T. McIntyre
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Morning all,
Did S&W ever produce a 5" Model 24-3?
TIA
TM
Did S&W ever produce a 5" Model 24-3?
TIA
TM
Model 24-3 question.
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Kernel Crittenden
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
I've seen 3, 4, and 6.5 inch - 3's , but never a 5-inch. If there is such a thing it is not common. Measure from the cylinder face to the muzzle.
OP
T. McIntyre
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KC,
That is what I recall as well. I am a long time S&W shooter, as well as N Frame fan.
That is what I recall as well. I am a long time S&W shooter, as well as N Frame fan.
BUFF
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
The new SCS&W IV says, discussing the Model 24-3 and later guns, that 5 and 5-1/2 inch are rare. I think that is wording that was just carried over from the discussion of the earlier 1950 Target / Model 24 in previous editions of the SCS&W. There were 5 inch 1950 Targets made, mine was shipped in 1952. Also, in discussing the variations produced of the 24-3 and later guns and their product codes, no 5 inchers are mentioned. I have asked on the S&W Collectors Association side of this site if anybody has ever seen a 5-1/2 incher, but nobody had.
A couple of folks on this site have had their 24-3's bobbed to 5 inches and, like the Models 27 and 29, they make great holster guns.
A couple of folks on this site have had their 24-3's bobbed to 5 inches and, like the Models 27 and 29, they make great holster guns.
This 24-3 5" exists 
but unfortunately is not original 
Someone did a fine job cutting and crowning before I found it. The front sight installation could have been executed a little better, but it is a great shooter.
but unfortunately is not original Someone did a fine job cutting and crowning before I found it. The front sight installation could have been executed a little better, but it is a great shooter.
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OP
T. McIntyre
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I came across an individual who has what he claims is a 24-3 5". I never knew them to be a factory option. It appears nicely executed, but for the asking price it would have to be a factory job, before I would shell out that kind of $$.
T.McIntyre
Why does he think it is a factory 5"? Or does he? I don't believe, so far, that anyone has documented one here.
Why does he think it is a factory 5"? Or does he? I don't believe, so far, that anyone has documented one here.
I am hoping I lucked up and found a Model 24-3 with a factory 5" barrel. It has a CC wide hammer and trigger with white outline rear sight.
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Grayfox
US Veteran
I am fortunate enough to own Model 24-3s in 3, 4 and 6 1/2 inch barrels. I've never even heard of 5" gun. SCSW makes no mention of them.
Pullstart: That barrel just doesn't look right to me. I believe its a cut down 6 1/2. I got my gun out and the rollmark on my 6 1/2" is in the exact same position as your's.
Pullstart: That barrel just doesn't look right to me. I believe its a cut down 6 1/2. I got my gun out and the rollmark on my 6 1/2" is in the exact same position as your's.
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Show us the front sight from the muzzle. 24-3 front sights were one with the barrel. If it shows a separately attached sight, well… it was probably cut down. By the factory? Probably unlikely.
Marshal Tom
Member
I think it has been re-barreled with an earlier .44sp. barrel.
I'm guessing a cut down barrel but can't say for sure. Here's a picture of my 24-3 6.5 inch barrel and one of my 1950 pre-24s. Based on these pictures, it's going to be difficult to tell much based on the placement of the barrel stamping although the OPs seems more like my 1950 stamp placement than the 24-3. . .to me anyway. Maybe seeing the front sight and crown will confirm.
And yes, you can get a S&W Letter of Authenticity:
Letter Process – Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation
Jeff
SWCA #1457
https://flic.kr/p/2noBgnC https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/
https://flic.kr/p/2noDGFm https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/
And yes, you can get a S&W Letter of Authenticity:
Letter Process – Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation
Jeff
SWCA #1457
https://flic.kr/p/2noBgnC https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/
https://flic.kr/p/2noDGFm https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/
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Walter Rego
Member
My guess is cut down. The front sight doesn't look like anything Smith & Wesson produced.
