Model 624 S&W trade?

[Jim NE]

Hi.

What would you say a model 624 .44 Special (in very good condition - no scratches on metal or wood - excellent bore, solid mechanicals) is worth?

I might be able to trade for it. Would a Marlin model 1985 pistol grip lever action rifle chambered in .45-70 (the heavy rifle, made in about 1980, also very good condition) be a good straight across trade for it?

I love the Marlin, but I'm not a hunter and it kicks hard and my mildly arthritic shoulders are somewhat injury prone (Oh, and I never shoot it anymore.)

Just curious. Thanks for any insight. - Jim

 

[Starter52]

I might value the Model 624 a bit more, but IMO the S&W-for-Marlin is a decent trade if both parties agree.

 

[CraigC]

Without box and paperwork, maybe around $500-$600. With that stuff, $600-$700.

For comparison, I paid $850 for a NIB 6½" 24-3 two years ago and felt it was a tad high. It's no longer NIB.

 

[mope540]

what is the barrel length??? that dictates the price...3" barrel 624s will fetch more than the long barrels.

 

[CD8226]

If you can trade straight across the board. I'd jump on it in a heart beat. I wouldn't take $600 for mine and I do have all the box and papers. Bought it new in 1984. It's my carry while hunting sidearm. You'll love it. BTW what is the barrel lenght, mine's 4 inch.

 

[Jim NE]

Sorry. It looks 3 inch to me. I meant to mention that.

I really like the S&W. And I'm into collecting cool old S&W revolvers. It would be something I actually shoot (though not as much as my .38 Specials) as opposed to something I rarely shoot, but I really like that old Marlin - it's the only lever action I own....my bad shoulders are the only thing tipping the balance. For those who say "keep the Marlin, buy the S&W", I'm afraid I've done that too much in the last 2 years which is why I really don't have the option to do it now.

 

[CraigC]

Yep, the 3" models are worth more (to collectors or somebody???) than the 4" and 6½" models. Although the latter two are worth more to me, as shooters.

 

[mope540]

Please post pics of it. If it is a 3" with the original Combat grips (maybe Lew Horton) it's worth $800 minimum.

 

[ozarkguy]

Does it look like this? This is a Lew Horton 3" I bought new in the 80's. It has the box and everything that came with it. I even bought the optional holster that was offered for it at the time. I shoot it occasionally.

 

[Jim NE]

mope540, it looks EXACTLY like the pic that ozarkguy posted (thanks ozarkguy). With the original combat style wood grips. Looks like the same gun. I love the feel of the gun.

I do not believe it has the original box or papers. And thank you for your info. It's really helpful. The gun belongs to my brother, and we both paid a lot less for our two guns (S&W and MARLIN) than current market value seems to be.

Ozarkguy, I was told this gun was purchased new in the '80's, too.

Sounds like the majority opinion is the revolver is the more desirable of the two, but I do wonder if I'd get the same response over on the rifle forum

This is a hard one for me, folks. The Marlin has no checkering on the stock and I was told that makes it early enough to be desirable, too.

 

[CraigC]

The 624 is definitely more desirable and valuable from any standpoint. They didn't make very many of those 3" models, while the 1895 has been in constant production for years.

 

[Iggy]

I'd jump on that like ugly on an ape.

 

[mesinge2]

Can I have it?

 

[LubeckTech]

Jump on it!!

The S&W is of greater value than the Marlin and probably of greater value to you as you seem to find the marlin's recoil uncomfortable. Factory 44spl loads are relatively expensive to shoot but are fun and easy to reload. IF you decide you don't like it trade it for something else - it would MUCH easier to trade than the Marlin even though the Marlin is a great gun

 

[mope540]

trade for the S&W... those 3" N frames are very hot items and are only getting more expensive.

If you want to know whether or not it was sold by Lew Hortons you can get that info by e mailing [email protected] ...send the serial # and they can tell you if they had sold it, and when it was shipped.
Some people (owners) say the Lew Horton name makes them more valuable because they are unique firearms that were special ordered by LH and would not have been produced otherwise. And some people say the Lew Horton name is irrelevant because he was merely a distributor (those people want one real bad, but think the LHs should not bring a premium price).
The same models were produced after LH's orders were filled and sold by other distributors.

 

[Snowbandit]

That's a good trade even if you have to kick in a few bucks along with the Marlin.

 

[mmitch]

Jim,

Be aware of a recall on some of those 624's concerning issues with the cylinder. You should run the SN by the folks at S&W before you make the deal.

Mike

 

[ozarkguy]

Jim,

Be aware of a recall on some of those 624's concerning issues with the cylinder. You should run the SN by the folks at S&W before you make the deal.

Mike

Also, if one has the original box for the gun, and the end label has a red circle with a red letter "C" inside, it has been checked by the factory and is ok. Apparently, IIRC, there was an issue concerning proper heat treatment of some cylinders.

Owners of these guns were sent a letter by the factory that explained about the red stamp on the box label. I received such a letter (still have it I think) and my box had the stamp. If not, you were to return it to S&W to be inspected.

How's that for trivia?

 

[Jim NE]

Thanks for the warning, guys. My brother seems to be dragging his feet a bit, anyway. We'll see.

 

[MMCSRET]

I paid 700$ for a Lew Horton 624 RB, 3", TS, TT, w/ box, papers, etc. last fall. I had no idea it was LH until I contacted them with the nomenclature and they verified it was a 1985 gun marketed by them. It had been fired a few times. I turned down 900$ last weekend at a gun show. I took it just to show it to a S&W buyer/collector that I knew was going to be there. Nice guns, probably fairly priced at 700$, the Marlin is good but not worth that. I have one of them too.

 

[CSA 357]

clean 3 inch 624 with box go for around $800 i had a 3 inch and a 4 but they both slipped away somehow? i liked the 4 inch better than the 3 but that just me