Model 24 Evolution

[Bullseye 2620]

Can someone direct me to an on-line source of information concerning the evolution of the Model 24 from the pre-Model 24 up through and including the current production Model 24-6 (I believe)? I am interested in learning what the engineering changes were at each stage of the evolution of this great .44 Special. I do not need to go back as far as the Triple Lock. Starting with the pre-Model 24 will be sufficient for my purposes.

I do not have easy access to the current edition of the SCSW.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.


Bullseye

 

[JT]

From a previous post on M24 through -3 by board member BUFF:

BUFF
Posted 26 January 2006 08:36 PM
"The Model 24's formal name is the Target Model of 1950 or .44 Hand Ejector Fourth Model. It began manufacture in 1950, hence the name. S&W started model numbers in 1957, and it became the Model 24. In 1960, they changed the thread on the extractor rod from right- to left-handed and it became the M-24-1. The cylinder stop was changed and the external screw for it was eliminated in 1961 and it became the M-24-2. It was discontinued in 1966.

The M-24-3 was introduced in 1983. It incorporated the many minor changes made to all N frame S&W's over the years 1966-1983, such as the elimination of the pinned barrel, the elimination of the grooving of the frame's top strap in front of the rear sight body and other small things.

It is not known for sure if the heat treatment of the M-24-3's frame and cylinder is the same as the heat treatment of the M-29's frame and cylinder. I have read "authoritative statements" from people who should know stating, "yes they are" and, "no they aren't.""

 

[Bullseye 2620]

JT,

Thanks so much for this. I've located a Model 24-3 with a 4-inch barrel, NIB. I'm going for it. I appreciate your assistance.


Bullseye

 

[BUFF]

Bullseye:

I think that the Model 24-3, or it's stainless steel brother Model 624, is the best pick for a shooter. Classy gun, good looking, will hold it's value. Tremendous holster guns.

There are more, newer Model 24 variants, some discussed in the SCS&W III.. The Model 24-4 was a limited batch of 375 guns, made as part of the "Twelve Revolvers" set in 1990. I don't know what the engineering differences may be between that and the -3 other than the yoke retention system and the "Through the Line" markings. They all have 6-1/2 barrels, too.

The Model 24-5 is the 2001 Heritage Series guns. They use a round butt, 4 screw frame and a round, non-ribbed 6-1/2 inch barrel. Mine has a color case hardened frame, others were made in blue.

S&W has made runs of newer Model 24's but I don't know which dash variants they are. My dealer had some blue and nickel 6-1/2 inchers with square butts a couple of years ago and I have seen 3 inch square butt models on line.

Inspired by Skeeter Skelton's writings when I started shooting in the 1970's, I badly wanted a S&W .44 Special, but there weren't any for sale that I could find, especially on a college student's budget. Finally, I had a gunsmith make me one using a 4 inch NOS S&W barrel from J&G Rifle Ranch and a new Highway Patrolman. I shot the dickens out of it, taking up bullet casting to keep it fed. I danced for joy when S&W introduced the M-24-3 and bought the first one I saw, a 4 incher, in 1983. I added smooth Goncalo Alves target grips and a wide, smooth "Combat Target" trigger and it became my house gun. Still one of my favorites.

Good luck with your purchase. 4 inch M-24-3's are sought after and don't grow on trees.