I own #123 purchased in the past 8 months. I can't say its unfired but "I" would rate it at 98-99%. Has the numbered box, docs, kit and grips. I have a total of $1,560.00 in it including the LHS letter and was happy to get it. In the past year I have seen two at local gun shows in much worse condition than the one pictured @ $1,800.00 and people lined up and drooling over them. Don't know exactly what they sold for but were gone the first two hours of the shows. They made 6,000 of them and it took me 4 years to find the one I have in that condition but they are out there you just need to stay at it. Good luck.
24-3 3” at the LGS
- Thread starter tlawler
- Start date
I agree. For me, based on what I can see, it’s a $1000 to $1100 piece. I don’t recall flame cutting on my 44 spls . Guess my loads aren’t hot enough.
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El Juero
Member
I tend to agree that flame cutting may not be a propblem. I do not see erosion as much as I see a problem wiht the forcing cone. However, it is difficult to detemine since it is somewhat dirty and leaded. I would think it better to look at the forcing cone and how cleanly it is cut. It appears to be less than optimal and may need to be cleaned up. Not having a cleanly cut forcing cone could cause some leading and flaming that is less desirable for accuracy. If it has had a lot of hot rounds there should be some other indicators such as timing and wear on the star ratchet.
Norton 750
Member
I have never paid too much for a gun I wanted. Sometimes I bought them a little early, but the market has always caught up with me.
austintexas
Member
Over the years the prices have gone nowhere but up, I bought a 3" 24-3 new when they came out $350, another used 6" Round butted $200, another 3" used $350, 4" in the box $800, 6" in the box $700, 4 months ago I picked up a nice 4" $1300. The don't seem to be getting any cheaper.
SWCA 892
SWCA 892
Your is the best most sensible comment I will read on the internet this week.
I would elaborate on your sentiment by saying that if one is committed to the hot 44 special, or the downloaded 44 mag, which from a personal combat perspective is the same thing, then this model will be the ideal choice and is worth whatever you pay to get it. The day it saves your life it will become forever priceless. The day the lawmen confiscate it and lock it away in an evidence locker, it will become worthless.
Inflation? The older members of the forum are resisting the new inflated prices. Thank God for some who are able to push back against inflation!
Supply? How long you been lookin"? How long you wanna wait?
Demand? There are lots of options for people who believe in the the big and slow caliber doctrine. The model 24 in 3" bbl is the largest heaviest revolver that is still concealable IMHO. I went with the 696 because I am satisfied with standard 200 grain Gold Dots or Silvertips. I could never afford the ammo to wear it out anyway.
Investment? The old guys who know enough to appreciate this gun are dying off. I am 67 years last month. What I tell my wife about a gun as an investment is that it is never worth nothing, which is more than you can say about most things including the US dollar!
Grayfox
US Veteran
I dearly love the .44 Special and the 24-3s hold a special place in my heart. But no way I'd go $1500 on that one. Maybe $1000 because they are hard to come by.
The flame cutting bothers me. I doubt standard velocity loads did that. I'm guessing there's been some seriously hot rounds put through that gun. I'd double and triple check every inch before buying.
The flame cutting bothers me. I doubt standard velocity loads did that. I'm guessing there's been some seriously hot rounds put through that gun. I'd double and triple check every inch before buying.
