Why own a Model 24?

[aterry33]

This question came up at the range this past week. I like 44 specials, so I own one. Many of the other guys there felt it was not necessary to own a Mod. 24 if you already owned a 44 magnum, i.e. 29/629 as you can shoot specials in it.

Other than 44 specials are cool, and you have to clean a 44 magnum more when shooting specials out of it, what reasons would you give for owning a Model 24?

 

[semperfi71]

The following is my opinion, worth nothing but to me.

A four inch M24 with magnas handles like no M29 four inch can. It's "lightness" might be measured in mere ounces but it somehow feels lighter than a M29.

The appearance of any S&W .44 Special is unlike any other. It is sleek, it is graceful, it is iconic. The history of it is of a special niche.

A .44 Magnum can indeed be loaded down to a .44 Special, but then it loses its "aura" as "The .44 Magnum". That is another subject.

 

[arjay]

4 inch 44 mags are a dime a dozen.4 inch model 24s aren't.

 

[Snapping Twig]

The inherent accuracy of a purpose built 44Spl is a thing to behold.

I have several 44 mags, but they don't shoot Spl level loads as well as the 24/624.

 

[johnsonl]

Because they are there. Anybody can find a Model 29. That's like asking why bother to own a Model 10 when you can have a .357?

 

[Joe in SC]

In my opinion it takes a shooter who is interested at a level higher than just making noise or having a powerful handgun. An interest in the golden age of double action revolvers gives a deeper appreciation for this caliber. Being a handloader can result in more interest also, because the 44 special is definitely one of the most versatile calibers to load for. If they don't get it, you'll never be able to explain it.

 

[USBP SW]

Because it was designed for the round. I don't shoot .38 spl. in a .357 and I don't shoot .44 spl. in a .44 mag.. Ever since I drove 70 miles to shoot and couldn' chamber a magnum round because of shooting the shorter round, I use the proper cartridge in the firearm it was designed for. I also believe that the special rounds (.44 spl. & .38 spl.) actually shoot slightly better in revolvers chambered for the round.

Good shooting,
Steve

 

[Frank237]

My two cents...

I had a faux M-24 made up with a genuine M24 bbl but a rebored cylinder...on a M-28. shot VERY well and the balance was nice too.

When the 624's came out I bought a 4" model and that balances (to me) even better.

And in my opinion a standard 4" 24/624 loaded with .44 special loads simply wortks very well. I've killed deer with one, wouldn't think for a moment it wouldn't work in a defense situation and the combo is very accurate.

Many shooters immediately try to make the .44 Special into a .44 magnum. Don't understand THAT. Try the cartridge in a 24 or 624 and it's hard to NOT fall in love with the combination.

FN in MT

 

[DCWilson]

I own .44 Specials because it's America and I can do anything I damn please.

 

[cochise]

What I like is the collectability of a model 24. Owning various models is fun. The more the the better. If I was restricted to just one handgun it would be a 4" .44 mag. But I like shooting a .44 special. I can down load a magnum but the heft is there, a disadvantage in my opinion. I have 4 specials, 696, ( a class in its' own), a 3" 624 ( a better carry gun than a 629), a model 24 four inch, and a Colt SAA. Each one is "special", not just a "same old calibar thing".

 

[wlc]

I'm not sure, but I really would like to have one.

 

[kennyb]

i asked myself the same question....until i purchased a M24 4" such a nice one!

 

[Mike1957]

Several years ago I was really wanting a model 24, but could not find one in nice shape that I could afford at the time. So I settled for a 624 with a 6" barrel instead. Seemed like a good fit for me since I already had a 29-2 with a 4" barrel and a 29-3 with an 8 3/8th barrel.
I`m glad I decided to get it. Turned out to be one of the most accurate Smiths I own. It will hold it`s own against my model 14-2.
Still would have prefered a blue model 24, but I`m very happy with the 624.
It`s a great shooter and fits in nicely with my other N Frames.

 

[augy]

This question came up at the range this past week. I like 44 specials, so I own one. Many of the other guys there felt it was not necessary to own a Mod. 24 if you already owned a 44 magnum, i.e. 29/629 as you can shoot specials in it.

Other than 44 specials are cool, and you have to clean a 44 magnum more when shooting specials out of it, what reasons would you give for owning a Model 24?

I think the model 24/624 with the 3" barrel is the cat's meow. Love the tapered barrel and the general looks of the gun.

I shoot mostly 44 specials in my 629's and enjoy shooting the 624 just as much.

 

[MAG-NUM]

The .44 specials are shooter friendly but still pack a wallop. The short barreled guns with the combat grips not only fit my hand like a glove but are very controllable and accurate. I love these two! Bob

 

[feralmerril]

First one disclaimer. That would be a .44 magnum mountain gun.
Yes, a 29 will shoot a special. Lets go deeper. Except for the mountain gun or possibly some 5 shot snub nose cannon that I dont know much about, you will find a 29 version with the heavy straight barrel and longer clyinder to feel a lot bulkier and heavier than the spec sheet states.
First, do you really need a mag? You can load the special up close to the low end loads of a mag. 1,200 fps with a 240 gr?
The differance is in the guns made for the special. They (Meaning the model 24 and colt saa) are more portable and a sweetheart to handle. I own a 29-2 in 5". Also have owned them in 4" and 8 3/8s. I own 7 .44 specials. A ruger flat top besides these smiths and colts pictured. I started out many years ago with haveing a ruger 357 BH converted to 44 special when the first ones did it. I am experianced with the different feel between guns. Carrying a 29 feels like carrying a softball bat in comparison to a hardball bat. To me it`s beyond just saying well, a 29 will do everything a special will and more. Do you want to wrestle with a sweetheart or a heavyweight?
Here are my .44 specials.

 

[Drail]

Because they're better. Who really "needs" to carry a magnum unless you live where the critters will eat you for breakfast? They're an old school American icon. They carry, handle, and shoot like a big friendly puppy but make big holes. But most of all chicks dig them.

 

[P&R Fan]

I have an assignment for you: Find some books by Elmer Keith and Skeeter Skelton. Read them and you will fully understand.
Jim

 

[BobR1]

I have had several 29's and 629's over the years. Guess what my most common load was? Something like 8 grains of Unique under a 240g RCBS Lead GC bullet. I have never hunted large game with any of my 44 Magnum S&W revolvers.
That load always did everything I needed it to do, and was pleasant to shoot.

My one and only 24 was a 3" Beauty, like the one pictured above beside the 624. A buddy of mine still has it, and I think it may be unfired to this day.

If I still owned it, I would be carrying it in a Lobo Model 1 Pancake quite often.

The Model 24 in 44 Special has always just been Special. The 44 Special has all the power I need in a 44 that I just carry for general purpose, and SD. I do not need a deafening muzzle blast, and my knuckle wrapped by the trigger guard on every shot.

Bob

 

[Hondo44]

The great reasons exist and they can go on forever but the bottom line is:
"If they hafta ask, they'll never understand the answer anyway!"

My answer is: don't ask before trying one and the rest of the answer is a secret they have to figure out for themselves. If they just don't have the genes, oh well, there's just that many more 44s for us to divide up amongst us!

And so far I only have 18.