Found this 24-3 this week, 6.5" # ABZ13xx, in beautiful condition. Just wandering about others.

Lots of them. They are a very popular topic here. A bit odd to see yours with the magnas. Took a second or two to figure out why the S&W-side of the brain was saying, "Something is wrong here." 1950s and earlier 24s always came with magnas of course, but not the 24-3s. Good looking gun you have there but that direct sunlight is hard on it!

I'll play

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Just another brick in the wall

Yes, the sun was a little much, a couple indoors.

I've got a matching pair. Don't have pics of the second one. I love these guns!!!

EarlFH

I have a shorter version.





It shoots pretty good too.

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SWCA #2421

Here's my 4" model. ANIB with papers and tools.

Man those are great looking revolvers!!

I've got two of them in the original boxes, and both came with the Magna's. They both also came with owner's manuals, parts diagrams, and other papers, for the 1950's .44 Specials, Model 24's.

EarlFH

Had it been a 4" would have kept it but had to do the
"Catch and release"...

The "release" part is next to impossible for me. I can let semi's, rifles and shotguns go, but none of my Smith or Colt revolvers. I just hope I can teach my Grandchildren to enjoy them as much as I do.

Yep, I prefer the shorter barrels.

Especially for goin' to town for provisions and such.

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KSCowboy

"I've got two of them in the original boxes, and both came with the Magna's."

I bought my three 24-3's NIB as soon as they hit my town, the 4 incher ABZ02xx (product code number 0243024041) in October, 1983, and the 6-1/2 incher ABZ40xx (product code number 0243026541) in January, 1984. They both came with the Goncalo Alves checkered Target stocks with the football cutout. The boxes are clearly marked with "TS" for stocks on the factory end labels. Of course, the 3 incher's box label sticker has "RB" marked for stocks, which are the round butt Goncala Alves smooth Combat stocks with finger grooves. 3 inch is AEJ14xx, product code 100787, which I got in September, 1984.

Hmmm. I am not sure that your Model 24-3's left the factory with Magna stocks. It is possible somebody along the line liked the Magnas better than the checkered Targets that they more likely originally wore and swapped them out. I never saw any new ones with Magnas. The gun magazines welcoming the 24-3's arrival showed Target stocks, as best as I remember. Skeeter Skelton trumpeted the Model 24-3 introduction in the March 1983 edition of SHOOTING TIMES. His initial test gun was a 6-1/2 inch gun and it sported smooth Target stocks, but the photos for the center spread photo taken by their staff photographer Kurt Collins showed both barrel length guns had checkered Targets.

Check your boxes' end label stickers to know for sure.

Before the Model 24-3 introduction earlier Model 24's and 1950 Targets often came with Magnas, but not always. My 1954-1955 4 inch bright blue 1950, S1183xx, came with smooth rosewood target stocks, as did many of the other 4 inch target sighted .44 Specials S&W made. I also have a 6-1/2 inch 1950, S861xx, from 1952 that came with smooth rosewood Targets, while my 5 inch bright blue, S861xx, has walnut diamond Magnas, and another 6-1/2 inch 1950, S1465xx) also has walnut diamond Magnas.

Bringing back a modern version of the 1950 Target Model in .44 Special in 1983, as the Model 24-3, was a masterstroke. Following them with the stainless steel equivalent Model 624 was a great thing for us, as well. Anyone who ownes one or more 24-3 is a lucky sixgunner indeed.

Wow! Now I know why they are so scarce. I think you must have bought most of them. I checked my boxes, and they ARE both marked as "TS". Thanks for the schooling on them.

EarlFH

I'm a small-time piker compared to some on this site! I've been lucky to find and hang onto what I have.

There were only 7,500 4 and 6-1/2 inch Model 24-3's made, 2,625 of the first, 4,875 of the latter. Then S&W made (most believe) 5,000 of the round butt 3 inchers. So they aren't rare but certainly aren't common, either.

This compares with 5,050 of the original 1950 Target/Model 24, 24-1 and 24-2 made, from 1950 to 1966. I don't think anyone has exact numbers, but I think the great majority were 6-1/2 inch. 4 inch were less commonly made, and 5 inch were even less common.

