Model 24-3 3" in nickel? ?

[desertdweller]

LGS has a 24-3, 3 inch in nickel. Could this be factory? I know the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson's states 25 were made in nickel and engraved. Could one have slipped out in nickel without the engraving?

Thanks, in advance, for expert commentaries.

Regards John
#2423

 

[turbo38gn]

Anything is possible at S&W. Back in the day, lots of the gunsmiths there, built and modded their own guns. Living 10 minutes from Smith, I have had the opportunity to see and to purchase some of these guns.. Have seen some really interesting ones.. And now, at this time, lots of those Smiths are retired and beginning to sell those guns at local shops. Now that I think of it, I have recently seen a couple of the PC ported M&Ps and Shields show up around town that aren't legal in Ma. But they are using legal lowers and somehow getting the uppers put on them.. If I could only get a job at S&W..

 

[Peak53]

I'm very curious as the the outcome of this discussion. Have you been able to examine the 24 in person? Although extremely unlikely to be original, it would certainly be worth a close look for signs of refinish. Is it priced like a normal 24-3 or through the roof?

 

[desertdweller]

Nickel 24 3"

I've only see photos of the gun, besides I'm enough of a novice that I'm not sure I would be able to detect a refinished gun. Would it have any distinctive marks anywhere on the gun if it's a factory finish?

Not sure what you would consider a "through the roof price" but it's $1075.
Regards John

 

[Peak53]

That price is very high, but not through the roof for a blue gun. An original and hitherto unknown nickel 24-3 would be easily worth double that or more. If it's refinished, it is overpriced, at best. One wonders if it could be a chrome, rather than nickle, finish. SW used to mark a * on the cylinder or RN in a diamond on the side of the grip frame to denote a refinish. But, this gun probably post-dates the practice. Also, a nickeled hammer and trigger would be a dead give away for a refinish, as this was never done at the factory. Look for thinned SW trademark and rounded frame/cylinder edges from polishing.

 

[mmande]

24-3 in nickel;
I noticed that you got a ship date from Mr. Jinks and he did not mention anything about the nickel finish. Did you end up buying this gun or where you hoping that Roy would confirm the factory finish?
Just curious and would like to see pictures if you have the gun;
Mike