S&W 24-3 Model 1950 .44 Special

[cbrig]

Hi all,
Would like to know how desirable these models are since it's a reintroduction variation. Also the sideplate screw under the grip is missing, looking to locate one of those.
This one is as received, don't have the original grips.
The gun itself is in excellent condition.
What would be an approximate value and were many made?
Thank you guys!

 

[Vtgw938]

I won't try to tell you the value of the gun but those are surely Fuzzy Farrant stocks, maybe with some added finish. How about showing us the back sides of the stocks. Farrants are worth far more than the original stocks for the gun.

 

[FlyFish]

Great guns, and yours does look to be in great condition. I have two of them - ABZ08** (4" barrel) and ABZ02** (6.5"). According to SCSW they made 4,875 in 6.5" and 2,625 in 4". Sideplate screws and period-correct grips are available for not-too-much $ and would be a worthwhile addition, IMHO. I'll let somebody else weigh in on value.

 

[cbrig]

How would you identify Farrant grips?
Here's acouple of extra pics.

 

[Timothy2700]

Hi all,
….Also the sideplate screw under the grip is missing, looking to locate one of those.

Numrich has reproduction screws available

 

[Vtgw938]

How would you identify Farrant grips?
Here's acouple of extra pics.

Those are Farrants. He often used grease pencil but I have seen the pressed in stamp, probably later grips. You will find a bunch of info on his grips on the forum. I would cut some of that finish
off to show that nice rosewood. Here are a few I have/had.

Screws should be available from Brownells as well, and Ebay. Get a couple extra to have on hand.

 

[Shark Bait]

Congratulations. Not sure about the numbers, but I have a 3 inch.



And if this is my buddy Craig, I probably have the screw you need (for free, of course).

Dave W

 

[mh51]

The screw underneath the grip should have a flat head. The other two side plate screws have a domed or rounded head.
Numrich or Jack First both have them at minimal cost.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

These are very desirable guns because they are so loyal to the originals,minus the top side plate screw I think. I have a 4" and 6 1/2" 24-3 and the longer one is very accurate. I am pretty sure those OP grips are Mustang brand.

 

[BigMuddy]

My 6 1/2" is VERY accurate and easy shooting with 260gr. Keith bullets @1000 fps. Bought mine to have the barrel cut to 5". It shoots so well that I have never messed with it. I still think a five inch would be great.

Dan

 

[Valmet]

6.5" 24-3s seem to be hovering around $1k as examples on GB priced just over that have been sitting awhile. Maybe a tad less since yours is missing the factory grips.

 

[stansdds]

My SWAG is that it is a $1000 revolver. The Model 24 does not command the higher price of the Models 27, 57, or 29. For those who are going to shoot only 44 Special, the Model 24 would be a gem, but I think most buyers gravitate towards the Magnum calibers for their versatility.

 

[Alk8944]

Great guns, and yours does look to be in great condition. I have two of them - ABZ08** (4" barrel) and ABZ02** (6.5"). According to SCSW they made 4,875 in 6.5" and 2,625 in 4". Sideplate screws and period A-correct grips are available for not-too-much $ and would be a worthwhile addition, IMHO. I'll let somebody else weigh in on value.

These are interesting figures as when the re-issue of these guns was advertised the proposed production figures as I recall were 5,000 6 1/2" and 2,500 4" guns. Either way total is 7,500. When these were issued the LGS I was dealing with received three 6 1/2" guns and I bought one and still have it.

Mine shoots very well except one chamber shoots about 1" out of the group of the other 5 chambers, consistently from rest, at 25 yards.

I have seen comments that there were a very few 5" models produced that are rarely seen. I believe this is in one edition of SCSW.

A replacement sideplate screw shouldn't be too difficult to find as these are the same for K, L, and N frame models. I would start with Jack First as they make these screws in-house.

 

[Muley Gil]

My SWAG is that it is a $1000 revolver. The Model 24 does not command the higher price of the Models 27, 57, or 29. For those who are going to shoot only 44 Special, the Model 24 would be a gem, but I think most buyers gravitate towards the Magnum calibers for their versatility.

The folks on this Forum ain't "most buyers."

 

[Wyatt Burp]

These are interesting figures as when the re-issue of these guns was advertised the proposed production figures as I recall were 5,000 6 1/2" and 2,500 4" guns. Either way total is 7,500. When these were issued the LGS I was dealing with received three 6 1/2" guns and I bought one and still have it.

Mine shoots very well except one chamber shoots about 1" out of the group of the other 5 chambers, consistently from rest, at 25 yards.

I have seen comments that there were a very few 5" models produced that are rarely seen. I believe this is in one edition of SCSW.

A replacement sideplate screw shouldn't be too difficult to find as these are the same for K, L, and N frame models. I would start with Jack First as they make these screws in-house.

I saw the Skeeter Skelton 1983 article from the Shooting Times I still have about the reintro of the 24, now called the 24-3. While going thru a divorce I still managed to buy a new four incher from, I believe, the Southern Ohio gun exchange or something like that in Shotgun News. $375 total was a lot back then. I later traded it to my brother hor a Harley 175 dirt bike. Sold that for $500 and bought the gun back from him for $350. I'm happy, but I bet that Harley is worth more than the gun now. My son will inherit the .44 Special as his official birth year gun.

 

[A10]

I kater traded it to my brother hor a Harley 175 dirt bike. Sold that for $500 and bought the gun back from him for $350. I'm happy, but I bet that Harley is worth more than the gun now. My son will inherit the .44 Special as his official birth year gun.

Indeed it would be:

No Reserve: 1976 Harley-Davidson SX175 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,300 on March 22, 2024 (Lot #140,589) | Bring a Trailer

But I'd rather have the .44!

 

[Vtgw938]

Just saw this set of Farrants on eBay. Same pressed in letter, but a K. Big price as well.

 

[PALADIN85020]

These guns were part of a special run in 1983 - 1984.

2,625 had the 4" barrel and 4,874 had the 6 1/2" barrel. I was lucky enough to find the two above. Both are considered desirable collector items.

Hope this helps.

John

 

[cbrig]

Thank you John! All information is helpful and appreciated!
Craig

 

[Krogen]

My SWAG is that it is a $1000 revolver. The Model 24 does not command the higher price of the Models 27, 57, or 29. For those who are going to shoot only 44 Special, the Model 24 would be a gem, but I think most buyers gravitate towards the Magnum calibers for their versatility.

I think you're right. Most buyers go for the bigger cartridges. "Why 44 Special when I can get a 44 Mag and shoot both?" Same thing about 38 Special and 357 Mag. I like to think many of us on the forum are somewhat "enlightened." Personally, I see the appeal of specials and magnums.

Take the subject 24-3 for example. The short cylinder and tapered barrel make them handle and feel different than a magnum version with a longer cylinder and straight barrel. Some folks would scoff at that, but it's readily apparent when you handle them.

Full disclosure: I have all three 24-3 barrel lengths; 3", 4" and 6 1/2". I'm biased!