Holy Grail gun comes home!

[Nframe_is_no1]

As I have mentioned a few times before, this forum has greatly fueled my addiction for S&Ws and .44 special S&Ws in particular. For about 5 years, on gun on my "list" has always been a 6 1/2" 1950 target in .44 special. A couple of years ago, I found a 3" Lew Horton model 24-3. It has always been a fun shooter, but it wasn't the square butt 6 1/2" I really wanted. Well, I walked into a local shop today, and found my Holy Grail. Sitting in the case was a 6 1/2" model 24-3 with original box and papers. It was wearing the factory target stocks as well. I also couldn't believe what the tag said! I was able to take this beauty home for $499 out the door. Needless to say, I'm still in shock that I actually found one! The salesman said it came in Fri night. I'm surprised that it sat all day Saturday at that price. I shot some Remington 246 gr LRN (current package)out of it today. Surprisingly, it gave a little muzzle flip. I'm wondering if Remington has pumped it up a little. I'll work up some 240 gr cast LSWC handloads for it in a couple of weeks. Serial # is ABZ3xxx. Here's a couple of quick pics:

Here's a pic with it's stablemate, the 3" Lew Horton (also boxed, box not shown):

 

[Joni_Lynn]

Nice find, congrats.

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

Thanks, and congratulations on your promotion to moderator!

 

[fyimo]

Way to go on finally getting your dream gun.

 

[Joni_Lynn]

They needed a pest so I got nominated. Thanks.

 

[Yurko]

What a beauty!

 

[banjopkr]

Killer find and one of my all time favorites,I shoot mine a lot and enjoy it every time I take it out,very accurate and pleasant to shoot,I ordered a set of stags from Patrick and am going to put on mine.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

I got mine without box and papers for a flat $500 a couple years ago. That's pretty good for California. what a great score you made. And you had the money when you found it. How often can that happen? This gun in 6 1/2" is a perfectly balanced gun to me. I bought a 4" in '83 and it makes a great pair as yours do. I know what you're thinking."Man, now I gotta find a four incher!" Well, I have to find a three incher so I know how you feel.

 

[Beaver]

I've got a 624 with the 6 1/2 barrel. It's a much slimmer barrel than a 29. The gun is lively and handles wonderfully. I'm very happy for you and your new gun. Nice people deserve a great deal every once in awhile. I would have given a kidney for that gun. I've got two, so what the hell.

 

[bmhiii]

As Hannibal Smith would say, "I love it when a plan comes together".

Congrats on your nice looking new revolver!

 

[j38]

Beautiful gun! ... and a great price. Enjoy that .44 and thanks for the post.

Regards,

Jerry

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

Thanks for all the kind words so far! Wyatt Burp, you read my mind about a four-incher, but I don't want to tempt fate, now that I've been this lucky!

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Wow, a grail gun and a good deal all in one shot! Very nice!

 

[jmark1651]

I know you will love that beauty! It seems like the 4" production was less than the 6 1/2 inch,but they are out there. I picked up a four inch a couple of years ago. Did not get the price you did. Enjoy that great looking revolver!

 

[NFrames]

Nice find. Love those old N-frames.

 

[doc540]

See? Your daddy was right when he told you clean livin' would eventually pay off.