|
|
 |
10-06-2021, 08:36 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: North Texas
Posts: 49
Likes: 479
Liked 807 Times in 43 Posts
|
|
The .44 is Special
I picked up this Model 624 on gunbroker back in 2019. It came in the box with docs, tools, and the recall notice (the box had the proper stamp on it). Thanks to the Smith and Wesson Forum, I was able to learn of the recall and what to look for before bidding.
It has a 4" barrel and serial number AHB3XXX. It quickly became my favorite Smith and Wesson. I carry it the most when out at the ranch, and it is my bedside gun. This was my first .44 Special, but most definitely not my last. I use the Skeeter load of a 250 grain SWC over 7.5 grains of Unique. Truly a perfect all around cartridge. The gun rides in the holster all day comfortably and has plenty of power; I have personally tested it on several wild hogs. Keith was not wrong about the .44 Special and I swear I hear angels sing while reloading for it and while shooting it.
Pictured is the 624 in my holster of choice as well, a Safariland 25. I really like this Safariland design, and have one in almost all my revolver frame sizes and barrel lengths. I like that it protects the rear sight, and the groove for the front sight works really well.
__________________
Gig 'Em
SWCA 3493 - SWHF 808
|
|
The Following 60 Users Like Post:
|
.45mtngun, 22hipower, 75Vette, 9mmsubgun-m11, AZ Buckshot Bill, bananaman, bengal fan, BigMuddy, Birdhunter6, bronco45, CobiaS&W, CScott, D1911, Dale53, Darkenfast, Doc44, Echo40, fleabus101, flgolfer29, Frank46, george_lehr, GerSan69, gkitch, Grayfox, Headjar, honu8019, ImDrRichard, jdlii, Jessie, jimbo728, jjmIII_Ruger, kev74, klind45, kraynky, lppd4, lrrifleman, M E Morrison, ME94, Mike, SC Hunter, mod29, Moo Moo, Muley Gil, Neal, OLDSTER, Plinkasaurusrex, Poohgyrr, Protocall_Design, S&W Fan, series guy, SFIDEC, sheepdawg09, SS336, stansdds, StrawHat, The Norseman, tominboise, Trooperdan, Trout, Zarr, zzclancy |
10-06-2021, 08:51 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,537
Likes: 89,838
Liked 24,923 Times in 8,532 Posts
|
|
Yes, the .44 Special IS special. I had my 1st built in 1976 and have had a number of them since.
I used the sister holster to yours, the Model 29 (thumb break instead of a strap) as my revolver duty rig and kept them all.
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
|
|
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-06-2021, 08:59 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2010
Location: The Steel City
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 6,827
Liked 4,405 Times in 1,409 Posts
|
|
Very nice! Basically a Mountain Gun without the lettering.
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
10-06-2021, 09:09 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: In The Woods Of S.C.
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 14,063
Liked 13,766 Times in 4,990 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by series guy
Very nice! Basically a Mountain Gun without the lettering.
|
The 24's & 624's came long before the mtn gun series.
__________________
S&W Accumulator
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-06-2021, 09:31 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: TN
Posts: 2,229
Likes: 5,221
Liked 4,871 Times in 1,396 Posts
|
|
This one was acquired from a friend. He was the third owner. The original owner was the chief of police of our town and must have been the one that had it "round butted."
The second owner, also a friend of mine, worked as part of the police department for Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) and passed it own (sold it) to owner number 3.
Yes, the .44 special is special. I added the stag grips and the Tyler grip adapter to make it more "special!"
|
|
The Following 17 Users Like Post:
|
3rdgeargrndrr, 75Vette, Chopper1388, CobiaS&W, CScott, Echo40, Frank46, GerSan69, jaguargolf, Jessie, Muley Gil, Protocall_Design, SS336, StrawHat, Zarr, zipty6, zzclancy |
10-06-2021, 09:42 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: North Texas
Posts: 49
Likes: 479
Liked 807 Times in 43 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by series guy
Very nice! Basically a Mountain Gun without the lettering.
|
Funny you should mention that. I was shopping for a Mountain Gun in 45 Colt before discovering the Model 624. I think I made the right decision as I prefer the older Smith and Wessons (forged hammer and trigger, and old style cylinder release).
__________________
Gig 'Em
SWCA 3493 - SWHF 808
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-06-2021, 10:06 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Linn Creek MO
Posts: 701
Likes: 1,017
Liked 998 Times in 425 Posts
|
|
Chopper, I have the twin to your 624. Found it at a local gun show in February. It instantly became my favorite Smith. The 44 Special is definitely my favorite cartridge.
