S&W model 24

[Tony_the_tiger]

I'd welcome your input on the model 24, .44 special.

Can it handle Keith type loads?

What can you tell me about production dates on the 24-3?

Thanks y'all.

-TTT

 

[Radagast]

24-3 Model of 1950 .44 target Reintroduction. Prodcued 1983-1985.
5000 produced as a Lew Horton special with three inch barrel.
2625 produced with 4 inch barrel. 4875 produced with 6.5 inch barrel.
5 & 5.5 inch barrels known but rare. First 100 produced were engraved.

Maximum pressure for the .44 Special is 15500PSI. For the .44 Magnum 36000 PSI. Unless you can get documentation from S&W that the same heat treatment is used for the .44 special as for the .44 mgnum, then I would not hotrod a Model 24. If you want to emulate Keith loads, buy a Model 29.
http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=4 suggests that a keith load is running 50% higher pressure than .44 special maximums.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

Thanks Radagast, however standard pressure loads in classic .44 should work fine as well as any bullet weight appropriate to the caliber such as a 255gr s.wc., correct?

 

[Radagast]

Correct.

 

[TonyT]

I have an old article from the Aug 1955 American Rifleman which pressure tested those Keith loads - if you want a copy pM me your e-mail address. In the old balloon head cases the Keith load produced ca 21,00 psi and a reduced load of Herc-2400 with solid head cases produced ca 23,000 p-si.

 

[CraigC]

Yes, it is safe for the Keith load. It is actually one of the best .44Spl platforms in existence for the vaunted Keith load. Which has been tested by H.P. White Labs, both back in the 1930's and in modern times, at 26,000psi.

All that said, the Skeeter load is my favorite and gets used much more often.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

FWIW, the last S&W 24's that came out in 3", a special run in blue and nickel, had .44 Magnum length cylinders that were chambered for .44 Special. I think they were identical to .44 mag 29's (heat treament, etc) to cut manufacturing costs. It bummed me out though, as they were just that much heavier than the older 24's due to that extra ounce or so in the cylinder. Threw the balance off.

 

[Drail]

Keep in mind that even though a S&W 24 may be able to withstand the pressure of Keith loads extensive use of them will increase wear and tear on the gun and shorten it's usable service life. It sort of depends on how long you want it to last.

 

[jfh]

check the serial number--if this is one of the 624s made in the early-mid Eighties, it may be subject to a recall (by S&W) to confirm it has a good cylinder. See the S&W Forum for a complete discussion. Really--do this; it's important information.

I have a 4" 624 from this era, and had it checked by S&W (it's a free service, including shipping). The 3" I just sold, although it's a wonderful N Frame--I just couldn't shoot it. (Besides, I had to pay for my Night Guard 396)

Get that sorted out, and then get issues 236 and 260 of Handloader. Issue 236 is the comprehensive resource for shooting .44 S&W Spl past the SAAMI 15,500 mark, and 260 is an "update."

They describe level I (SAAMI), level II (to 22,000), and level III (25,000) ballistics. I have no interest in level III (aging hands), but the thought of a 200-gr running at 1200 FPS does get me salivating a bit--or a 250 at 1000 or better... you get the idea.

Jim H.

 

[rikman]

I have a 24-3 & 624.....2 of my favorite wheel guns.i don't push them. My hot loads go through my Model 29.

 

[CraigC]

Keep in mind that even though a S&W 24 may be able to withstand the pressure of Keith loads extensive use of them will increase wear and tear on the gun and shorten it's usable service life. It sort of depends on how long you want it to last.

That pretty much goes without saying for any gun in any chambering. Relegate a model 29 to factory-level .44Spl use and it will last longer too.

 

[Krogen]

check the serial number--if this is one of the 24s made in the early-mid Eighties, it may be subject to a recall (by S&W) to confirm it has a good cylinder. See the S&W Forum for a complete discussion. Really--do this; it's important information.

Is the Model 24 subject to this recall? I thought it was only the 624.

 

[jfh]

Oops, another typo, Krogen. I believe the recall was only for 624s.

Jim H.

 

[Krogen]

Thanks, that's a relief! I have a 3", 4" and 6 1/2" that I shoot regularly - no safe queens here... I wasn't keen on returning them for Smith to have a look.

To the OP: If you can get your hands on a Model 24, do it! I shoot 6.5 gr of Unique under a 240 LSWC. I have gone up to 7.5 gr of Unique and didn't see any value in doing so. Stouter loads using 2400, I'll just shoot in a 29, but I'm less interested in hot loads these days.

Something about the 24 with the tapered barrel and shorter cylinder makes it handle "just right" for my taste. If you have a Model 24 and a K-38 what else is there? S&W seems to being finding their roots again; maybe they'll bring back the 24.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

Thanks for the feedback. How does concealing an N frame compare to a large frame ruger such as a Gp100?

Cheers,

-T

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I'd like to see a Model 24 with a true .44 cylinder (they started "cheating" by using .44 mag cylinders and cutting shorter chambers), and a light barrel WITHOUT the full shroud, like the model 15 .38, or like my modified Hand Ejector below. My "N" frame .45 Colt fits in a medium frame holster, like a Bianchi 5BH or Cyclone. Keeping the barrel tapered and deleting the ejector shroud really keep the weight down and make it slim.

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