I have never seen production numbers for the stainless steel equivalent Model 624. I am guessing there were a lot more of them manufactured than the 24-3; at least they are easier to find and buy.

I think that the 4 inch blued 1950 Target/Model 24 dash whatever is the best looking revolver ever made by anyone.

I'm not very familiar with the 1950's models. Is it the better blueing on them, that you like better? I was under the impression that they were basically, the same mechanically. I've always liked that sexy tapered barrel they have. It just gives them that quality look. like they were designed to look good, as well as function good.

EarlFH

I got one......
[IMG][/IMG]

I saw a model 24-3 for sale on one of the auction sites. It's got a 6.5 inch barrel and seller claims it is unfired. Can anyone tell me what it is actually worth? Includes box and papers.

I got me this here one.... A 6 1/2" Shipped March of 1984.

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RIP Shipmate

I have a couple of them - one with a 4" barrel and one with a 6.5" barrel. Both are in really nice shape. I'm a great fan of the .44 Special cartridge. Both of these were shipped in 1984.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I meant I like all of them. The factory name for the series is the .44 Hand Ejector Fourth Model Of 1950, Target. They became Model 24 in 1957 when S&W assigned 2 digit model numbers. The main differences between a 1950 Target made in 1950 and a Model 24-3 made in 1984 are the same differences or engineering changes that S&W made in all of their N frames during that time. So, the primary visual differences between a 1950 Target made in, say, 1952 and a Model 24-3 would be the deletion of the pinned barrel, the upper sideplate screw and the screw in the front of the trigger guard. Otherwise, they look pretty much the same, which is, they look great!

As far as the quality of the blue, most of the early 1950 Targets came with a satin blue as standard, and I think that the polished, shiny blue of a Model 24-3 looks better than that. I am mostly fond of the general shape and proportions of the target sighted N frame with the tapered 4 inch, ejector rod shrouded barrel barrel. It just looks so right.

It's all just personal preference anyway. I like the 4 inch barrel in this format. Call me a heretic, but actually I would rather have a 4 inch Model 24-3 than a 6-1/2 inch pre-Model 24.

If it's really unfired, it would probably go for a good price. I picked up my second one recently. It was on consignment. I paid $500 for it. It's used, but very little, with box, and all paperwork. It often seems to depend on the part of the country you're in. Around here, an unfired one would probably be in the $800, to $1000 range.(or more). Pre- model 17's are rediculously expensive, even if they look like they were run through a concrete mixer. $1000-1200 would not be unusual here, and I'm talking about at gun shows. They are very seldom seen in gun shops. There are two of the latest ones from Thunder Ranch, with the gaudy gold eagle engraved on one side, and the keyhole in the other side, at one of the gun shops here. They have had them for months, at $795, and can't sell them.
What were they asking for the one on the auction site?

EarlFH

I was a .44 Special nut when they first came out. Picked up two 6 1/2 inchers and one 4 inch barrel 24. One 6 1/2 and the 4 are still NIB. I used one for my target work. Outstandly accurate. Just got a .44 Handejector made in 1954 with bright finish and smooth Target grips. They stand next to two 696's and a 396.

The combination of shrouded ejector rod and tapered barrel with tall narrow rib on the modern .44 special HE (24 series)
and the Model 27 are the pinnacle of S&W Combat revolvers IMHO .

"Mountain Guns" with RB to SB wood conversion grips are the runners up.

I'm glad to see this thread. My LGS had one in stock yesterday when I was there, but I passed on it.

I called back today and had them put a hold one it until next week.

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John 3:16 .

One has the bid up to $630 right now. The other has a buy it now price of $950 which seems a little high.

Here's a 24-3 Lew Horton model I really enjoy shooting. I'm on the lookout for one in 4" 24-3 now.

I own a 3", 4" and 6 1/2" all mint condition, NIB as can be reasonably expected, they will stay that way. One of the classiest revolvers S&W has ever produced IMHO.
Here is the 4" wearing a set of Nill's Coke style stocks. I wish I had a dozen more just like these.
RD

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Got a Phd from Hard Knocks U

But I've got number 153 of the 4 inch model.

The 24-3 I have is a bit of an oddity. It's not a factory custom or "one of", rather just a 6.5" that someone chopped down to 5".



