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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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Old 10-14-2021, 12:29 PM
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Default Model of 1950 Target .44 Special

I think this was the predecessor of the .44 Magnum?
I would like to own a .44 Special with target sights. The Model of 1950 is also called a pre Model 24?
Don't think I want a triple lock. Are there other models I don't know about?
Want it to be a 4 screw or 5 screw frame.
Thanks for any help.
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Old 10-14-2021, 02:44 PM
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Fine guns! Last week I saw a 6 1/2" 1950 Target .44 Special with what appeared to be the original Magna grips. It looked pretty nice, but I didn't ask to handle it. Price was tagged at about $2000.

This was at the Gunstop in Minnetonka, MN.
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Old 10-14-2021, 02:49 PM
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Here’s mine again.
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Old 10-14-2021, 06:02 PM
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The 1950 44 Target is the revolver you want. It will have a 5-screw frame as there are very few with a 4-screw frame. The original model was discontinued in 1966 with S&W producing 5050 units.

The model was reintroduced in 1983 as the Model 24-3 (both 4 and 6 1/2-inch barrel with no barrel pin) with 7500 units being shipped in two years. Lew Horton marketed a Combat version with a 3-inch barrel and round butt. Approximately 5000 were made.

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Old 10-14-2021, 06:40 PM
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You definitely want a Model of 1950 .44 Target (pre-24), though you'll have to pay dearly. Up until 2-3 years ago you could find them for around $1,200, but they're closer to $2,000 now in good condition.
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Old 10-14-2021, 06:48 PM
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Model 24-3 is in the upper left.


Another picture; also upper left.
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Old 10-14-2021, 06:52 PM
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You definitely want a Model of 1950 .44 Target (pre-24), though you'll have to pay dearly. Up until 2-3 years ago you could find them for around $1,200, but they're closer to $2,000 now in good condition.
That price would be for a 6.5" barrel. A 4", with a bright blue finish, will be north of $3500...they are not as common.

A lot of the 6.5" guns were bullseye pistols. So, the real target shooters back then would want them with a target hammer (easy to thumb/grab) but preferred the sensitivity of the narrow non-target trigger.

The 4" Pre-24, 1950 Target, in bright blue is possibly my favorite looking S&W. I love the N-frame but with the tapered barrel and the all of the bells and whistles. It used to be our featured gun on the S&W Forum homepage/Header for many years.
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Old 10-15-2021, 12:12 AM
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I think this was the predecessor of the .44 Magnum?
I would like to own a .44 Special with target sights. The Model of 1950 is also called a pre Model 24?
Don't think I want a triple lock. Are there other models I don't know about?
Want it to be a 4 screw or 5 screw frame.
Thanks for any help.
David.....Might also look for a .44 HE 2nd model target. Made without the triple lock and the extractor housing. Made from 1915 to 1940. I have one bought 20 years ago, so I haven't kept up with current prices. Good luck on the hunt!
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Old 10-15-2021, 12:21 AM
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Here’s my 2nd Model.
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Old 10-15-2021, 01:08 AM
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There's a 6.5" barreled model in "mint" condition, with box, in a local shop. They say the grips are numbered different than the gun. Price: $3599.99 USD.

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Old 10-15-2021, 07:25 AM
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It depends on which type of trigger pull you prefer. The Triple Lock, 2nd Model and 3rd Model were all the old long action. The Model 1950 and newer all used the short action.

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Old 10-15-2021, 08:29 AM
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This 1950 44 Target was shipped on November 15, 1955 to Evaluators Ltd., Triangle, VA. It letters with a TH, TT, red ramp, white outline, rosewood Magna stocks, bright blue finish, and 4-inch barrel. It is one of the best revolvers made by S&W. It is estimated four hundred of this model were shipped with this barrel length. Click on the photo for a better look.

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Old 10-15-2021, 09:07 AM
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I always thought the 44 HE 2nd Model was underappreciated, what with the Triple Lock (1st Model) and Wolf & Klar, 3rd Model coming before and after (and overlapping in some cases). I'll see if I can find the photo of the one I used to own.

