The .44 is Special

[Chopper1388]

I picked up this Model 624 on gunbroker back in 2019. It came in the box with docs, tools, and the recall notice (the box had the proper stamp on it). Thanks to the Smith and Wesson Forum, I was able to learn of the recall and what to look for before bidding.

It has a 4" barrel and serial number AHB3XXX. It quickly became my favorite Smith and Wesson. I carry it the most when out at the ranch, and it is my bedside gun. This was my first .44 Special, but most definitely not my last. I use the Skeeter load of a 250 grain SWC over 7.5 grains of Unique. Truly a perfect all around cartridge. The gun rides in the holster all day comfortably and has plenty of power; I have personally tested it on several wild hogs. Keith was not wrong about the .44 Special and I swear I hear angels sing while reloading for it and while shooting it.

Pictured is the 624 in my holster of choice as well, a Safariland 25. I really like this Safariland design, and have one in almost all my revolver frame sizes and barrel lengths. I like that it protects the rear sight, and the groove for the front sight works really well.

 

[Muley Gil]

Yes, the .44 Special IS special. I had my 1st built in 1976 and have had a number of them since.

I used the sister holster to yours, the Model 29 (thumb break instead of a strap) as my revolver duty rig and kept them all.

 

[series guy]

Very nice! Basically a Mountain Gun without the lettering.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Very nice! Basically a Mountain Gun without the lettering.

The 24's & 624's came long before the mtn gun series.

 

[jdlii]

This one was acquired from a friend. He was the third owner. The original owner was the chief of police of our town and must have been the one that had it "round butted."

The second owner, also a friend of mine, worked as part of the police department for Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) and passed it own (sold it) to owner number 3.

Yes, the .44 special is special. I added the stag grips and the Tyler grip adapter to make it more "special!"

 

[Chopper1388]

Very nice! Basically a Mountain Gun without the lettering.

Funny you should mention that. I was shopping for a Mountain Gun in 45 Colt before discovering the Model 624. I think I made the right decision as I prefer the older Smith and Wessons (forged hammer and trigger, and old style cylinder release).

 

[BigMuddy]

Chopper, I have the twin to your 624. Found it at a local gun show in February. It instantly became my favorite Smith. The 44 Special is definitely my favorite cartridge.

Dan

 

[jjmIII_Ruger]

My only 44 Special...but Blue 24-3.

 

[Xfuzz]

Likely one of my fav calibers...
Yep.. they have been around awhile.
1922 W&K back to the factory in 1946 for a re-do...

 

[Gunhacker]

The .44 Special, my all time favorite caliber.

I have it in DA & SA revolvers and use it exclusively in my Marlin 1894CB .44 Mag. lever gun.

How about a pre-24?

Lew Horton 24-3

 

[jcs266]

Yep, my all-time favorite cartridge. A joy to shoot and packs a good punch.

 

[Snapping Twig]

 

[Dale53]

Chopper1338;
We are on the same page. I have both a 4" and a 6.5" 624. The 4" meets Taffin's definition of the "Perfect Packin' Pistol". Further, both mine shoot extremely well. I also have a 6.5" Model 24.

My most used load is the "Skeeter" load (7.5 grs. Of Unique behind a Keith 250 gr. SWC). However, the Group Buy 200 gr. Dbl ended W/C at near a 1000 fps. Is a VERY effective load, too.

FWIW
Dale53

 

[Pizza Bob]

My sentiments exactly...

I've added a 396NG and a 696 since this pic was taken.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[zzclancy]

Model 21-4

My EDC.

Model 21-4

 

[Frank46]

My 624 showed up at a local gun shot. 6.5" barrel, that one actually started the Quest for more 44 specials. Then I found a really nice Lew Horton 3" 24-3 and finally a 4' 24-3. Big bag of once fired Winchester 44 special brass.Frank

 

[moralem]

They do have a certain attraction……..

 

[Grayfox]

Well done OP. Excellent revolver you have there.
My love of the .44 Special is well known on this forum. I currently own 10 and always looking for more. I posted about them just a few days ago.
Seems like there have been a lot of posts about .44 Specials recently. Wonderful cartridge and great guns!

 

[Rob613]

My old LGS has a Lew Horton 24-3 3"...I drooled over it every time I went in but $1700 was a bit steep for me.

 

[WCCPHD]

The .44 is also special to me. I only have three (and don't shoot one of them), but I rarely ever shoot .44 magnum ammo in my five Model 29's or three Model 629's. I favor the .44 Special round. I do carry magnum ammo when hunting.

Now for gratuitous photos.

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Second Model .44 Hand Ejector