Since I prefer 5" N-frames to either 6" or 6.5" I was delighted to come across this on one of the internet auctions. Got it for the starting price of $500 which was either a bargain if you like it, or a rip off if you like the 6.5". (smile)

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

There's one for sale in the classifieds. If I didn't have one.....


http://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-sa...-24-3-4-a.html

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Just another brick in the wall

Just bought a NIB 6 1/2" model to go with my 4". Now I'm on a quest to find a 3". My brother has one that I'm gonna try to talk him out of.

Here's my ANIB Model 24-3 4". It came with Target grips, but I really like the look and feel of a set of Magnas. Now, if I could just find a #4 Tyler T-Grip in shiny black....

Anybody but me have 6 !/2" mod 24-3 with bad bluing on the frame? I bought it new in 1983, never fired, equally maintained with all my guns,noticed the bluing on the frame looked a bit lighter than the barrel.Now there is some brownish tint in a few spots. Called S&W twice, and they more or less said "too bad". Would appreciate any feedback/ advice from anyone about options in selling this gun. I'm kind of computer stupid, my phone number is 315-879-8794. would sure appreciate a phone call!

John, if you browse around here you will see a sticky about posting pictures. It is kind of complicated, but even I can do it.

Your 24-3 is still a valuable shooter, even if the blueing is not pristine any more. If you put a fair price on it and post it for sale here in the classifieds (with decent pics) it probably will sell quickly. Just be sure to accurately disclose the defects you mention and adjust your price accordingly.

If you offer the gun for sale with the usual 3-day/no-fire inspection period, that helps to give the buyer a little confidence you are a respectable seller, too. Remember, there is no sense damaging your good name over a few dollars. Always best to have a satisfied buyer, IMHO.

Very nice! Wish the 3" 29/629 and the tapered barrel...

I have a stainless 624 44 Special Round Butt with 3" barrel - red dot was on box(gone) bought new June of 1985 serial AHTxxxx - Less than 50 rounds fired. I have smaller hands and put new Pachmayr compact open strap grips on. Gave stock wooden set to a friend. No scratches; clean almost cherry has the larger style hammer on it. Just bought a newer 629 Perf. Centr. 44 Magnum with 2.625" barrel. Kind of doing a Spring thing - would probably sell for a fair price. Also, trading off a Sig Sauer P232 SL (never fired) together with a H&R 929 22LR less than 2" barrel, barely 100rds. though it; maybe next week.

Hah! I love S&W 24s. I can see I'm in good company. I bought a 4" and a 6 1/2" from J&G Sales back in the 80's. For a short while, perhaps 20 ms, I figured they'd be collector's items one day. Maybe? Maybe I should keep them NIB. In a stroke of genius, I realized only my heirs would benefit. So I've been shooting them ever since. Along the way, I read the Guns & Ammo article on the 3" round butt 24-3 and snagged one of those too. It's not NIB either!

Hello, my name is Frank and I'm a 44 special addict. My downfall started with a 6.5" bbld 624 and from that moment I was doomed. Then came the 4" bbld 24-3 and followed by the 3" bbld 24-3. My wife wasn't aware of my addiction as when I bought the 3" one I already had the paperwork done when she found me. She goes with me to the shows to keep me in line. Unfortunately that day I fell off the wagon big time. And the funny thing after I bought the 44 specials I've never seen another for sale down here. Must be a message in there somewhere. The 624 with that long barrel with winchester 200 grain silvertips is like shooting a 38 special. Outside of the 38 special the 44 special is my favorite cartridge. Frank

Hi i just got this nice 24-3. It had a Houge rubber grip, which Im not that fond of so i mounted some comfortable Thai hardwood grips. Will test on the range tomorrow.

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Here's my Trifecta. 3", 4" and 6 1/2".

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Took it to the range today. Had reasonable loads (5.5, 6.0 & 6.5 grain vv n320 and a 246grain lead SWC). Found out, especially on the 6.5 grain load why previous owner had mounted the rubber Hougs as that load was the most accurate of the tree loads but with the Thai grips was quite hard on the web of my hand ( at least 90 rounds fired today ). Great revolver

I love my Model24 44spl

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God save the SOUTH