I think I found it. along with the Lew Horton.
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Old 10-15-2021, 10:16 AM
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Hi, Bill would know better than anyone but I have been told that the 4" bright blue, model would be a $3500 gun. I have one that is a shooter grade with cokes. I never thought I would ever see one much less own one. I had a 6.5" as well and sold it several years ago, like an idiot. I also had a 4" 24-3 and a Lew Horton 3".
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Old 10-15-2021, 11:17 AM
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Dave, Give some thought to the Model 24-3, the 1983 reintroduction. It's a lot less costly than a 5-screw. This one came from Montana gunsmith Ben Forkin, who picked it up at a Montana gun show in the box with all the goodies, about ten years ago. He even smoothed up the trigger a bit. It's a good shooter! (I added the Ahrends stocks but have the original factory target stocks.)

Gila's 24-3.jpg
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Old 10-15-2021, 12:53 PM
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Not a target but a 5” 2nd model.

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Old 10-15-2021, 02:22 PM
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Are you looking for a collector's piece or a shooter?
The 1950 Target would make a great addition to any collection.
But if you just want something to shoot, I second the recommendation for a 24-3. Excellent guns and not near so pricey as the 1950.
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Old 10-15-2021, 02:38 PM
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A 24-3 from the 80s might scratch the itch, unless you really desire the "pre" factor, which I understand.

I love my 4 inch 24-3.
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Old 10-16-2021, 08:51 AM
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Thanks for the education. Think I would enjoy a short barrel more. So probably consider the 24-3 unless I can get a better than average deal on an earlier gun. Might try for a pre-29 and shoot .44 Special in it.
I had I think one of the 24-3s with the 6" barrel that I sold too cheap. Also a Triple lock 6 1/2" and a pre-29 4 screw with 4" barrel and box.
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Old 10-16-2021, 02:07 PM
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David, Also consider the 624, that is, if stainless steel is not offensive to you.
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Old 10-17-2021, 09:16 AM
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My bright blue 4”
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Old 10-17-2021, 02:10 PM
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Seeing 4-screw’s pic of the 4” M24 reminded me of my 4” M24 conversion (M28 minus 4=M24) I swapped M24-3 cylinder and barrel.
With current prices of clean S prefix M28’s, I may have made a costly mistake but the way it shoots in .44, I don’t care.
ETA:
Probably hard to do in today's market but have app. $700 total in the gun as it now is. It shoots well enough that twice that wouldnt buy it...


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Old 10-17-2021, 03:06 PM
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Jack, you would probably end up paying $700 or thereabouts just to have the barrel and cylinder fitted now, and that on top of inflated prices for the donor gun and the scarcity of parts would make building your beautiful custom recreation today come close to the cost of buying an original one.

I went through this when I recreated a Model 16-3, and if a generous member of this board hadn’t given me a screaming deal on the barrel, I couldn’t have afforded to even think about it. Also, the Model 14-3 donor gun I used was a lot more affordable than the Model 28 you would need.

IMHO, the days of “economically” recreating a high demand revolver seem to have passed. More’s the pity!

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Old 10-17-2021, 03:07 PM
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Here's the more modern and economical route you can take - if you can find them!

John

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Old 10-17-2021, 03:39 PM
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Froggie, I agree. Current pricing would find it hard to acquire the clean S M28 for what I have in the entire package, let alone replacement parts, etc.
To an unsuspecting eye, my 28-4=M24 has correct diamond magnas as well as non-serrated rear sight replaced with serrated one. And with pinned barrel, looks more like 24-2 than -3. Regardless of all that, I just like the way the old girl shoots.
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Old 10-17-2021, 05:11 PM
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I know where there is a Lew Horton 3" right now for $2500...Way out of my reach for a gun I've always wanted...I'll keep looking......Ben
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Old 10-17-2021, 05:59 PM
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I've got a 24-3 Lew Horton Special...I always yearned for a birthyear (1951) Pre-24, Forget that...This one fell into my lap from a buddy that had this 24-3 but also one in stainless 624 which he preferred. They are round butt but John Culina set me up with a round to square butt conversion for another round butted piece I had 629 Mountain Revolver. I swapped the grips off the 629 and things have been right ever since. If you are going to be shooting and or carrying and shooting I'd recommend a 24-3, the Pre-24s are just too valuable. I have a Pre-24 in satin without target trigger and hammer, its a nice revolver...too long for comfortable carry. If I had to choose between the cut down Model 1917 and the Lew Horton 24-3 I would have trouble, .44 is my favorite caliber and the Lew Horton has adjustable sights which help me considerably...but the 1917 is simplicity at its best and versatility in .45ACP or .45 Auto Rim...



