Smith & Wesson S&W Model 24-3 1950 Target .44 Spl. 6.5″ DA/SA Revolver

SOLD FOR: $1325

LSB#: 210330DP16

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 24-3, 1950 Target Reintroduction

Serial Number: ABZ2326

Year of Manufacture: 1983-1984

Caliber: .44 S&W Special

Action Type: Single And Double Action Revolver

Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “.44 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG”. The butt is marked with the serial number. The yoke cut is marked with the model and serial numbers. The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The side plate has the S&W logo, the right of the frame has the four line Marcas Registradas. The rear of the cylinder is marked “2”.

Barrel Length: 6 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge style blade on a raised ramp. The rear sight is a square notch in a micrometer click adjustable base.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a one piece checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with medallions and a football cut. There are a couple little marks, the most noticeable is on the right panel towards the top. The checkering is mainly sharp but has some flat peaks on the left panel but it appears as manufactured. Overall, the grip is in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there are a couple little machining marks on some of the lands.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a couple faint hairline scratches on the cylinder, so light they may go unnoticed. The cylinder has a faint, incomplete turn line. There is some thinning on the trigger and hammer. There are a few little dings on the left side of the topstrap. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Plus condition.

Mechanics: The cylinder is a bit difficult to open and close, there is likely just dried oil on the cylinder center pin. The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has almost no play. The double action is smooth and the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a serial matching blue S&W box with metal reinforced corners, paperwork including the manual, and a cleaning kit. Some of the metal tabs on the box have separated and also have oxidation. There are some patches of material loss. The box rates in about Very Good condition. The cleaning kit has a mop, bristle brush, rod, and screwdriver.

Our Assessment: This is a great addition to any Smith Collector’s safe. The reissue of the model 24 was a limited production run. It is estimated that only 4,875 of these revolvers were manufactured with the 6.5” barrel, target sights and stocks, in S&W 44 SPL. If you don’t plan on leaving it a safe queen we would understand, the gun fits well in the hand and points nicely, pair that with a nice S&W trigger pull and you have a winner. It may not be in the 44 magnum, but face it, when you shoot silhouette out of a 44 mag you are using 44 spl loads anyway. This is a purpose built revolver for competition, and with the S&W name on it you can’t go wrong. Please see our photos and good luck!