The revolvers are few and far between, a few Italian Colt clones, the 50th Anniversary Ruger Blackhawk, Taurus, and S&W have runs from time to time. I never see one in gun shops, new or used. Of course I suppose they can be ordered, but the 44 Special remains a rear item. One problem is ammunition availability. Usually available in well stocked gun shops or outdoor super stores, the 44 Special usually isn’t found at the local hardware store or China Mart. The more powerful and more available 44 Magnum usually attract the gun buyer looking for a large bore revolver.
In the 1980s, famed gun writer Skeeter Skelton wrote of the virtues of the 44 special and the long gone M24 revolver. This prompted S&W to bring out a version in stainless steel, the Model 624. The Ideal 44 Special revolver had arrived. Well, sort of. Initially there was a recall over the quality of steel used in the barrels. This was easily solved, but the fact that the new 624 was very close to S&Ws’ 629 44 Magnum let to a tepid reception by gun buyers. Why buy a gun nearly identical to the 629 is size and weight but is less powerful?
The answer is the 624 is a magnificent revolver. I purchased a used one in decent, but not perfect condition for a song about 8 years ago. I discovered the 624 is uncommonly accurate, powerful with the improved loads available today, and pleasant to shoot. Recoil and blast are manageable and encourage good shooting.
My 624 rides in an old Bianchi X-15 shoulder holster or a belt holster. It is a constant companion in the woods and in the outdoors. Inside, it’s a home defense gun. It may be forgotten, and underappreciated, but I find it invaluable.
I know this post is quite old, but I just have to correct things like this when I see them. The problem SOME of this model had was with the metallurgy of the CYLINDER, NOT the barrels. If you are going to buy one, get a letter from S&W stating it is safe first. They cannot tell by Serial number, they need to PHYSICALLY inspect it. (They will do a non-destructive brinnell hardness test).
ReplyDeleteThanks! The problem was the cylinder and indeed not the barrel. The problem was corrected in production but having S&W inspect it is a wise idea.
ReplyDeletes&w can tell you if your serial number was affected according to their letter they sent me when i asked about mine
ReplyDeleteI HAVE A S W 624 3IN.BARELL WITH A F STAMPED ON THE CYLINDER HAS THIS ONE BEEN CHECKED OUT
ReplyDelete