Model 24 Classic

[Qmark]

After this followed me home I now realize I'm hopelessly addicted. I need another gun or even another S&W like I need another X-wife. Where does one turn for professional help and is there any known cure??

I know, I know, it is not like finding a 1950's model in mint condition. It has the lawyer resistant lock and the Charter Arms type trigger safety and hammer block but according to the name stamped on it, it is a Smith and Wesson. I swore off nickel plating in the 1970's but the sales people ganged up on me. First they twisted my arm behind my back and when that didn't work, they held me down, tickled my feet and forced me to say yes. Please don't ask what I paid because I'm embarrassed. I can assure you it was way to much.

 

[EarlFH]

You payed too much for a "post lock" S&W??? Sorry to hear that. I could have sold you an original 24-3, in about 98-99% condition, with tools, papers, and box, for what you probably payed for that.

EarlFH

 

[Bullet Bob]

You paid enough to make yourself happy, and that's a bargain. I'll bet it's a great shooter! .44 Specials are my favorite N-frames.

 

[Frank46]

I second Bullet Bob's post. Main thing is that you are happy with what you got. "Tis but a short ride to the tomb,so while you're living zoom zoom) I've been down that road a few times and at first had some qualms about what I paid. But after awhile it's mine and the $$ doesn't seem to matter all that much. Enjoy Frank

 

[BUFF]

Folks can say what they want about the new Classics' IL and MIM, but no one can argue about how nicely most all of the nickel variants are finished! I haven't seen a shabby one yet in person.

You won't find very many factory nickel jobs in the 1950 Target/Model 24/Model 24-3/Model 24-5 series. That is a nice looking sixgun you found and I bet that it shoots really well, too.

 

[papajohn428]

In the long run, the therapy necessary to overcome your shameless S&W addiction would cost more than several new guns. That's not what I would call a good tradeoff. You might as well just keep buying nice guns, there is NO financial return on psychotherapy!

There, now dontcha feel better already?

 

[Hondo44]

We're from the forum and we're here to help...you came to the right place. S&W Gun Buying Therapy 101.

I could write an epistle on why you did right, but it all boils down to this:

Where else can you get as much pleasure for the price AND always have the opportunity to get your money back and even with a profit after time goes by???????? No where my friend! Guns are investments.

We don't really own them we just take care of them while we're still here. You can resell or trade them and when we pass on, just make sure they go to another good caretaker or make sure your heirs know how to get full value for them.

You have entered a happy zone only known to gun nuts. You now have one to fondle, study, shoot, care for and totally enjoy....while you methodically hunt for your next one! Feel better now? You have passed the course with an 'A'.

 

[Snapping Twig]

After over 20 years of being a 44 magnum acolyte, I have most recently found myself redirected to the cult of the 44Spl.

I still have reverence for the magnum and I still retain my delight in the glory that is the do-all and be-all in the woods, but the Spl has shown me the light where one does not have to overpower the opposition, rather one can be subtle and achieve the same results.

IMO, if the factory ammo was anything like what we reloaders can make, the 44Spl would be vastly more popular than it is. Take a 250g cast SWC and move it anywhere between 800 and 900fps and you have excellence.

Here's two loads for your new roscoe. Try them and see if you don't absolutely love them.

First load is the Skeeter in honor of Skeeter Skelton who developed it and blessed by EK himself as a "useful special" and a gallery load.

250g Cast SWC over 7.5g Unique. This load can produce 900fps in a 4" revolver. Think of it as a 44Spl +P, and only use it in a modern revolver.

Next load is my own. I made it by pouring over all my old and new reloading books and drawing on years of reloading experience, call it the Snapper. The Snapper is a bit less than the Skeeter but more than the anemic factory fodder, it shoots well, feels good and is accurate. I haven't chrono'd it, but I would estimate it to be between 800 and 850fps.

250g Cast SWC over 6.5g W231/HP38. Not a barn burner, not quite a Skeeter, but you won't feel under gunned using it.

Enjoy your new revolver and post some more pics and targets - after you've drilled 'em.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Ya done good, you can shoot the snot out of it and not have the vintage vapor's over it! I have a twin to yours and it shoots great!

 

[Coaltminer]

The "vintage vapors." Great expression! I bought a 29 Classic for the express purpose of shooting 44 Specials in it. It's a 4", blue. I truly like nickel guns, but didn't want to lay out the extra cash, which would have been about $80 from the dealer I ordered mine from. It is a fine shooter with the Specials, but I do kinda regret not opting for the nickel. I've ordered some N frame Magna type stocks for it, having small hands, don't know if I'll use them or not. I found them on a site that someone posted on here, but I can't recall the site. They are checkered rosewood, cost $60 and $7.50 for shipping. We'll see. It was a spur of the moment thing, and there is nothing not to like about the target grips that came on it. I believe these stocks are the original equipment supplier for S&W, the target stocks look identical to the ones that came on the gun. I haven't received them yet, so it may be a "no-go" on them, time will tell. Happy 4th to all.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

After this followed me home I now realize I'm hopelessly addicted. I need another gun or even another S&W like I need another X-wife. Where does one turn for professional help and is there any known cure??

I know, I know, it is not like finding a 1950's model in mint condition. It has the lawyer resistant lock and the Charter Arms type trigger safety and hammer block but according to the name stamped on it, it is a Smith and Wesson. I swore off nickel plating in the 1970's but the sales people ganged up on me. First they twisted my arm behind my back and when that didn't work, they held me down, tickled my feet and forced me to say yes. Please don't ask what I paid because I'm embarrassed. I can assure you it was way to much.

Nice gun. I've got one just like it. Had to ditch those terrible altamont grips and go with some Smith targets. Mine a shooter and mostly gets the skeeter load and some I whip up with AA#9or bluedot. Shoots as well as my 24's & 624's.

 

[stevieboy]

Superb gun, congratulations. I've read a lot of reviews of Smith's "Classic" line and they all find that these guns shoot as well or better than their predecessors. My bet is that you'll never regret making this purchase.

 

[Qmark]

Nice gun. I've got one just like it. Had to ditch those terrible altamont grips and go with some Smith targets. QUOTE]

I had to do the same thing. Quite frankly the factory grips stink. i could be wrong but the grips look and feel like press board. I put on a pair of after-market S&W copy-cats I borrowed and swapped off of another of my N-frames.

 

[charlix]

just bought one 9-3 2011. like the grips shoots great with skeeters, could afford this one, it's a keeper

 

[Maximumbob54]

This is the first I have heard of someone complaining about the Altamont targets. Usually I hear people say they are pretty comfortable. I prefer all things Ahrends.