44 special, which model to buy?

[LostintheOzone]

I have a few thousand saved up buy a 44 spl. I want to shoot this gun a bit and have something that won't decrease in value over the next 10 years. I reload so I can build any ammo I need to match the pressure requirements of the gun.

There seems to be some model 24's to be had so I've been looking at those. One other model I'm looking at are hand ejectors but I know very little about those. Would one of those stand up to say 500 rds a year or would I be better off with a newer model?

I don't expect to profit from this purchase, I just want to shoot it some and have my original investment returned.

I'm not interested in any reproductions like a Heritage or a 21-4. The idea is to have an original 44 spl and be able to shoot it.

Any suggestions?

 

[Bullet Bob]

"I'm not interested in any reproductions like a Heritage or a 21-4. The idea is to have an original 44 spl..."

They're .44 Specials, made by S&W. That's as original as it gets for me, but your opinion is just as valid as mine.

 

[LostintheOzone]

"I'm not interested in any reproductions like a Heritage or a 21-4. The idea is to have an original 44 spl..."

They're .44 Specials, made by S&W. That's as original as it gets for me, but your opinion is just as valid as mine.

I was thinking more on along the lines of the earlier models holding their value a bit better. I've been watching the auctions and there doesn't seem to be a lot of interest in those. Also, I'm not a huge fan of internal locks.

 

[Truckman]

Whatever you do, don't buy one of those horrible 3" barrel round butt Model 24's...Especially avoid the ones with defective cylinders in which they forgot to machine them for flutes...Those are probably too dangerous to even handle, and should be disposed of with a professional like me...Just dial 1-800-TRUCKMAN and I'll see that they are permanently removed from the public eye......Ben

 

[STCM(SW)]

If you do a search on GB for .44 SPL there are several M24-5 Heritage Target and they have no IL, one is even unfired.

 

[Early Bird Dave]

Why not get a model 29? It can shoot 44 spl. And hold it's value. Obviously it could do
500 rounds per year of special.
If it's just about having a model 24, I understand.

 

[BigBill]

Look for a s&w m24 in nickel?

My choice is if your going to shoot it a lot look at a ruger? No screws to come loose in the ruger. You can hammer it.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v25ltqGI7Uk[/ame]

 

[Doc44]

A revolver that has stood the test of time...1950 44 Target revolver with a 6 1/2-inch barrel.

Bill

 

[lihpster]

If you want to shoot it and want it to hold it's value, by a shooter. A safe queen, (NIB with papers and letter) will hold it's value but only if you don't shoot it. When you decide to sell, you're gonna have a fired gun. Perhaps, fired alot. If you bought a pristine example, it ain't no more. So, buy a shooter. Also, which is more important, holding value or being an "original" .44 Special? I think the absolute safest bet to hold it's value, barring special circumstances like limited run or famous owner, is the Charter Arms. Just because I think any gun in the future will be worth what the Charter Arms are going for. Also, I wouldn't overlook single actions. Colts hold their value pretty well. So do the high end clones like the USFA guns, but there goes "original".

 

[THE PILGRIM]

What Doc said.

 

[Walter Rego]

If you have "a few thousand" saved up and don't want to spend all of it, I think a Model 24-3 from the 1983-84 era would serve you very well.

Taking a quick look at Gunbroker, prices on them have risen dramatically in the last year or so, like most N frames. But you might find a nice one in the $1500 or less range with a little effort.

Since you are a handloader, a set of carbide dies, a couple hundred Starline brass cases, a few hundred cast bullets, some Unique and Large Pistol Primers will get you started for a couple hundred more (once availability and prices return to normal anyway).

I don't see any issues shooting 500 rounds a year of mild to moderate velocity cast bullet loads and I think an N frame .44 Special. pre-lock/pre-MIM S&W is always going to have appeal should you decide to sell it at some point down the road.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Ruger makes some handy dandy single action .44 spl's in blue and stainless. I have several. I also have these. Don't get no better than a 24/624/696. A Rossi mdl 720 44 spl in the pile

 

[Mike0251]

My 24-3 in all her glory. Fine firearm.

 

[WCCPHD]

To the OP.

Have you thought about an L frame?

A bit smaller and five shot. Should hold up to 500 rounds a year.

Model 696




Model 296 (a bit of a hand full to shoot, but a great carry gun.





Wood grips look good but rubber grips are more pleasant to shoot.

 

[StrawHat]

(First, I am not a fan of the 44 S&W much preferring the 45 ACP.)

Having said that, whenever I hear “44 Special” the first thing I think about is the New Century aka Triple Lock. Want an original, buy an original!!

Kevin

 

[Peak53]

I'm still in single digits on .44's, but could be considered a fan With your reasonable budget, I think I would look for a Model of 1950. Best of the post war old school. And target sights to take advantage of the 44 Special famed accuracy. Doesn't sound like this is a SD gun, so consider the 6-6.5 inch versions. 500 rounds per year is only very slowly going to change the presentation of your future prize. Show us what you find.

 

[delcrossv]

You have a few thousand saved up? Heck man, go for gold- get a Triple Lock! IMO the finest gun S&W ever made.

Or as Doc44 says, a Mod 1950.

FWIW, I get better patterns with the TLT than the Pre 24, but YMMV. They're both great guns.

 

[RoyM52]

Hold out for a Model 69 in what ever length you prefer. Look for a shooter that is $700 or less.

Shoot it all you want and it should always be worth $700. Shouldn't actually lose money on any shooter grade used 44 unless you get caught up in a bidding war and refuse to back off.

629's all hold their value too. and you can shoot all the specials you want without devaluing the gun. Forget collectibles. They may retain value, but the resale public for them is smaller and the buy in price is higher.

When you decide to sell, a standard run of the mill gun will be less money and also easier to sell to a larger crowd.

A 44 mag will never devalue just shooting specials.

 

[Glashaus]

Hands down, go for a classic, a 2nd Model Hand Ejector in .44 Special! In fact get two!

 

[Wyatt Burp]

My 24-3 in all her glory. Fine firearm.

I have a 4” and 6 1/2” 24-3 and would love one in nickel. Is that a factory finish? I never heard of nickel versions. Ít sure looks original.