S&W 624 Target Model of 1985

[Hrfunk]

Here's one you all might like. This video features the 1985 reincarnation of the classic Target Model of 1950 chambered for the timeless 44 Special cartridge. Among others, I tested the "Skeeter Skelton" load, which is one of my favorites. Be sure to let me know what you think of the revolver and the video!

HRF


https://youtu.be/4pAEig202zs

[Guesser]

Is that one of the "Lew Horton" exclusives??

[Hrfunk]

No, those were 3" round-butt versions. I desperately want one of those!

HRF

[Dale53]

Note: I don't know what happened to my original post but half of it has disappeared...
We'll try it again:
I have both the 4" and 6.5" versions of the 624 and they are absolutely SUPERB revolvers. They are “as good as it gets”! I bought them when they first hit the market.

Dale53

[Hrfunk]

versions of the 624 and they Re absolutely SUPERB revolvers. They are “as good as it gets”!

Dale53


I agree Dale!

[dubber123]

I picked up a NIB one pretty cheap a few years ago, super nice gun, but big cylinder throats. This model also had a recall for improper heat treat, ones that got checked I believe have a red "C" in a circle on the box.

[Hrfunk]

I picked up a NIB one pretty cheap a few years ago, super nice gun, but big cylinder throats. This model also had a recall for improper heat treat, ones that got checked I believe have a red "C" in a circle on the box.

That’s correct. I discussed all of that in the video.

HRF

[dubber123]

That’s correct. I discussed all of that in the video.

HRF

That obvious I was skimming and didn't watch the video? :)

[fjruple]

Great Video Howard!! The 624 is one of my go to revolvers to shoot. They are also great shooting with the .44 Russian cartridge. My understanding is the heat treating problem was the "cover" story to get folks to ship their revolvers back for the recall. The fact is chambers were drilled too long and could chamber a .44 Magnum cartridge case. I believe the cylinders are no longer available for the recall.

[Hrfunk]

Great Video Howard!! The 624 is one of my go to revolvers to shoot. They are also great shooting with the .44 Russian cartridge. My understanding is the heat treating problem was the "cover" story to get folks to ship their revolvers back for the recall. The fact is chambers were drilled too long and could chamber a .44 Magnum cartridge case. I believe the cylinders are no longer available for the recall.

Interesting. I've never heard that before, but I suppose it can't be completely ruled out. Thanks for the info!

HRF

[Three44s]

Great video! I like your style, no bs just good factual based review with enough humor to not be “dry”!

My favorite is the 629 MG and it borrows the tapered barrel so I feel a “kinship” between it and the Smiths of yesteryear. Folks get wrapped up in heavy muzzle guns with the idea that it helps with recoil in the more robust magnum cartridges. We are all individuals and my preference with recoil is to tolerate the greater sting in my strong side web of my hand vs. a more direct rearward thrust from a more muzzle heavy gun. The bonus is better balance.

The extreme example I give is the first time I handled a 10” X-frame 500 S&W. It was so muzzle heavy I felt it needed a set of wheels under the barrel!

How can one shoot well when you are straining to keep on target?

I can’t and as a farmer/rancher I have a set of “paws” that are not daisy sniffers. If I notice the difference how is someone who works with less strenuous stuff going to fair?

I have a DW in .41 Mag with a full under rib on it’s barrel shroud and I would just about wrestle with a mad bear to acquire a short shroud for that revolver as I really like that revolver otherwise (it has a single action pull that is a “thinking trigger”).

Best regards

Three44s

[Hrfunk]

Thank you! I have a 629 MG also. I made a video with it a few months ago. If you're interested in that one, check out the link below. There's a lot of personal preference involved when it comes to the weight and balance of a handgun. The thing I always notice about the tapered barrels is how well they "hang". Just like the 624 (and the 629 MG) they seem to stay right on target when you aim!

HRF


https://youtu.be/SpFOOkBYHYU

[Char-Gar]

In the early 80's Skeeter Skelton wrote that Smith and Wesson would make a limited run of Model 24s if the demand was high enough and asked folks to write Smith, if they wanted one. I wrote the letter and in due time Smith made a run of 1,500 4" and 1,500 6.5" blue Model 24s. Shortly there after they made a another run of 4" and 6.5" 624s of course in stainless. I had one of the 6.5" 24s and the revolver in the video in one of the stainless pistols.

