I am anxiously awaiting a nice Smith 624 w/o original grips, but factory box will be with it. I love 44 Special. Wished I had never sold my 624 3", 696 3", and 4" 624. I was dumb enough to think I could easily find replacements....
If you’ve had dedicated S&W 44 special revolvers in the past then you have good reason to anxiously await that 624. Hard to beat them for overall handling characteristics and still plenty of power. Good news too is that obtaining period correct grips shouldn’t pose a problem.
Congrats on a fine purchase, one Id love to own myself. Thought I had a 4" in the bag but someone bought it before I could get some questions answered.