Dan
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
10-06-2021, 10:20 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 550
Likes: 404
Liked 1,421 Times in 306 Posts
|
|
My only 44 Special...but Blue 24-3.
|
|
The Following 23 Users Like Post:
|
22lrfan, 75Vette, bananaman, BigMuddy, CobiaS&W, CScott, Darkenfast, daverich4, fleabus101, Frank46, Gunaholic, jdlii, Jessie, kraynky, ME94, mod29, Muley Gil, OLDSTER, series guy, SS336, StrawHat, zipty6, zzclancy |
10-06-2021, 10:39 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Texas Gulf Coast...
Posts: 5,529
Likes: 9,962
Liked 23,038 Times in 3,243 Posts
|
|
Likely one of my fav calibers...
Yep.. they have been around awhile.
1922 W&K back to the factory in 1946 for a re-do...
Last edited by Xfuzz; 10-06-2021 at 10:40 PM.
|
|
The Following 15 Users Like Post:
|
75Vette, CobiaS&W, fleabus101, Frank46, Gunaholic, jdlii, kraynky, M E Morrison, ME94, Muley Gil, OLDSTER, series guy, SS336, StrawHat, zzclancy |
10-07-2021, 01:15 AM
|
 |
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: SF East Bay - "the delta"
Posts: 3,501
Likes: 1,587
Liked 4,495 Times in 1,516 Posts
|
|
The .44 Special, my all time favorite caliber.
I have it in DA & SA revolvers and use it exclusively in my Marlin 1894CB .44 Mag. lever gun.
How about a pre-24?
Lew Horton 24-3
__________________
Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222
Last edited by Gunhacker; 10-07-2021 at 02:13 AM.
|
|
The Following 10 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-07-2021, 09:42 AM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Rural mtns of So Cal
Posts: 507
Likes: 762
Liked 655 Times in 295 Posts
|
|
Yep, my all-time favorite cartridge. A joy to shoot and packs a good punch.
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-07-2021, 02:03 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: S.F. Bay Area
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 527
Liked 3,814 Times in 1,243 Posts
|
|
|
|
The Following 12 Users Like Post:
|
75Vette, BigMuddy, CobiaS&W, CScott, Frank46, Gunhacker, honu8019, jdlii, Jerry Joe, M E Morrison, ME94, zzclancy |
10-07-2021, 07:54 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Southwestern Ohio
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 209
Liked 1,195 Times in 457 Posts
|
|
Chopper1338;
We are on the same page. I have both a 4” and a 6.5” 624. The 4” meets Taffin’s definition of the “Perfect Packin’ Pistol”. Further, both mine shoot extremely well. I also have a 6.5” Model 24.
My most used load is the “Skeeter” load (7.5 grs. Of Unique behind a Keith 250 gr. SWC). However, the Group Buy 200 gr. Dbl ended W/C at near a 1000 fps. Is a VERY effective load, too.
FWIW
Dale53
|
|
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-08-2021, 06:00 PM
|
 |
SWCA Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 2,731
Likes: 388
Liked 5,643 Times in 1,502 Posts
|
|
My sentiments exactly...
I've added a 396NG and a 696 since this pic was taken.
Adios,
Pizza Bob
__________________
NRA Benefactor Member
|
|
The Following 13 Users Like Post:
|
75Vette, BigMuddy, CB3, Chopper1388, CobiaS&W, fleabus101, Frank46, honu8019, jdlii, ME94, OLDSTER, SS336, zzclancy |
10-08-2021, 06:12 PM
|
 |
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Colorado
Posts: 771
Likes: 9,884
Liked 1,202 Times in 438 Posts
|
|
Model 21-4
My EDC.
Model 21-4
__________________
Smith, and Wesson, and Me.
|
|
The Following 8 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-09-2021, 03:07 AM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: New Iberia, Louisiana
Posts: 4,588
Likes: 25,427
Liked 3,380 Times in 1,736 Posts
|
|
My 624 showed up at a local gun shot. 6.5" barrel, that one actually started the Quest for more 44 specials. Then I found a really nice Lew Horton 3" 24-3 and finally a 4' 24-3. Big bag of once fired Winchester 44 special brass.Frank
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-09-2021, 03:55 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 240
Liked 6,214 Times in 1,575 Posts
|
|
The .44 is Special
They do have a certain attraction……..
Last edited by moralem; 10-09-2021 at 04:01 AM.
|
|
The Following 8 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-09-2021, 11:27 AM
|
 |
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Bartlett, Tennessee
Posts: 7,615
Likes: 2,934
Liked 18,693 Times in 4,788 Posts
|
|
Well done OP. Excellent revolver you have there. 