The bad news is that the quality control of Smith was very low at this time. I had to send my back because the front sight was not straight and the cylinder had way too much endshake.It came back just fine. In those days, it was said that it was manufacturing's job to make the handguns, sale's job to sell them and the service department's job to make them shoot.

Lew Horton ordered some 3" round butt 24's at this time and I had one of those as well. Again the quality was not the best.

Addendum: Smith and Wesson never put "micrometer" adjustable sights on their revolver. The Smith and Wesson "Target Sight" was click adjustable. Quite a difference, just because a sight have click adjustments, that does not equal micrometer adjustable.

Addendum 2: I never held on my any Smith and Wesson 44 Special revolvers because I never could discover any of the much talked about wonders associated with these pistols. They were all sold down river except one. I hung on to a 1933 vintage Hand Ejector that had been over the bench at Micro, as a good example of full house early 50's full house custom revolver. It shoot well, but nothing outstanding.

[Hrfunk]

Just as a clarification, "Micrometer Adjustable Rear Sight" is the descriptor used by S&W. I realize they are not true micrometer adjustments, I was just using the same terminology as S&W.

HRF

[knuckleball]

... timeless 44 Special cartridge. Among others, I tested the "Skeeter Skelton" load, which is one of my favorites. ...

HRF



What is the "Skeeter Skelton" load?

[Nueces]

What is the "Skeeter Skelton" load?

Skeeter's standard 44 Special load was a Lyman 429421 Keith over 7.5 grains Unique.

If you google "skeeter skelton load," you'll find early Shooting Times articles in which SS describes all his revolver loads.

[Reverend Al]

I couldn't wait for them to come out when they were announced and when they finally became available I bought 3 of them ... two 6 1/2"s and a 4". They all shoot great and I love these guns!

[Hrfunk]

I couldn't wait for them to come out when they were announced and when they finally became available I bought 3 of them ... two 6 1/2"s and a 4". They all shoot great and I love these guns!

There's nothing not to love!

HRF

[MT Gianni]

I had a 6 1/2" I bought used from a guy in California years ago. It's accuracy did not measure up to my Redhawk so it got sold.

[AnthonyB]

I have previously posted about my 624 44 Magnum. I don't know if all the revolvers recalled under the heat treatment story will chamber a magnum round, but mine does. I have read, but do not know for a fact, that S&W will no longer fit new cylinders but will replace a returned revolver with you choice from their current lineup. Mine will not go back to them while I am alive.
Tony

[jeepyj]

Interesting video. I learned several things from it. Thanks for sharing. Haven't seen a 624 in quite some time around here.

[Hrfunk]

Thank you! I’m glad it was informative!

HRF

[SyberShooter]

I have one of the 3" LHS... still NIB
nowadays I just can't bring myself to shoot it.

[dubber123]

There's nothing not to love!

HRF

I'm not in love with the large cylinder throats, (.433") on my sample, but for the $450 NIB I paid just a few years back, I won't complain too much. I did in my limited shooting notice accuracy was markedly improved when a boolit that fit the throats was used compared to my normally sized .431" boolits.

[knuckleball]

That's a very nice gun for its day. My Ruger Super Redhawk will shoot the X-ring out at that range all day long. Thanks for sharing it.

[Hrfunk]

That's a very nice gun for its day. My Ruger Super Redhawk will shoot the X-ring out at that range all day long. Thanks for sharing it.

You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it!

HRF

[nicholst55]

I stumbled upon a new M24 6.5" some time ago, the limited edition with extremely poorly done laser engraving, marked 'Through The Line.' New, no box or the stuff that comes with it, for $395. Since I wanted it to shoot, the lack of box and accoutrements didn't bother me. Wish I also had a 4" 24 or 624, but... I'm sure I'll survive.

[Three44s]

Hrf,

Thank you for the video on my personal favorite, the 629 MG!

