Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this Limited Production double-action revolver today for a penny start auction; this is the Smith & Wesson 24-3, also known as the 1950 .44 Target Reintroduction!
The Model 24-3 1950 .44 Target Reintroduction is denoted by the serial range ABZ0000-ABZ9999, with a total of 7,500 manufactured circa 1983-1984. This model has also been reported to have only 4,875 of the 7,500 total manufactured with 6 1/2" barrels.
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The Model 24-3 1950 .44 Target Reintroduction is denoted by the serial range ABZ0000-ABZ9999, with a total of 7,500 manufactured circa 1983-1984. This model has also been reported to have only 4,875 of the 7,500 total manufactured with 6 1/2" barrels.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 24-3
Serial: ABZ1658
Date of Manufacture: 1983-1984
Caliber: .44 S&W Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 6 1/2" Tapered and Ribbed
Optics/Sights: 1/8" Patridge Front with Micrometer Click Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Goncalo Alves Target Stocks
Action: Double
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In 1905, Smith & Wesson was enjoying the success of its Hand Ejector Series of double-action revolvers that featured a swing-out cylinder. The company had spent 10 years perfecting these revolvers and had started manufacturing them in the I- (.32 cal.) and K- (.38 cal.) frames. Plans were underway for a new, larger .44-cal. frame and the first cartridge for this new frame would be an updated version of the .44 Russian round. To create the new cartridge, Smith & Wesson’s engineers lengthened the case by .360" and added 3 grains of black powder to a 246-gr. round-nose bullet, resulting in a muzzle velocity of 755 fps from a 6" barrel. The new cartridge was named the .44 Smith & Wesson Special, and the company's new revolver was called the .44 Hand Ejector First Model.
In the early days of producing the Hand Ejector Second Model, some customers requested that Smith & Wesson bring back the shrouded ejector rod. The company was initially hesitant as they felt that it wasn't a popular feature the first time around, and was also expensive to produce. However, a company in Fort Worth, Texas, called Wolf & Klar, placed an order for 3,500 Second Models with a shrouded extractor rod. Harold Wesson, who was leading the company co-founded by his grandfather in 1926, decided to produce the shrouded extractor rod. This led to the creation of the Hand Ejector Third Model, also known as the Model 1926. The Third Model was only available through special order and was not included in the catalog until after 1940. After the war, most of the Third Models were made using parts that were already available. Sales were not very strong, so the company decided to modernize its line.
The Hand Ejector Fourth Model, also known as the Model 1950 Target Model, was a revolver that came with a number of new features, including a rib at the top of the barrel, a short-action hammer, and an adjustable micrometer-style sight. However, it didn't sell well initially, with only 244 units sold in the first three years of its production. This was because it had too much recoil for target shooters and its 6.5-inch barrel was too heavy for most law enforcement officers. The Model 1950 was saved by Elmer Keith, who praised it for its ability to handle his heavy .44 field loads. Nonetheless, the introduction of the .44 Mag. in 1956 dealt another blow to the Model 1950. In 1957, Smith & Wesson adopted a new model numbering system, and the Model 1950 was renamed as the Model 24. It remained in production until 1966 when it was discontinued.
In the 1970s, a gun writer from New Mexico along with a few other like-minded individuals, started promoting the .44 Spl. cartridge and the Model 24 revolver. One of these enthusiasts was Skeeter Skelton. He realized the benefits of using a 4-inch revolver that could handle hand-loaded .44 Spl. cartridges, which were more accurate and easier to control compared to the .44 Mag. revolver.
Contents:
This example will ship with the matching factory box and papers pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: 24-3
Serial: ABZ1658
Date of Manufacture: 1983-1984
Caliber: .44 S&W Special
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 6 1/2" Tapered and Ribbed
Optics/Sights: 1/8" Patridge Front with Micrometer Click Adjustable Rear
Stock/Grips: Goncalo Alves Target Stocks
Action: Double
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
In 1905, Smith & Wesson was enjoying the success of its Hand Ejector Series of double-action revolvers that featured a swing-out cylinder. The company had spent 10 years perfecting these revolvers and had started manufacturing them in the I- (.32 cal.) and K- (.38 cal.) frames. Plans were underway for a new, larger .44-cal. frame and the first cartridge for this new frame would be an updated version of the .44 Russian round. To create the new cartridge, Smith & Wesson’s engineers lengthened the case by .360" and added 3 grains of black powder to a 246-gr. round-nose bullet, resulting in a muzzle velocity of 755 fps from a 6" barrel. The new cartridge was named the .44 Smith & Wesson Special, and the company's new revolver was called the .44 Hand Ejector First Model.
In the early days of producing the Hand Ejector Second Model, some customers requested that Smith & Wesson bring back the shrouded ejector rod. The company was initially hesitant as they felt that it wasn't a popular feature the first time around, and was also expensive to produce. However, a company in Fort Worth, Texas, called Wolf & Klar, placed an order for 3,500 Second Models with a shrouded extractor rod. Harold Wesson, who was leading the company co-founded by his grandfather in 1926, decided to produce the shrouded extractor rod. This led to the creation of the Hand Ejector Third Model, also known as the Model 1926. The Third Model was only available through special order and was not included in the catalog until after 1940. After the war, most of the Third Models were made using parts that were already available. Sales were not very strong, so the company decided to modernize its line.
The Hand Ejector Fourth Model, also known as the Model 1950 Target Model, was a revolver that came with a number of new features, including a rib at the top of the barrel, a short-action hammer, and an adjustable micrometer-style sight. However, it didn't sell well initially, with only 244 units sold in the first three years of its production. This was because it had too much recoil for target shooters and its 6.5-inch barrel was too heavy for most law enforcement officers. The Model 1950 was saved by Elmer Keith, who praised it for its ability to handle his heavy .44 field loads. Nonetheless, the introduction of the .44 Mag. in 1956 dealt another blow to the Model 1950. In 1957, Smith & Wesson adopted a new model numbering system, and the Model 1950 was renamed as the Model 24. It remained in production until 1966 when it was discontinued.
In the 1970s, a gun writer from New Mexico along with a few other like-minded individuals, started promoting the .44 Spl. cartridge and the Model 24 revolver. One of these enthusiasts was Skeeter Skelton. He realized the benefits of using a 4-inch revolver that could handle hand-loaded .44 Spl. cartridges, which were more accurate and easier to control compared to the .44 Mag. revolver.
Contents:
This example will ship with the matching factory box and papers pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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