I ran into a similar situation a couple of years ago. I had an "itch" for a Mod. 24-3 (No shooter Grade Mod. 1950, no 1950 that I could afford). After internet research, I found that the 4" version vs the 6 1/2" had many accolades. Stumbled onto a somewhat vague site that had a "mint" 4" Mod. 24-3 w/ orig. box, papers and tool kit at what I considered a reasonable price. I bought it, and what I received was an ANIB example; so stiff as to be hardly operable. It has a faint turn line from handling, but nothing more. The more I looked, the more I knew I had a gun that would be coveted by others. All I was looking for nice "shooter".
Back to the Net, and I found a Very Nice 6 1/2" 24-3 that I shoot at will, and enjoy at every opportunity. The 4" is still in the safe, and I have no desire to shoot it as someone else would enjoy it for a different reason. All I ever wanted was a "nice" shooter, and I have that now. In fact , the 6 1/2" gets prettier every time I clean it.
I'm not a gun seller. I hope my wife will recapture the extra $200.00 I paid for the 4" etal. vs the 6 1/2" alone at my estate sale. I fret not though, $200.00 over a lifetime isn't really that important.
Dennis