model 24). Everything looks correct except the stocks which date to the late 60s or later (should be diamond Magna stocks, not target). I would value the revolver in the $1500 to $1700 range.

Bill

Thanks for the advice, everyone. The gun is indeed pinned/recessed and had an S serial number. I'll keep an eye on it; the gun shop caters to AR's and plastic guns so I have a feeling it will sit for a long time at it's current price point. I'll see if they're willing to negotiate in a month or two.

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Mark

Some of the "Classic" series are also 5 screw guns, with a very similar profile to the OP...

Check out the link... sure looks close...

Product: ARCHIVE: Model 24 - S&W Classics - 6 1/2" - Blue

You may just have habitually said recessed, but if it is, something is amiss. Only rimfires and Magnums are recessed. A .44 Special shouldn't be.
Jim

Good catch! Can't get myself to say "pinned" without throwing in "recessed"

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Mark

You can see the hammer-mounted firing pin in the picture; it's definitely a "legit" 5 screw.

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Mark

Don't you just love that "Classic" moniker? These new guns lack so many features of the classic old 5 screws it is pathetic. Marketing! But I guess it is working for them. They are selling these at prices that would fetch a real 5 screw gun - or at least almost.
Reminds me of when they introduced the first Model 29 with a full length barrel lug and called it the "Classic" when no early Model 29 had ever had a full length lug. Silly, in my opinion. Not that there was anything essentially wrong with the L frame style lug. It was just the name that bothered me.
Jack

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Mark: I don't think that gun will last a month or two.

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Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

The Classic series has the 5th screw but they are not "5 screw" guns; they do not have the 4th screw in front of the trigger guard.

I agree with those above that say it's a legit Pre 24. I can see a glint of light off the barrel pin. Magnas were more prevalent on Pre 24s than target stocks.

The stocks are fuzzy and the diamond around the screw just may not be visible. But I can clearly see the "high shoulder" of the correct vintage Magnas of that period. And the "high shoulder" disappeared long before the diamonds did in 1968.

If it does have the correct Magnas as I suspect, it's a $2000 gun. Check on the inside of the right stock if the stocks are serial numbered to the gun.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Thanks, to everyone who posted, for the information. I am constantly impressed with the quality of the information on this forum. I've learned leaps and bounds about S&W's because of all of you and look forward to continuing to learn!

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Mark

I understand, however this gun shop appeals to a certain demographic who is far from interested in revolvers. If it was a 44 Magnum I would've bought it as soon as I saw it; with a 44 Special my interest isn't as strong so I can wait this one out. If it sell, it sells. If it's still around after a while then I'll follow up with them. Having bought a NIB Python, Ed Brown 1911, and a 25-2 in the last month my gun budget is quite depleted for the time being

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Mark

I would like to post a question about Smith and Wesson 38 S How do I start a new thread.....New member

Welcome to the Forum.

Go here: S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961

and then click on the "New Thread" icon at the top of the heading.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Welcome! If you start at the page that lists all the sections of the site, choose the time frame you think it falls under, scroll to the bottom of the posts and click Start New Thread. If you are on the New Posts page, look at the upper left of the page and click on the little blue folder next to Smith & Wesson Forum in small letters, which will bring you to the sections page.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I have two pre 24's one in the dull and one in the bright finish. Both were sent out of the factory around 1955 from what I have been told. S1443xx and S1471xx. The dull finish one came with non relived targets, and the bright one came with diamond magna's. They both came from the same owner and he bought the dull one new and the bright one when it was just a year or so out of the factory.

Just how rare are the non relieved target?

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NRA Range Safety Officer

Just in case anyone is wondering....this gun is still sitting in the case for the same price. And still not negotiable!

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Mark

Has he put it on gunbroker yet?

You said if it was a 44 mag. you would jump on it but I find that I like the 44 special guns more. I have a pre 24 with a 4" barrel that I love to shoot. You would not believe some of the prices for the early 44 specials.

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Tom
NRA Pistol Inst

Ya know,a guy can load 44s pretty warm if he wants to :-D

Got two pre mod 10 today, one 5 screw 4" nickel 38spl serial C 215xxx, the other 5 screw 5" nickel 38spl sn# 257xxx with pearl grips What haved I got any help appreciated!!!

twice now, but who's counting. I can't see the diamond either, but the pin is hard to see as well. I also think it is legit. If it were mine I would hold at 2G's. I shoot more Spcl's through my 29's than Mags, so a real "classic" 44 special would not bother me in the least. It all depends on what you are looking for.

Wow, this is an old thread!!

I was wondering about that, but you already answered the question. Maybe it is a little high, or maybe something is wrong with it. Can you get better pictures of it?

they won't have to negotiate to much on the price. if it went on gunbroker, it would sell with a buy it now at $2000. these haven't been made in decades and never will again, in this quality of manufacture anyway.

It really depends on the condition.That 4 incher has a buggered sideplate but sold for over $1300.Boy would I like one of those!