S&W Model 24-3 .44 Special

[TJm15.38]

Here's a blast from the past (1984). The S&W Model 24-3 was a remake of the Model 1950 target .44. As you can see, this model 24 does not have a pinned barrel. The revolver probably has less than 300 rounds through it, and it is in beautiful condition. I reload .44 Special, and have plenty of components, so ammo is not an issue. Nevertheless, I have retired this piece to the safe because I see the value of this gun only increasing with time. Three years ago, I bought a Ruger Blackhawk (flat top) in .44 Special at a local gun shop Ruger sale, and the big single action is now my .44 "shooter." Thanks for looking.

 

[75Vette]

Very nice six shooter. They are a thing of beauty, aren't they? Here's mine still in fine shape.

 

[Valmet]

They’re fantastic revolvers- and have increased in price a lot in the last year or so.

 

[JJOG]

I just recently found a 1983 24-3 in fantastic shape. Barely a turn line on the cylinder! Mine is 4-inch barrel with target trigger and hammer, with target stocks marked 3 1983
Box was included with tool, but no paperwork. Love the 44spl.
You can't touch these fine revolvers today without dropping a grand!
My first N frame Smith.

 

[22hipower]

Great gun, thanks for showing it. I think those 24s and their predecessors were pretty near the top of S&Ws products. But then I think that whenever I pick up a S&W, whatever its model number happens to be.

Here's my 24-3 and one of its ancestors from1955 which went to to Higgenbothan-Pearlstone Hardware Co., Dallas, TX. Not a whole lot of difference between the two.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2oo6uLv https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

https://flic.kr/p/2oo6TSU https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[Mike0251]

Nice acquisition! I own one as well.
Picture has been updated, had the wrong gun shown lol (44 mag)

 

[Grayfox]

I sorta have a thing for the .44 Special and own quite a few.
I have been fortunate enough to have acquired all three barrel lengths of the Model 24-3. 3", 4" and 6" barrels. Wonderful guns all.
I don't believe in safe queens. They don't get shot a lot, but I do shoot them. Range day with any one of these is a real pleasure.

Here they are with a few friends.

 

[TJm15.38]

Hey Grayfox; that is an incredible collection of .44 revolvers. Do you reload .44 Special?

 

[Patrick L]

Yeah, I have a 4 incher. They are fine revolvers!

 

[6GUNSONLY]

I have the 4" version, and it is my favorite six gun. They are pricey but still cheaper than an original 1950 Target, especially the rare 4" version. I had an unfired 6.5" 24-3 as well but I'm just a short-barrel lover so I sold the 6.5" here. Oddly, I've been thinking I need another 4", because, well, you know...

 

[Marshal Tom]

I had a 3", a 4" 24-3 and let them both go for some stupid reason. I also had a really nice 6" 1950 target that I let go with Cokes on it. I do still have a 4" 1950 Target that came with Cokes on it. I would love to have them all back.

 

[Baxter6551]

I only have one .44 Special - a 1985 stainless Charter Arms Bulldog. I only snuck it in cause Greyfox showed his first ….. lol

 

[22hipower]

I have the 4" version, and it is my favorite six gun. They are pricey but still cheaper than an original 1950 Target, especially the rare 4" version. I had an unfired 6.5" 24-3 as well but I'm just a short-barrel lover so I sold the 6.5" here. Oddly, I've been thinking I need another 4", because, well, you know...

Yes, those original 4 inch 1950 targets are hard to find and pricey when you do. Although it is possible to get one for less, just lop a couple inches off a 6.5. This one came by way of another Forum member some years ago.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2nXWUJ3 https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[DGNY]

Great series of posts, and some great 24s. I’m getting a vision of Elmer with a big smile on his face.

 

[CH4]

Nice looking 24.
I only have one 24-3. It’s a 3” from 1983. Unfortunately, I work overseas and haven’t had chance to shoot it.

 

[Muley Gil]

Nice acquisition! I own one as well.

That looks more like a .44 Magnum.

 

[Grayfox]

Hey Grayfox; Do you reload .44 Special?

Yes Sir, I do. My general purpose/range load is a 240gr LSWC over 6.0 grs of W231. It runs right at 800 fps, is wonderfully accurate and a pleasure to shoot.

 

[Grayfox]

I only have one .44 Special - a 1985 stainless Charter Arms Bulldog. I only snuck it in cause Greyfox showed his first ….. lol

Any serious .44 Special lover should have a CA Bulldog just because.

 

[153]

Found an old 4” barrel for my 24-3, had S&W mount it…

 

[Mike0251]

That looks more like a .44 Magnum.

LOL It certainly was! Thank you I have updated the picture to show the special. Finger and eye coordination was lacking or coffee lack of.