4" Pre-24 value

[D1911]

I looked at a 4" Pre-24 today and was wondering if anyone can give a ballpark value. It's a 5-screw gun and I would rate it about 95% (ish) as it shows some bluing wear at the muzzle and there are few nicks here and there (nothing major). It has a red ramp front sight, black rear blade, and non-relieved diamond targets that are a little rough. It does have a target hammer that I assume was installed somewhere along its life and a standard width trigger with a smooth face. The cylinder and barrel are a bit shinier than the frame, and the S&W trademark is the smaller one on the left side of the frame under the cylinder release. The two pins on the barrel that mount the front sight are slightly proud. The action is smooth, timing is great, and lockup is just a bit loose. No end shake. The bore looks good. As I recall, s/n was S 108xxx. Overall, a pretty cool gun.

I realize it's hard to put a value on it with no pictures. This is a super rare gun in California and honestly I've never seen one for sale. Price is $2100. Thanks.

 

[moosedog]

Sounds about right to me, especially when you consider where you're located. How many more do you think you're going to run across?
Good luck and stay safe.

 

[CH4]

^^^^^^^
Dito

 

[22hipower]

Pictures would be very helpful. Some of the pre-24s that now have 4 inch barrels left the factory with 6.5 inch barrels. I'd want to know that this was an original 4 inch before I plunked down $2100, even in California. I think an original 4 inch pre-24 could easily go for more than $2100.

I'm curious about the small logo on the left side too, I have three, one with a 4 inch barrel (cut) in the S96XXX range and two 6.5s in the S14XXXX range and all three have the large logo on the right side of the frame.

The apparently different finish on the barrel and cylinder would bother me a little too. Is the SN the same in all the areas where it should be?

I think I'd want to know more about this one before spending $2100.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[flintsghost]

The red ramp sight would indicate a possible redo by somebody. They weren't common back in those days. Overall that sounds like a work done and possibly not an original gun. 4" guns are fairly rare with only the 5" being more scarce in pre 24's and 24's up until S&W reintroduced them.

 

[MarkHayden]

My pre-24 has non-relieved Target grips, which are (oddly) numbered to the pistol on both halves. Does yours? My serial number is S107xxx. My 6.5” is not as rare as the the one you’re looking at.

I paid significantly more than $2100 a year ago in North Idaho.

Bottom line: Go for it, or PM with the seller’s info.

Mark

 

[tennexplorer]

The pins at the front sight being proud are quite usual if the front sight is a red ramp. I too am suspicious when you say the finishes are slightly different. The logo on the left side was sometimes there and sometimes not. Serial numbers in the right place as stated above are the big thing. If they are there, and correct, this revolver is WAY under priced.

 

[Flygas]

If it left the factory as a 4” gun, buy it. I’d gladly buy it if you decide to pass. I have one I bought several years ago that belonged to a Texas Ranger, and I paid more.

 

[bruce5781]

This is one of those instances where beings a member of the SWCA really pays off, as you could get a ship date from Roy and see if it left the factory as a 4" gun.

Sent from my SM-G781U1 using Tapatalk

 

[RKmesa]

Special order guns of that vintage often had the small roll mark on the left side, vs the common large roll mark on the right side plate. I would love to see some photos of that one.

 

[D1911]

Is the SN the same in all the areas where it should be?

Hmm, didn't look as I'm not familiar with the pre-model numbered guns. So, on the back of the cylinder and inside the ejector rod housing? Anywhere else?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Bottom of the grip frame, back of the yoke arm, back of extractor star and inside back of the right grip panel on magna stocks. Most target stocks will be unnumbered.

 

[4-Screw]

Finish?

The Bright Blue option brings more value than the matte/flat blue finish.

Also, it more than likely came with diamond Magna grips. Target hammer with a standard trigger was a common set-up for target/bullseye shooters, especially in the 6.5" variation.

 

[D1911]

So, I went back to the shop this morning to take another look at the gun. The serial number (S 118285) is stamped on the back of the cylinder and inside the ejector rod housing. The grips aren't numbered to the gun and the only thing I saw on the grip frame was a "4" and a couple of other small marks (didn't really pay much attention to it). I did notice that the ejector rod itself shows very little wear and the recoil shield showed no marks (shot a little perhaps?). The gun needs a good cleaning, wipe down and polish, but the finish actually looks pretty good. Also noticed none of the side plate screws, grip screw, or screw in front of the trigger guard were buggered (Bonus!). The finish under the grips even looked great. The serrations on the trigger were barely visible so someone didn't do a very good job of polishing them out; no biggy. So, I bought it. Thanks to the California 10 day wait period, I won't be able to provide any good pics until I pick it up. The shop doesn't allow photos (they used to) even though I bought the gun, but I was able to get one of each side (the gun looks better in person). I'm pretty tickled. Now I need to decide if I should sell the 4" 24-3 I have or keep it as this guy's younger brother (Those rarely come up for sale in California too). Thanks for everyone's input!

 

[Kinman]

Probably a good thing I have not seen one like that for sale around here. That pretty close to a grail gun for me...I have a Lew Horton 24-3 that is one of my favorite handguns and is usually one of two carry guns that is usually with me, the other is a modified Model of 1917.

 

[tennexplorer]

You did well. There is a group of four inch pre-24’s in that serial number range.

 

[D1911]

So, I picked up the gun the other day and gave it a good detail strip and cleaning today. It definitely looks to be refinished, as the polish job is so-so. Fortunately, whoever did it, didn't mess up the side plate fit or any of the stampings. Also noticed the top strap of the frame had been polished. The internals were dirty but in great shape. The trigger has had a bit of polishing done to it, but nothing that causes any function issues. I took a pic of the stamps on the grip frame, but I'm not sure what they mean. The serial number is also stamped on the yoke. Also noticed that the rear sight had a (white) outline blade. Once clean, I gave it a light/careful polish with Flitz, and it presents pretty good, I think. The action is nice and smooth, timing is great and lock-up is pretty tight. The bore and chambers all look excellent. Considering it has been refinished, not sure if I paid too much, but that said, it'll make a great shooter. May even see if I can get Curt to clean up the grips a bit.

Overall, a neat gun. I had planned on selling the 4" 24-3 I have, and this was definitely an impulse buy. Not sure if this'll be a keeper. Thanks for all the input.

 

[D1911]

A few more pics:

 

[handejector]

It definitely looks to be refinished, as the polish job is so-so. Fortunately, whoever did it, didn't mess up the side plate fit or any of the stampings. Also noticed the top strap of the frame had been polished.

I do not see any signs of a refinish on that gun.
The topstrap is supposed to be polished on this model.
You have a good gun there, and you got a bargain. I have never sold one anywhere near that cheap.

 

[Doc44]

I agree with Lee. Correct gun at a great price.

Bill