Was in a pawn shop today and they had a 24-3 6 1/2" blued. Main problem with it was it had an aimpoint sight mounted on it, but looks like there's no damage to the finish. I guess it wouldn't take much to restore it with the proper rear sight assembly. I'm wondering what the real world value of this gun is. Obviously no box or paperwork, but I'd rate it at 99+%. It really is in nice condition. How rare are these? And, do they have any real collector value yet?
Pawn Shop Find
- Thread starter KEN L
- Start date
Geronimo Jim
Member
Was aimpoint mounted in factory screw holes or any adddition holes drilled?
Dave T
Member
My 24-3 is not drilled for anything but the factory sight so I'm betting the gun described has had its top strap drilled and tapped.
As to value...they are currently being offered on the auction sites from about $650 to $900+. I would think a drilled top strap would put this gun in the low end of that range. If they have the original rear sight that helps. If it is missing and you have to replace it, the price would come down at least the cost of a rear sight if not more (for the hassle).
Dave
As to value...they are currently being offered on the auction sites from about $650 to $900+. I would think a drilled top strap would put this gun in the low end of that range. If they have the original rear sight that helps. If it is missing and you have to replace it, the price would come down at least the cost of a rear sight if not more (for the hassle).
Dave
I saw one in a pawn shop in the second half of last year 99% probably unfired with box books, everything, tagged at $699.00 it sat for a month or more, no idea what it sold for.
As I understand it they were reintroduced and produced a specific number of them, the fact there is a known given amount of them makes them somewhat 'collectable' kinda like the lew hortons or the CS-1 686 guns, or the 520.
I dont' think they have the strong following like those guns though, somewhat odd caliber for the mainstream, and a long-ish barrel is probably why.
I wouldn't buy it thinking of it as a flip it in 3 years kinda thing, I'd buy it if I was a big fan of the 44spl. or the 6-1/2" N frame.
I almost bought the one I saw because I was on a 6-1/2" N frame kick last year, so I was trying to talk myself into looking the other way on the caliber because of the barrel.
99% no box, and somebody bastardized the sights...... I wouldn't go much beyond $500, but I'm a cheapskate
As I understand it they were reintroduced and produced a specific number of them, the fact there is a known given amount of them makes them somewhat 'collectable' kinda like the lew hortons or the CS-1 686 guns, or the 520.
I dont' think they have the strong following like those guns though, somewhat odd caliber for the mainstream, and a long-ish barrel is probably why.
I wouldn't buy it thinking of it as a flip it in 3 years kinda thing, I'd buy it if I was a big fan of the 44spl. or the 6-1/2" N frame.
I almost bought the one I saw because I was on a 6-1/2" N frame kick last year, so I was trying to talk myself into looking the other way on the caliber because of the barrel.
99% no box, and somebody bastardized the sights...... I wouldn't go much beyond $500, but I'm a cheapskate
It was an Aimpoint MkIII sight. I should have looked closer, but I don't think the frame was drilled. It appeared as though the rear sight assembly was removed and this replaced that. Maybe some kind of setscrew to hold it in place. The front of the sight extended out over the barrel sat on top of the rib, but did not appear to be attached in any way. I'm thinking it was specifically designed to use on a S&W revolver. They're no longer made so information is sketchy. I was just curious about the realistic value on just the gun if in original condition, no box or paperwork. It really is amazing what some people think is a good thing to do to a gun sometimes!! :(
Last edited:
BUFF
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
S&W made 4,875 6-1/2 inch Model 24-3's in 1983/84. Also, 2,625 4 inchers, and then 5,000 3 inchers in 1984/85.
Popular among .44 Special fans but often unappreciated by the unwashed masses...
There are mounts for the N frame that replace the rear sight assembly and don't require drilling and tapping new holes. With a hard kicking round, they often shook loose.
Popular among .44 Special fans but often unappreciated by the unwashed masses...
There are mounts for the N frame that replace the rear sight assembly and don't require drilling and tapping new holes. With a hard kicking round, they often shook loose.
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