Smith & Wesson Model 24

About the Smith & Wesson Model 24

The Smith & Wesson Model 24 is an N-frame double-action revolver chambered in .44 Special, originally introduced in 1950 as the Hand Ejector Fourth Model or Model 1950 Target Model. When Smith & Wesson implemented their numbered model system in 1957, the 1950 Target became the Model 24. Built on the company's large N-frame platform with a 6-round cylinder, the Model 24 features adjustable target sights with a micrometer-click rear sight for windage and elevation adjustments, a target-grade trigger and hammer, an integral rib along the top of the barrel, and a short-action mechanism for smoother trigger operation. Originally offered with 4-inch and 6.5-inch barrels, the revolver combines the inherent accuracy of the N-frame with the mild recoil characteristics of the .44 Special cartridge, making it an excellent choice for precision target shooting and hunting small to medium game. Despite the powerful .44 Magnum cartridge being introduced in 1955, the Model 24 remained relevant due to the .44 Special's superior accuracy potential with lighter recoil, appealing to target shooters and handloaders who appreciated the cartridge's versatility and historical significance. Initial sales were modest-only 244 units sold during the first three years-as the revolver faced competition from the more powerful .44 Magnum models while being considered too heavy for most law enforcement duty use with its 6.5-inch barrel configuration.

The Model 24 represents Smith & Wesson's commitment to the .44 Special cartridge even after introducing the more powerful .44 Magnum in 1955. Elmer Keith, the legendary firearms writer and handgunner who helped develop the .44 Magnum, ironically preferred handloading .44 Special cases to near-magnum velocities in the stronger N-frame revolvers rather than shooting full-power .44 Magnum loads, demonstrating the .44 Special's enduring appeal among precision handgunners.

Smith & Wesson Model 24 specifications

The Model 24 was initially introduced as the Model 1950 Target Model and renamed Model 24 in 1957 under Smith & Wesson's new numbering system. Production was discontinued in 1966 due to slow sales but was reintroduced in 1983 with limited runs: 2,625 revolvers with 4-inch barrels and 4,875 with 6.5-inch barrels, designated as the Model 24-3. These limited production runs have made the Model 24-3 highly collectible. The Model 24 features a short-action trigger mechanism that provides a shorter hammer throw for faster lock time and smoother trigger operation compared to standard N-frame actions. Modern Classic series Model 24 revolvers are occasionally produced in limited runs, typically featuring a 6.5-inch barrel, blue finish, and traditional Smith & Wesson fit and finish. The .44 Special cartridge, introduced in 1907 as an elongated version of the .44 Russian, generates approximately 750-850 fps with 246-grain bullets from the 6.5-inch barrel. The N-frame platform's three-point cylinder lockup-crane lock, center pin, and extractor rod latch-provides exceptional strength and accuracy potential.