S&W Model 624 (keep or sell)

[357smallbore]

I have 2 beautiful like new S&W model 624's in 44 Special. Both are from 1985. One is a 6 1/2 in and the other a 4in.Im thinking of parting with one. Just can't decide. The larger one has the better trigger. It also has the Presentation Grips vs. the Target grips on the 4in. (Cheese Grater grips)
I'm torn on which one to let go. Not a $$ issue. Don't need the $, but do need the shelf space in the bunker box. What would you keep

 

[cfullgraf]

Model 24’s are moderately rare. Grips can be changed if you do not like what is on the gun.

Either will serve you well. I prefer 6”-6-1/2” barred large revolvers (44 Special, 45 Colt) vs 4” or shorter barreled revolvers. But that is a personal preference.

I guess I’m no help.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

This may not help, but I spent a long time looking for a Model 24. They are as scarce as hen's teeth. Never did find one, finally settled on a Stainless Model 624. I also found a 44 Hand Ejector, 4th Model, the predecessor to the Model 24. So no, I'm not looking to buy, just want to let you know that Model 24s are hard to find. You may want to hold onto both of them.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Hard to say, but think I would keep the 4in one.

 

[357smallbore]

This may not help, but I spent a long time looking for a Model 24. They are as scarce as hen's teeth. Never did find one, finally settled on a Stainless Model 624. I also found a 44 Hand Ejector, 4th Model, the predecessor to the Model 24. So no, I'm not looking to buy, just want to let you know that Model 24s are hard to find. You may want to hold onto both of them.

Man I am so stupid. They are 624 guns. Not the blued 24's.
Don't know what I was typing

 

[cfullgraf]

This may not help, but I spent a long time looking for a Model 24. They are as scarce as hen's teeth. Never did find one, finally settled on a Stainless Model 624. I also found a 44 Hand Ejector, 4th Model, the predecessor to the Model 24. So no, I'm not looking to buy, just want to let you know that Model 24s are hard to find. You may want to hold onto both of them.

I’ve also never seen a pre-lock Model 24.

I do have a Model 24 but it one of the Classic series with the lock. These were made in the mid to late 2000’s. I don’t think I’ve ever seen another one. I did get mine new.

I do have a 3” Lew Horton M624, a 4” M624 and a 6-1/2” M624

 

[Pat Riot]

I would buy a bigger shelf or expand my bunker box.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Keep the 4" I guess, just for the aesthetics.
Nice guns. Having two is a good problem to have.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Call Smith and Wesson. There was a problem with the steel that some of the Model 624 frames were made from. Tell them your serial numbers and they will let you know if yours are among the ones made with the bad steel.

This is my Model 624. It was made in 1985. I paid $625 for it a bunch of years ago.

It came with these oversized target grips.

I changed them out for these Magna grips. I like the smaller grips better.

 

[tominboise]

Here is my 4" 624. It would be one of the last guns I would part with. Just so fun to shoot with moderate handloads. I'd keep both if I could, but the 4" would be my choice if only one.

 

[CajunBass]

I have let three Model 24's (4") and two 624's (a 6" and a 4") get away from me over the years. Yes, I do stupid things. I have always wished I'd been smart enough to hold onto at least one of them. A 4" of course. The 6" one I barely remember.

I recently bought a 29-10, 4" to sort of, almost, maybe replace them. Not the same, but much more affordable. It will never see magnum ammo.

 

[Rodfac]

To the OP: you have a classy problem, Sir. But my advice mirrors, Driftwood's....keep 'em both, as they are rarely found in the wild. My 24, a 6-1/2" bbl'd one is a prized possession and will never be sold while I'm north of the hole! Forced to sell....I'd keep the 4 incher for it's rarity and ease of carry. Rod

 

[StrawHat]

Which revolver better fits the reason you shoot? I prefer 4” N frames because they are the easiest to pack on my hip. The 5 1/2”, 6”, and 6 1/2” versions do not get as much hip time.

Kevin

 

[dickydalton]

I have a 24-3 3" and a 24-4 6 1/2" "Through The Line" of the Twelve Revolver run. I gave the 24-4 an 11 degree cut to the forcing cone and it shoots sweet.

 

[Steve Milbocker]

I bought this 24-3 a few years ago but haven’t shot it much. I hope to remedy that this spring. 6.5” barrel with the 3 Ts.

