Smith 24-3: Question for the Smith Guys (Value)

Status
Not open for further replies.

wankerjake

Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2008
Messages
2,509
Location
Flagstaff AZ
Long story short, I really want a revolver in 44 special. I’d be happy with a Blackhawk or Lipseys but they seem hard to find. I’ve also been wanting a fancy Smith and Wesson (in 44spl or 41 mag). So...

From this description, what kind of deal is this:
gs6K4cL.jpg

“S&W Model 24-3 44 special Product code #100782. Only made 2625 of these in 1984 with 4" barrel (very scarce in this condition) and this one looks to be unfired. Grips match with correct date. With box and no papers. Only flaws are a thin turn line and marks on grip from the s&w box. $1200”


I have to assume it’s now new and has been fired, because sellers have every incentive to lie. However as long as it’s in awesome shape that’s ok because I’d be buying it to shoot it. What kind of value would you say $1200 we have here, high, low or fair?

Appreciated
 
Definitely an UNcommon gun. Especially in the 4". I have a 6.5" 624 and would LOVE the 4" 24. $1200 may seem a bit high, but it is pretty rare and sought after. I wouldn't pay that if I just wanted some kind, any kind of .44 Special. But if I REALLY wanted a Model 24-3, at this point in time, I'd get it.

I paid about $650 for my 624 (with box with the red "C"), but that was probably fifteen years ago.
 
Note it also features the tapered barrel. It's the one
gun I wished I hadn't sold "back then." All decent
Smiths from the pre-90s are pushing the thousand
dollar price range. This one is one you'll never
regret buying if you want the real deal classic
.44 Special.
 
The position I’d say I’m in is that I love the 44spl cartridge and want a dedicated pistol at some point and I also want really nice and semi-rare Smith in something other than 38 or 357, Top preference going to 44spl or 41 mag.

I’m all tooled up for loading 44spl already but wouldn’t be the end of the world to get a 41 (pretty sure I’ll have one of those someday too)

For strict utility sure, I can wait for a used Blackhawk. I don’t need the Smith. But one could argue there’s some things you can’t put a value on and a good, solid, beautiful S&W revolver does flirt with that notion for a lot of us. So doubling the spending price up front isn’t the end of the world either. So if $1200 isn’t a stupid price tag for this particular pistol then I’m in to considering it
 
Also, while I can appreciate a good S&W I’m no expert at all and don’t research and know all the ins and outs of what exact enhancement makes them extra desirable etc. So while I would pay a high price tag, I’m not into getting fleeced even if I do like the product I get
 
Given today's panic buying of guns, $1200 probably not too bad. The Model 24's from the same era as the production of 624's are harder to find.

The last used N-frame of any chambering that I purchased was three or so years ago. In my area, they were running in the $900-$1000 range at and before that time.
 
Last edited:
I feel like this is one of those items that shouldn’t be much affected by the gun buying frenzy. I could be wrong
 
Howdy

I looked for a Model 24 for years. They are scarce as hen's teeth. About ten years ago I ran across this Model 624. I changed out the Oversized Target grips that came on it for a set of standard Magna grips. A real nice shooter, but not a Model 24. There was a problem with the steel used in these, I think it was the steel used for the cylinder. I checked with S&W and mine is OK. That's what the deal is with 'the box with the red C'. I paid $625 for it at the time.

plHUQqtej.jpg




I kept looking for a Model 24. I found one of the more recent ones with the little bird's head grip under big rubber grips at one point.

A few years ago I found this 44 Hand Ejector, 4th Model Target, the precursor to the Model 24. Sorry, I don't have it handy right now how much I paid for it. This one shipped in 1955, two years before the name was changed to Model 24 in 1957. Once I found this one I stopped looking for a Model 24. I also got rid of the one with the little bird's head grip under the ugly rubber grips at that point.

plLcJgkbj.jpg




Before 1957 it was known as the 44 HE 4th Model Target, introduced in 1950. (the Triple Lock was the 44 HE 1st Model, then there were three more versions as the years went by)

In 1956 the upper side plate screw was deleted, making it a Four Screw Smith. (yes, mine has the upper side plate screw, it is a Five Screw)

In 1957 the name was changed to Model 24.

24-1 in 1960 the extractor rod was changed from right hand thread to left hand thread, about the same time as this change was made across the board with all S&W revolvers.

24-2 in 1961 the cylinder stop was changed and the screw in front of the trigger guard eliminated, making it a Three Screw Smith.

The Model 24 was discontinued in 1967.

Reintroduced in 1983 as the Model 24-3. Pinned barrel deleted at this time.

4" barrel, 2,625 reported manufactured. Not really "rare", but still not a whole lot of them. (I'm quoting the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, your seller probably is too)
6 1/2" barrel, 4,875 reported manufactured. 5" and 5 1/2" barrels are rare.

Model 24-3 production ceased in 1984 after about 7,500 made.

24-4 in 1990, New Yoke retention system for the "Through the Line" Special (no idea what that is)

24-5 Four screw frame, Performance Center Heritage Series Model. (pretty sure that one is no longer being made, at least I do not see it in their current line up.)

Regarding a slight turn line on the cylinder, ALL S&W double action revolvers will develop a turn line. Not like a Colt SAA where a turn line is a sign of abuse, with a S&W revolver it is part of the design. It is wearing the correct Oversized Target grips of that era.

Bottom line, if I did not already have my 44 HE 4th Model Target and came across that Model 24, I would be all over it like a cheap suit. I don't think $1200 is out of line. They are not a truly rare gun, the seller's data seems correct, but as I said, I looked for a Model 24 for years and never found one.
 
Well, If the replies above don't tell you it is a fair price,
then maybe the fact that none of the guys above are offering their 24's to you at or
around that dollar mark should.

You should be on this one if a Smith is it for you.
If you have been following the values on nice Smiths you will know 1200 will not touch it by January.

For me, in .44 Special I like Colt.
44 spec 1.jpg



JT
 
I paid about $650 for my 624 (with box with the red "C"), but that was probably fifteen years ago.

I have one 624 that has been check (red "C" marked box) and one without. I've not heard good things about S&W checking the 624's these days that I've decided to leave mine as they are. I don't shoot over pressure loads in them anyway.

It is somewhat of a crap shoot as to whether a 624 falls into the group with the sub-standard cylinders anyway.

But, indication that the revolver has been checked is a plus on the condition.

Anyway, the 624 is a nice 44 Special revolver.
 
I have a 4" 24-3 and paid $900 or so for it a few years back off of gunbroker. Personally I prefer the 6.5" 24-3 with the patridge front sight, but the 4" models are more collectible. My 24-3s are the only "newer" Smith & Wessons that I own. I wanted them because Skeeter Skelton convinced S&W to bring them back, and I doubt that I will ever pay the going rate for a 4" 4th Model Hand Ejector of 1950 (pre-24) in .44 Special.

Meh, not a deal, but not outrageous if its exactly what youre looking for.

I agree with this.
 
Last edited:
I hope you get it. I just checked Gun Broker and there is only one listed and the seller is asking $2999.00 The one on Gun Broker is a later Through the Line version. Has some fancy engraving on the side of the frame. Apparently part of the Twelve Revolvers series.

Let us know if you get it and please post photos.
 
Price is probably at the high end of the range but it isn't a crazy price. When will you ever see one that nice for less? Maybe never
 
Good luck. :thumbup:

I know $1,200 isn’t chicken scratch to 99% of us, but that Mod 24 fills that void then by all means go to it. :)

That particular style of Model 24 is exactly what I would love to have in the quiver!

Stay safe.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top