Model 24-3

[jem102]

I recently purchased this 24-3 for my small collection as new in the box. I have learned a lot from the forum but would greatly appreciate more knowledgeable folks with experienced eyes give an appraisal of what I really have here as to where it stands as to age, condition and value when some of you might have the time to do so.


Serial: ABZ7182
Crane: 723XX
12
Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[jem102]

More pics of the 24-3.

 

[Xfuzz]

Your missing one more prefix letter....


Low.....$950
High.....$1250

 

[JP@AK]

Serial: AB77182

That would be ABZ7182. A lot of the Model 24-3 revolvers had the ABZ prefix. My ANIB example does. It shipped from the factory to a distributor in Rossville, Georgia, on November 10, 1983.

The Model 24-3 was the short-lived reintroduction of the Model of 1950 Target model. The original Model of 1950 became the Model 24 in 1958, and went out of production in 1967. The reintroduction version (24-3) was made in four barrel lengths, but only two of them had many units actually produced: the 6 1/2" at about 5,000, and the 4" at about 2,600. 5" and 5 1/2" are very rare (I've never even seen one). Supica says there were also some Lew Horton units produced, but I've not seen one of those either. Perhaps someone here has one.

You picked up a gem. Congrats. I'd expect the price to be something over $1,000, but I haven't seen any for sale lately.

 

[Model19man]

Those have been trading around $1800 in that sort of condition with no box or papers or tools. Look on Gunbroker, Guns America and other auction sites for relevance.


I like it and wish it was mine.

 

[Shark Bait]

What about the 3 inch Lew Horton guns?

 

[JP@AK]

Those have been trading around $1800 in that sort of condition with no box or papers or tools.

That is good news for me. Mine is complete ANIB with all the original goodies.

It is one of the few S&W revolvers I own that I've never fired and probably never will. I got it in a trade with a close friend who is an SWCA member and a collector of WWI era firearms. We were sharing a table at a gun show 15 years ago or so. He had the ANIB Model 24-3 at the table and I expressed an interest. He wanted to trade, rather than sell. I had an inherited Model 1911 National Match with the very uncommon fixed sights that I acquired from my dad. It had belonged to one of Dad's high school friends who had passed away. I called my dad and he had no objection to the trade, so I swapped straight across. Both of us were happy.

The bottom line is that I have no money in the gun. My heirs can sell it if they want to after my passing. They will come out way ahead if the price is what you say it is and keeps going up for the next few years.

 

[JP@AK]

What about the 3 inch Lew Horton guns?

See? I said someone here might have one. Nice!

 

[jem102]

Thanks for the replies. Here are some of the box and a small circle #24 label on the bottom of the stocks. I did not want to pull the stocks and remove this label until someone could advise what it is for.

 

[Shark Bait]

I believe there were about 5000 guns made for Lew Horton with the 3 inch barrel. Same for the 624 later on.

 

[JP@AK]

Thanks for the replies. Here are some of the box and a small circle #24 label on the bottom of the stocks. I did not want to pull the stocks and remove this label until someone could advise what it is for.

That round sticker and the one on the end label of the box are almost certainly items added by the dealer. Probably some sort of inventory control that he used. You can safely remove the one on the stocks. I'd suggest leaving the one on the box alone, since taking it off will probably tear the factory label.

 

[Frank46]

I have both the 3" with combat stocks and the 4" as well. My 624 has the 6.5" barrel. All in 44 special. Frank

 

[Valmet]

The only thing nicer than a vintage N-frame is a vintage N-frame in .44 Spl. Very nice OP, congrats

 

[Laketime]

Thanks for the replies. Here are some of the box and a small circle #24 label on the bottom of the stocks. I did not want to pull the stocks and remove this label until someone could advise what it is for.

The round sticker on the stocks comes from the factory and is an inspection sticker . They always start with a 2. All the guns I bought new in the 1980’s up to the early 90’s had them from every gun shop I bought them from.

 

[Truckman]

See? I said someone here might have one. Nice!

Or more...Both of mine are getting some attention at my display this weekend...Almost unnoticed in their presence is my 4" SB 24-3 until I point it out......Ben

 

[skeezix]

4-inch

Well, we have pictures of the 3-inch and 6-1/2 inch versions, but no 4-inch.


So, here's my 4-incher.

 

[moralem]

I believe there were about 5000 guns made for Lew Horton with the 3 inch barrel. Same for the 624 later on.

I have one of each

 

[Buzzzer]

Well, we have pictures of the 3-inch and 6-1/2 inch versions, but no 4-inch.


So, here's my 4-incher.

Yours is the first I've seen with a red ramp front sight. Most are just blued, interesting!

 

[skeezix]

Yours is the first I've seen with a red ramp front sight. Most are just blued, interesting!

This may be a "special order" gun since it has the .500" trigger, .500" hammer, and RR/WO sights. Just a guess on my part.


Roy says it shipped in October 1983.

 

[jem102]

That round sticker and the one on the end label of the box are almost certainly items added by the dealer. Probably some sort of inventory control that he used. You can safely remove the one on the stocks. I'd "suggest leaving the one on the box alone, since taking it off will probably tear the factory label. __________________
Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318"


Laketime "The round sticker on the stocks comes from the factory and is an inspection sticker . They always start with a 2. All the guns I bought new in the 1980’s up to the early 90’s had them from every gun shop I bought them from."


So I don't devalue the pistol by removing it?