Another what's it worth question. Model 24

[LostintheOzone]

I just started my search for a model 24 (1950). I like the 50-67 time frame revolvers so not really looking at the later 24's. I don't want a LNIB collector grade revolver. I don't even care about a box.

I found one that's about 85% built in 1954 and the condition looks to be good. Price is 2K. The condition is about what I want to pay for. Resale isn't a high priority because I'm likely to shoot it a lot. I'm not worried about 2-3 hundred bucks either way, it's the model I'm after.

I can't handle the gun as it's an internet sale. The problem with finding anything like this locally is impossible so I think I'm going to have to risk an internet purchase. The seller is reputable with a brick and mortar business.

It's almost impossible to get a handle on prices these days as they seem to vary wildly so I'm checking the price with folks who have knowledge of this model to see if it's reasonable. If it isn't what price range should I be looking for?

Thanks.

 

[moosedog]

For a 6.5-inch blue with standard features, matching numbers on frames, barrel, cylinder and grips (if magnas), with 85% or better original finish, I'd say you're in high end of the ballpark. I'd try to get it for a few hundred less.
Good luck.

 

[470Evans]

I just bought one in a similar condition with incorrect grips for a little less. After I got the correct grips I won't be too far off your price.

 

[ChattCat]

I just got a 55 model and paid the going rate so your in that range. Mine is a five inch, four inch is probably more sought after and will be a bit higher. Yes I probably have more for mine but when you got ta have it Oh Well. Mine is here to stay shoots like dream.mine was local so I could look before I bought. They have three left one five inch and two four inch. The four in hers are at the 3,000.00 mark.


Yes I was not in right mind. Actually got home from cataract surgery, and having traded heavily on a 1950 Military just got excited about 44’s ! Sorry!

 

[22hipower]

I just got a 55 model and paid the going rate so your in that range. Mine is a five inch, four inch is probably more sought after and will be a bit higher. Yes I probably have more for mine but when you got ta have it Oh Well. Mine is here to stay shoots like dream.mine was local so I could look before I bought. They have three left one five inch and two four inch. The four in hers are at the 3,000.00 mark.

A pre 24 five inch? You probably should measure the barrel, don't believe S&W made any five inch Model of 1950/pre 24s. Measure from face of cylinder to end of barrel. If it is really five inches it probably has been cut. Would love to see pictures.

Yes, they made four inch ones but not many and you'll pay double or perhaps more for a factory four inch Model of 1950/pre-24. . . .and a lot less for a four inch that started life as a 6.5.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[LostintheOzone]

A pre 24 five inch? You probably should measure the barrel, don't believe S&W made any five inch Model of 1950/pre 24s. Measure from face of cylinder to end of barrel. If it is really five inches it probably has been cut. Would love to see pictures.

Yes, they made four inch ones but not many and you'll pay double or perhaps more for a factory four inch Model of 1950/pre-24. . . .and a lot less for a four inch that started life as a 6.5.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Standard Catalog #3 says they made a 5" but both 4" and 5" rare. Not my area of expertise, just parroting the catalog.

 

[Flygas]

They made 4 inch, 5 inch, and 6 1/2 with the later by far the most common. 4 inch guns are rare and command at least a 200% premium. A true 5 inch gun is very rare and jumps the price considerably. I feel a 6 1/2 inch gun is $1,500 to $1,800, 4 inch is $3,000 to $4,000 and 5 inch is $5,000 to $6,000. Your mileage may vary.

I own a 4 inch gun that belonged to Texas Ranger Bob Goss. I missed out on a 5 inch gun a couple of years ago at auction. I now regret not bidding higher.

 

[22hipower]

Standard Catalog #3 says they made a 5" but both 4" and 5" rare. Not my area of expertise, just parroting the catalog.

Right you are, learn, or relearn, something S&W every day, and apparently some 5.5 inch as well. I've seen one legitimate 4 inch and every other has been a 6.5. The 5s and 4s must not be all that rare though as ChattCat says the shop where he bought his 5 inch has another for sale and two 4 inch. And I'm having trouble finding an LGS with a beat up model 10 for sale. . . . .

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I have a 6 1/2, have seen 4s.
Never seen a 5.
Now I know why!

 

[Truckman]

Right you are, learn, or relearn, something S&W every day, and apparently some 5.5 inch as well.

I bought a S&W presentation box this weekend, apparently for a 5.5" N-frame...It had Model 57 papers under the insert...I designated it for a 5" 27-2 in the interim...Don't tell me I have to hunt down a 5.5" N-frame now?......Ben

 

[tennexplorer]

The four inch ones are very rare and the five inch are EXCEEDINGLY rare. It is possible these guns are from an estate and the family does not know what they have. That happens a lot.
There was also the 1950 Military which had fixed sights. The five inch version of it was the most common, so there may be confusion as to which model remains at the gun store. IF those are actual 1950 Targets, and IF they truly have four or five inch barrels (measured to the front of the cylinder) and IF all the numbers match and the barrel markings are centered, it would be prudent to consider buying all of them.

 

[22hipower]

There was also the 1950 Military which had fixed sights. The five inch version of it was the most common, so there may be confusion as to which model remains at the gun store.

And the 1950 Military 44 is even more scarce (1200 or so made) than the relatively common (5000 or so made) 1950 Target 44s. I have two of those 1200, both 4 inch, and both refinished in nickel. In any case, certainly agree that if those guns are original with matching SNs, either model, buy all three.

Hope we get to see pictures of one or more of those very scarce barrel lengths.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[jay73]

I believe there is a small handful of 3.5" pre 24's that were made as well.

 

[22hipower]

I believe there is a small handful of 3.5" pre 24's that were made as well.

Maybe, I sure hope someone posts pictures of some 3.5 and 5.5 inch Model of 1950 Target 44s. Until then, here are a few of my much more common ones; run of the mill 6.5, a 4 that left the factory as a 6.5 (but shoots well anyway), and couple of those very common 4 inch 1950 Military 44s.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[handejector]

The 5s and 4s must not be all that rare though as ChattCat says the shop where he bought his 5 inch has another for sale and two 4 inch. And I'm having trouble finding an LGS with a beat up model 10 for sale. . . . .

ChattCat edited his post. He was talking about 1950 Militaries, NOT 1950 Targets.

Yes I was not in right mind. Actually got home from cataract surgery, and having traded heavily on a 1950 Military just got excited about 44’s ! Sorry!

The 5" Pre 24s are very rare. I can't remember if I've had two or three. I think it was 3, but I can only find two letter copies and I lost a lot of pics in a computer crash years ago. I don't know if this gun goes with one of these letters or not. Been a long time and lots of guns since I had these---