24-3 Reluctantly acquired

[chiefdave]

I just about didn't trade for this revolver but ended up with it. Generally I pass on anything newer than early 1948 but my fondness for the 44 Special cartridge weakened me. Briefly it is a 24-3 RB with 2 7/8" barrel. Combat grips are dated Sep 23, 1985 inside the right panel and both halves are marked with the last 3 digits of the s/n. I'm into this $850 at the most and because of my lack of knowledge with newer S&W's I think that's way too much. Just how bad of a licking did I take?

 

[g-dad]

It appears to be a very nice shooter. With non to very few handling marks & box, docs etc I've seen them in the $1250 to $1350 range.

Not too bad at $850! Enjoy it.

Here's mine.

 

[Kingspoke]

That's a great price imo! I'm sure you'll love that one! I love the 44 special as well and have a pre 24, 2nd Model 44HE, 24-3 4", & recently acquired a 696ND (love it!!).

 

[dmthomp32]

I have zero desire for 44's and I would have considered buying it for $850. I would have fondled it for two weeks and then tried to sell it for $1000. [emoji849]

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[BaldEagle1313]

The last two of those I got I paid more than that. Want to make a fast hundred bucks?

Seriously, it wasn't you that took the licking on this.

I don't know that I've ever seen "3 inch 24-3" and "reluctantly acquired" in the same sentence here before.

 

[Buford57]

I've had seller's remorse ever since I let my 4" 24-3 go. Let me help you with your buyer's remorse by offering to make you whole. I'll even pay shipping.

 

[chiefdave]

Thanks to all who commented. From what you say I did OK for flying blind.

 

[moralem]

You did well.....I know I wouldn't let mine go for 850$, would probably not ever find anything that I just had to hav in place of them.

 

[hkcavalier]

I paid $950 for its stainless twin and now, with the factory holster, could easily get $1100-$1200 for it. You did good!

 

[moralem]

I paid $950 for its stainless twin and now, with the factory holster, could easily get $1100-$1200 for it. You did good!

I too have the correct holsters and a box for the 24. I don't know that I could get that kind of money for them and I don't plan to find out. I am not letting them go until it's time for them to be passed on to the kids and grandkids.

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[CH4]

Great find at a great price!
I love all the 3" N frames from the period. I wish Smith would have used the same, sexy tapered barrel on all of them.

 

[hkcavalier]

I too have the correct holsters and a box for the 24. I don't know that I could get that kind of money for them and I don't plan to find out. I am not letting them go until it's time for them to be passed on to the kids and grandkids.

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They tend to sell for $100-$125, and sell quickly

 

[SpectrePilot]

Those are highly desirable and sell for $1000-$1200 pretty quickly. The grips alone command a strong price, so having them really does make it desirable. They show a little wear but can be easily refinished to original. You didn't mention the box. That also adds to the value as you obviously know. Great revolver and you are into it very reasonably for its value.


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[chiefdave]

Those are highly desirable and sell for $1000-$1200 pretty quickly. The grips alone command a strong price, so having them really does make it desirable. They show a little wear but can be easily refinished to original. You didn't mention the box. That also adds to the value as you obviously know. Great revolver and you are into it very reasonably for its value.


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No box, just the revolver. Sage advice from someone who flew an aircraft with T56's mounted upsidedown. Thanks for your service sir.

 

[apollo99]

I don't need another revolver right now, but I would have been in for $850.

 

[hkcavalier]

chiefdave, a LH 24-3 or 624 is a "grail gun" for a lot of people on here. If you don't love it, it will be easy to move.

I would hang on to it for a while just for the economics...the increase in value in the older S&Ws is rippling into the newer ones as well. Nice no-dash 586s/686s are selling for $700 or more around here, and they're as common as dirt compared to a LH special.

 

[dsf]

Well, if having spent "too much" (no such thing here in CA when it comes to older Smiths) is a concern you could sell the grips for about $350.00 and slap plain old service stocks and a Tyler on it and call it a $500.00 gun.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

chiefdave, a LH 24-3 or 624 is a "grail gun" for a lot of people on here. If you don't love it, it will be easy to move.

I would hang on to it for a while just for the economics...the increase in value in the older S&Ws is rippling into the newer ones as well. Nice no-dash 586s/686s are selling for $700 or more around here, and they're as common as dirt compared to a LH special.

It's not a lew horton......It's a Smith and Wesson. Horton never manufactured anything.

 

[BillyMagg]

No box, just the revolver. Sage advice from someone who flew an aircraft with T56's mounted upsidedown. Thanks for your service sir.

Heh, heh, so your taking up for the P-3, a nice looking bird, but I'm gonna stand by the C-130, my Dad was an IP in the 130, and also had stick time in the MC-130E in Vietnam...

I found out a lot more after he passed, I was a hospice chaplain and one of my patients daughters designed terrain following radar for the Combat Talon II... you never know who's going to give you an education next?

 

[hkcavalier]

It's not a lew horton......It's a Smith and Wesson. Horton never manufactured anything.

No need to be pedantic...if not for Lew Horton these 3" N frames would not exist.

Carroll Shelby never built any AC Cobras either...but I hear they're pretty valuable.