This one is my favorite...
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Old 10-17-2021, 05:59 PM
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That one came with the holster.
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Old 10-17-2021, 08:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jack the toad View Post
Froggie, I agree. Current pricing would find it hard to acquire the clean S M28 for what I have in the entire package, let alone replacement parts, etc.
To an unsuspecting eye, my 28-4=M24 has correct diamond magnas as well as non-serrated rear sight replaced with serrated one. And with pinned barrel, looks more like 24-2 than -3. Regardless of all that, I just like the way the old girl shoots.
Agreed, Cousin Toad. I don't regret a penny I spent on my faux 16-3 and given the same opportunity would probably do the same thing again. The 14-3 donor gun made it as close to the actual original as I could get. Unfortunately, I fear those opportunities are now so few and far between, and I've gotten so old, I'm not likely to have one again.

A couple of years ago, a member posted on For Sale Parts & Accessories that he had a couple of NOS 44 Spl barrels for sale, and for one brief second, I had hopes of following in your footsteps, but my friend Keith44 swooped in and got them (surprise, surprise) and I probably saved myself a lot of money!

All the best,
Charlie the Frog
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Old 10-18-2021, 01:15 AM
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Have a five screw pre 24 with a 6.5" barrel, totally sweet to shoot.
Had the 4" version on my radar but their high prices and scarcity limits them to collectors looking to fill a hole in the collection.
As an alternate to spending $3500 on a 4" pre 24 I'd lean more towards a 4" five screw pre 29 for abt the same money, IIRC there were only abt 700 manufactured before the change to the 4 screw frame but it's a far more iconic revolver IMO.

If you like the narrow rib barrel and desire a 4" to shoot I'd consider a 44 mag mountain gun instead, most are SS but there was a blued version but it has the IL, there are a very small amount of blue pre IL 4" Mountain guns but most are SWCA embellished collectors pieces.

On a side note I had a 3.5" Model 24-3 and a 3.5" 29-3, ....had no love for either, too big to carry to short to shoot at targets.
Whatever you like start looking and buy one, they are all good IMO.

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Old 10-20-2021, 04:44 PM
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I have a pre-24 6 1/2", bright blue, smooth target grips and red post front sight. Shipped 1954 to Rex Firearms, NYC It is unfired in the box, numbered and listing the stocks and red post front sight. Jinks letter confirms all. Sorry no pictures.
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Old 10-21-2021, 01:45 AM
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Arrow Doc's Model of 1950 - 44 Special - 4" TT TH RR, Etc.

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This 1950 44 Target was shipped on November 15, 1955 to Evaluators Ltd., Triangle, VA. It letters with a TH, TT, red ramp, white outline, rosewood Magna stocks, bright blue finish, and 4-inch barrel.
Bill

Wow factor! Perfectly ordered down to the rosewood magnas, which I suspect are pretty rare (never knew they existed). Thanks for showing that one!
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Old 10-21-2021, 08:13 AM
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Fine guns! Last week I saw a 6 1/2" 1950 Target .44 Special with what appeared to be the original Magna grips. It looked pretty nice, but I didn't ask to handle it. Price was tagged at about $2000.

This was at the Gunstop in Minnetonka, MN.
I've looked at that gun. It's a nice one.

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Old 10-21-2021, 08:21 AM
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The 6 1/2" 1950 Target is by far my favorite S&W. Smoothest action, nicest trigger, and most accurate of the ones I own. (In the center of the picture.)
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  #35  
Old 10-21-2021, 08:34 AM
Rio Laxas Rio Laxas is online now
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Originally Posted by Rifleman200-10X View Post
The 6 1/2" 1950 Target is by far my favorite S&W.
I am of the same opinion. I prefer the 6.5" barrel and patridge sights, as compared to a 4" 24-3. The 24-3 is a great revolver (as I am sure is the 4" pre-24), and would definitely be better for carrying, but when I want to shoot a Model of 1950, I always grab the 6.5" versions.

I came to a similar conclusion with the fixed sight 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Models.

Last edited by Rio Laxas; 10-21-2021 at 08:37 AM.
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  #36  
Old 10-21-2021, 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Rio Laxas View Post
I am of the same opinion. I prefer the 6.5" barrel and patridge sights, as compared to a 4" 24-3. The 24-3 is a great revolver (as I am sure is the 4" pre-24), and would definitely be better for carrying, but when I want to shoot a Model of 1950, I always grab the 6.5" versions.