My love of the .44 Special is well known on this forum. I currently own 10 and always looking for more. I posted about them just a few days ago. 
Seems like there have been a lot of posts about .44 Specials recently. Wonderful cartridge and great guns!
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
10-09-2021, 01:54 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Montana
Posts: 632
Likes: 63
Liked 1,151 Times in 364 Posts
|
|
My old LGS has a Lew Horton 24-3 3”...I drooled over it every time I went in but $1700 was a bit steep for me.
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
10-09-2021, 01:55 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Apex, NC
Posts: 2,593
Likes: 3,000
Liked 12,378 Times in 1,904 Posts
|
|
The .44 is also special to me. I only have three (and don't shoot one of them), but I rarely ever shoot .44 magnum ammo in my five Model 29's or three Model 629's. I favor the .44 Special round. I do carry magnum ammo when hunting.
Now for gratuitous photos.
696
296
Second Model .44 Hand Ejector
__________________
Bill
|
|
The Following 7 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-09-2021, 02:56 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NC
Posts: 30,807
Likes: 58,028
Liked 53,079 Times in 16,557 Posts
|
|
I’ll play.
696
624
24-3
Wolf & Klar
624’s
USFA
__________________
Sure you did
|
|
The Following 13 Users Like Post:
|
629shooter, 75Vette, balin, BigMuddy, Frank46, Grayfox, jdlii, kraynky, ME94, Muley Gil, Plinkasaurusrex, WCCPHD, Xfuzz |
10-12-2021, 05:39 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Tx
Posts: 139
Likes: 22
Liked 49 Times in 37 Posts
|
|
Does a 696 count?
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
10-12-2021, 12:30 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Posts: 256
Likes: 323
Liked 316 Times in 143 Posts
|
|
New Vaquero 1 of 500.
Last edited by PHS327; 10-12-2021 at 12:33 PM.
Reason: picture
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-12-2021, 01:11 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 6,174
Likes: 6,401
Liked 7,086 Times in 3,003 Posts
|
|
Only 44 special I have is a Ruger Flattop with 4 5/8 inch bbl. Good shooter...but still looking for a S&W 24 4 inch..Found a couple 6 inch...but I do like the shorter bbl length...One day, I hope
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-12-2021, 06:51 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Garden Spot, Upstate NY, USA
Posts: 1,397
Likes: 3,385
Liked 749 Times in 445 Posts
|
|
For those of us who grew up reading Elmer Keith and also Skeeter Skelton, the 44 Special has a warm place in the heart.
In recent decades it has clearly been outclassed in ballistics by the .44 Magnum, 454 Casull, the 480, 460s, 475s, 500s etc. etc. But for practical utility in/on the fields and ranges of 48 of USA, and in economy of lead and powder, it is hard to beat. A 250 grain cast SWC starting at 1150 ft./s or a bit more is hard to stop and have any target within, say, 50 yards long complain about its lack of real world power.
To me it is interesting that this noble cartridge, and its equally noble rifle analog, the 30-'06 (born but one year earlier), still holds sway in the hearts and minds of so many, even though, admittedly, there are many more paper –powerful cartridges both in hand gun realm and in the rifle realm.
So, to the .44 Special, I say "Well done!" May you, and the revolvers chambered for your dimensions, power and éclat warm the hearts of pistoleros for many decades to come!
|
|
The Following User Likes This Post:
|
|
10-12-2021, 07:43 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Occupied California
Posts: 2,792
Likes: 1,524
Liked 5,587 Times in 1,612 Posts
|
|
I have a model 24-3 4", a Colt SAA 4.75" and a Ruger Flattop Bisley 5.5" in .44 Special.
I often see gun forum discussions about why choose a .44 Special when you can have a .44 magnum and shoot Specials or reduced loads out of it and have more power when you need it ?
Notwithstanding that the .44 Magnums usually have heavier barrels, with the .44 Special cartridge, you either "get it" or you don't. If you don't, it will be hard to convince you otherwise.
|
|
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
|
|
10-14-2021, 03:53 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: IL
Posts: 88
Likes: 75
Liked 47 Times in 18 Posts
|
|
The .44 Special is definitely lighter than the .44 Magnum in kickback.
Both are fun to shoot. But the Special does feel better later.
|
10-14-2021, 04:51 PM
|
 |
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: South of Atl
Posts: 4,068
Likes: 38,698
Liked 14,508 Times in 3,114 Posts
|
|
__________________
Don't You Ever Wash That Thing
|
|
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|
Linear Mode
