Hey BigRix
The answer to your question is "yes"! The model 24 3" was the start of the 3" N frame fad! This Lew Horton order for a 3" barrel, a round butt N frame, in 44 Spec. was the first time S&W made that configuration in a post war gun. People said it wouldn't sell and in less than 6 months Lew Horton ordered the 29 in the same configuration! And it hasn't stopped!
This is the holster S&W made for the mod 24 because there was none made other than custom holster makers!
jcelect