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That front sight just does not look right. I had a 4" when they first came out in 1984 and my buddy a 6". Lew Horton got a run of RB 3" made a year or two later. None of the sights looked like that. If a 5" had been available I'd have held out for it.
It is cutdown. The front sight base is not a factory profile and is a separate piece attached to the barrel rib. The sight base on 24-3 barrels is an integral part of the rib. The sight blade may or may not be a separate piece pinned to the base.
My 4" 24-3 has a sight blade that is part of the base, the base is part of the barrel; not separate pieces. My 6 1/2" and 3" 24-3's have a sight base that's part of the barrel, but the sight blade is separate and pinned to the base.
My 4" 24-3 has a sight blade that is part of the base, the base is part of the barrel; not separate pieces. My 6 1/2" and 3" 24-3's have a sight base that's part of the barrel, but the sight blade is separate and pinned to the base.
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Cut down. Front sight is ill fitted to the rib......Like others I have the 3-4-6 1/2" 24's and reading and searching. There never was a factory 24-3 with 5 in. barrel.
Skeeter Skelton was a huge proponent of the 5" N-frame in any caliber. A .44 Special was favored. I recall several articles in Shooting Times on his personal conversions. Little doubt that others felt the same way. It was really no problem 40-50 years ago to find actual qualified GUNSMITHS to tackle jobs like this. Their numbers have dwindled thru the years. Largely due to age but also L.E. switch to autos. Good "revolver-Smiths" are still in demand. If you know one,,,,no doubt he/she is busy!
Thanks for feedback and information. I purchased it thinking it was original. Based on the feedback I will sell it but not sure of a starting asking price. What is a Model 24 with a 6" barrel cut down to 5" worth? It has the wide trigger spur, wide trigger, white outline rear sight, and aftermarket wood finger groove grips. Trigger pull in single action 3.5 lbs. I plan to list it for sale in this forum, the Colt forum, and locally.
I'd keep it....Shoot it.....And enjoy it.
41 mag Dave
Member
I second the advise to keep it. If you are a collector that wants everything to be and remain pristine, this is perfect for you. You can shoot it without worry of degrading or damaging the revolver. It is also a great configuration for shooting. It will start conversations. The purchase price becomes more and more irrelevant as time goes by. This will be a perfect gun for regular range use.
I'm in the shoot it and if you like it keep it crowd; you're probably going to like it. I have a 1950 pre-24 with a 4 inch barrel (cut from an original 6.5) and it is a great gun. As to value if you were to sell it? In my opinion, not much less than an uncut one and some folks might pay more to get the five inch. Hard to find an N frame in good condition that isn't priced at $1k or more these days.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Jeff
SWCA #1457
I'll pile on! I agree with Mike, Dave and Jeff. Keep it and shoot it! A 5" N-frame is a superb configuration. I have a 5" Model 27 and love it. I think a 5" 24-3 would be a great shooter.
To quote a "famous" TV actor: Choot it Lizabet!
To quote a "famous" TV actor: Choot it Lizabet!
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The peer pressure is not helping, Ha. I don't reload. I don't have 44 special ammo and not looking to stock up on a new caliber. This one was destined for the safe if original. You guys clarified that it is not original. I would rather sell it off to someone who would get some good use. I enjoy shooting my model 617 that was a 6 shot converted over to a 10 shot. Cheap ammo and really puts a smile on my face.
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We can help you with "that reloading thing."
The 44 Special really is special. Try just one box of ammo, and I'll bet you decide to keep it.
The 44 Special really is special. Try just one box of ammo, and I'll bet you decide to keep it.
Frank46
US Veteran
These guys are a great bunch of enablers. Found a 624 with a 6.5" barrel,Then found a 24-3 with the 3" barrel and when I was done ended up with one more. 24-3 with the 4" barrel. So at this point in time I'm all set for the 55 special cartridge. Frank