I came to a similar conclusion with the fixed sight 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Models.
I completely agree that for shooting with accuracy as a premium I much prefer the longer barrel, I own the longer barrels but find that my desire to shoot for accuracy is better accomplished with my Model 52, or full target conversion Marvel 1911. I take the long barrels out from time to time but not like the others. I do most of my practice shooting or plinking with shorter barreled .44's and .45's, that's what I carry most often. I spend more time shooting targets with muzzle loading rifles or black powder cartridge rifles, usually three days a week. Never been much of a pistolero, consider myself competent. I have a buddy that continually p####'## me off because he will wander over while I am doing the best I can to hold a decent group in the center of a target shooting single action, he'll say "mind if I give it a try?" and shooting double action beat me.
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  #37  
Old 10-22-2021, 03:33 AM
Fortcouragearmory Fortcouragearmory is offline
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Here’s the one I just scored today….
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  #38  
Old 10-22-2021, 09:38 AM
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I have three Model 24-3s,one is a round butt frame with a 6 1/5 inch barrel......
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  #39  
Old 10-22-2021, 09:43 AM
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Prove it. Pics please...
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  #40  
Old 10-22-2021, 10:59 AM
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Prove it. Pics please...
I have no idea how to post a photo. I`ve been trying for the last hour. Frustrating as hell

Last edited by Neversink n Klapperthal; 10-22-2021 at 11:04 AM.
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  #41  
Old 10-22-2021, 11:01 AM
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  #42  
Old 10-22-2021, 11:05 AM
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I have no idea how to post a photo. I`ve been trying for the last hour. Frustrating as hell

Watch the tutorial.
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  #43  
Old 10-22-2021, 11:08 AM
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i had to put the photo in my avatar temporarily. I simply dont know how to upload, even with the tutorial. IMG_20211022_104339568

Last edited by Neversink n Klapperthal; 10-22-2021 at 12:40 PM.
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  #44  
Old 10-22-2021, 02:57 PM
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Model of 1950 Target .44 Special-terrysm29-jpg
Here's Neversink's gun.
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  #45  
Old 10-22-2021, 09:31 PM
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i had to put the photo in my avatar temporarily. I simply dont know how to upload, even with the tutorial. IMG_20211022_104339568
Seeing the photograph in Guy’s post.

Is the barrel finished differently than the frame and cylinder?

I can see but not make out marks (numbers?) at the toe of the frame. Is this a date stamp? Was the work done at the factory?

Interesting revolver but a lot of unanswered questions!

Kevin
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  #46  
Old 10-23-2021, 11:23 AM
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Seeing the photograph in Guy’s post.

Is the barrel finished differently than the frame and cylinder?

I can see but not make out marks (numbers?) at the toe of the frame. Is this a date stamp? Was the work done at the factory?

Interesting revolver but a lot of unanswered questions!

Kevin
the barrels finish is identical to the rest of the gun . There is an "A" in a circle as well as a "Y" in a circle.,but that is all
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  #47  
Old 10-23-2021, 12:25 PM
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Good thread. I learned what I wanted to. I was offered a 24-3 with 4" barrel for $1150. Unless y'all think that is a great deal, I will probably go to a couple of gun shows with my new knowledge. Thinking the round butt with 6 1/2" barrel 24-3 was probably re-barreled. Many views of this thread, so probably interesting to lots of folks. Appreciate all the feedback.
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  #48  
Old 10-23-2021, 12:25 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
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Originally Posted by Neversink n Klapperthal View Post
the barrels finish is identical to the rest of the gun . There is an "A" in a circle as well as a "Y" in a circle.,but that is all
What are the numbers stamped directly below the mainspring seat, just to the left of the grip pin?
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  #49  
Old 10-23-2021, 01:46 PM
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I was offered a 24-3 with 4" barrel for $1150.
If this checked out in good condition and shot anything like my 4", I think my search would likely be over. For the time being anyway. Of course, I'm partial to 4" revolvers.
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  #50  
Old 10-23-2021, 01:53 PM
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What are the numbers stamped directly below the mainspring seat, just to the left of the grip pin?
the numbers are 59226, and the serial # is AEJ80xx

Last edited by Neversink n Klapperthal; 10-23-2021 at 01:58 PM.
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