 

[Rio Laxas]

Personally, I prefer the 6.5" models in .44 Special, especially with a patridge front sight. I have 2 Model of 1950s (pre-24) and a 24-3 in that configuration. I also have a 4" 24-3, and while it is a great revolver, I enjoy shooting the 6.5" model more. My preference for a 4" .44 Special is for the 3rd Model Hand Ejector of 1926 or a pre-21 with fixed sights. All that being said, if you like both revolvers and they both are issue free then keep them both. They aren't getting any easier to find.

 

[br549arkie]

I had a 4 inch 624 years ago and traded it off. Wish I'd kept it it's one that I regret letting get away from me.

 

[JERRY]

Since I have a 6" mod 629 I'd keep the 4" mod 624.

 

[KnightHawk]

The 4” would get my vote. I have a 6” model 24-3 that is like new maybe 99% plus gun that’s been a safe queen. I’m going to put it up for sale as I personally use 4” Smiths because they are so much handier. For me the 6” gun is simply a range gun.
The nicest model 24 I’ve ever owned and shot was the Lew Horton 3” round butt. Sweet gun. We all have moments of stupidity, but selling that one was close to the pinnacle of stupid for me.
But I’ve cured that problem by finding the Smith 625 model 1989 and a nice 22-4, probably the 625 is the nicest accurate pistol I’ve ever shot.
So my 6” model 24 will be going down the road.

 

[doubleh]

I am with Pat Riot, find more storage space and especially so if no extra bucks wanted or needed. If I were in your shoes and decided to sell one it would be the 4" one but it is your choice to decide what to do, not mine.

 

[PistoleroWadcutterGANG]

Humorously meant; space I’ll hunt you down and I’ll kick your dog if you sell them. Don’t you dare get rid of those. Find two or three odd shotguns that you never use anymore and get rid of those. Then use the money to buy what you want. I’ve got a list at the store it’s more than 63 people wanting model 25s and 24s just waiting. You will not be able to replace them without paying and excruciatingly large markup. It’s not hurting you to let those babies sit in the safe because they don’t take up as much room as a stupid shotgun. Go sell some shotguns

 

[HKGuns]

I've never sold a gun, so you have my answer.

 

[Gary W. Strange]

When the 624s came out, I was a young man, just out of college, with a wife, new baby and all the bill that come with such. I spent my teen years reading Elmer Keith, Skitter Skeleton and Sheriff Jim Wilson, and fell in love with the .44 Special. I wanted a model 624 so bad I can taste it. There was no way I could afford it back then. I handled a few in the gun shops back then, both the 4” and 6 1/2”. In my eyes, the 4” N frame, with that tapered barrel is one of the best looking revolvers ever made. I managed to buy a 4” 629-4, with a 4” barrel. It is a very nice revolver but it just doesn’t look like the 624 and is more weighted up front and it just doesn’t handle carry as easy as a 624. Several years ago, I lucked up on a 4” 624, new in the box for a good price. It didn’t have the red C on the box and I worried it may be a recall gun. I bought it without knowing for sure, but a email to Smith and Wesson verified it was made later on and was not a recall gun. I ordered a set of Culina grips, made of black & white ebony and had John Bianchi make a three person cross draw holster for it. It carries, handles and shoots like a dream. Carries much lighter than a 629. I would have to get pretty hungry to part with this one. I have no idea what your financial situation is, but if there was anyway possible, I suggest you keep both. I would especially advise you to keep the 4”. Not many 4” 624 come up for sale and when they do, they sell for a premium over what a 6 1/2’ does. I believe there were fewer 4” 624s made. They are just a very neat revolver, that will never be made like they were then. The new S&W revolvers are not the same as what was made then. I bet if you do sell either of them, you will regret it.

 

[357smallbore]

Call Smith and Wesson. There was a problem with the steel that some of the Model 624 frames were made from. Tell them your serial numbers and they will let you know if yours are among the ones made with the bad steel.

This is my Model 624. It was made in 1985. I paid $625 for it a bunch of years ago.

It came with these oversized target grips.

I changed them out for these Magna grips. I like the smaller grips better.

My 4-in looks just like your top one

 

[CraigC]

I would only part with a 4" 624 in order to get a 4" 24.