As you point out there are a nearly endless universe of handloads for the 44.

I was a big fan of Skeeter Skelton both his writing style and his knowledge and use of big bore revolvers. His load after his name ... the Skelton load .... that you used in your middle power level in the MG .... I modify for use in a 44 Mag by adding one grain of Unique bringing the charge to 8.5 gr. to be fired in magnum cases in magnum revolvers.

In reaction to Unique’s less than grand metering through powder measures and a desire to adopt a power level a bit higher than the Skelton load adapted to magnum cases, I started testing other powders. Often you see load manuals list charging Unique at higher levels. I could have just loaded the Unique hotter and been safe within recommended charge levels but I was not satisfied with that approach for a couple of reasons.

For one, cast lead has a certain level of yield and compressive strengths. Most cast boolits or more correctly most lead alloys we boolit casters work with are hitting their sweet spot in a firearm conditioned for lead at around 26,000 psi. In running up the charge level of Unique to gain power one can easily exceed this pressure level and likely hit the mid 30K or exceed it. The result? More leading.

Second, as I began testing different powders I loaded three of one combination in alternating chambers and three rounds of another powder. The purpose of this was to compare (admittedly subjective) the recoil impulse). For point of reference, the subject boolit was the RCBS 250K in all this testing.

Two powders stood out: 800x and HS-6

I found that though I could certainly get more power out of 800x than a Skelton load the recoil impulse and poor metering characteristics ruled this bulky powder out resoundingly!

So my attention then turned to the Hodgdon’s magnum shotgun powder .... HS-6 and it quickly became my absolute favorite medium field load. HS-6 runs through powder measures like butter on a hot skillet. It’s recoil impulse is very satisfactory for the power delivered. It is comparable to the newer version of Unique for cleanliness. I use magnum primers with it though there are handloaders that claim they are not necessary.

My targets like the shotgun powder as does my chronograph! I get 1066 FPS with a standard deviation of just 7 FPS from my 4” Smith while charging 11.8 gr. of powder with the RCBS 250K slug.

Best regards

Three44s

[Walks]

I bought a 624 3" back in 1988. The Gun shop "lost" the box & Factory grips. $225. Out the door w/Pachmyers.

It's always shot well for me. I use a reduced SKEETER Load of 6.5grs of UNIQUE with the KEITH bullet.
I used to get 3" group's at 25yds. Not much sight radius. UNIQUE has always metered clean for me, as long as It's over 5.0grs.
These days I shoot a LEE 210gr WC over 3.0grs of TITEGROUP. I get 2 1/2" groups at 50ft.
Made a pair of MAGNA style grips & added a TYLER T-GRIP.

Just went out to check my cylinder to see if it would fit .44 Mag cases.
NOPE.
Measured chamber mouths, 2 at .431, 4 at .430.
Guess I lucked out.
Wish I'd held on to my 6 1/2" 24.[smilie=s:

[Hrfunk]

You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it! I think from the look of your post, you have a great load for your MG. May it serve you well!

HRF


Hrf,

Thank you for the video on my personal favorite, the 629 MG!

As you point out there are a nearly endless universe of handloads for the 44.

I was a big fan of Skeeter Skelton both his writing style and his knowledge and use of big bore revolvers. His load after his name ... the Skelton load .... that you used in your middle power level in the MG .... I modify for use in a 44 Mag by adding one grain of Unique bringing the charge to 8.5 gr. to be fired in magnum cases in magnum revolvers.

In reaction to Unique’s less than grand metering through powder measures and a desire to adopt a power level a bit higher than the Skelton load adapted to magnum cases, I started testing other powders. Often you see load manuals list charging Unique at higher levels. I could have just loaded the Unique hotter and been safe within recommended charge levels but I was not satisfied with that approach for a couple of reasons.

For one, cast lead has a certain level of yield and compressive strengths. Most cast boolits or more correctly most lead alloys we boolit casters work with are hitting their sweet spot in a firearm conditioned for lead at around 26,000 psi. In running up the charge level of Unique to gain power one can easily exceed this pressure level and likely hit the mid 30K or exceed it. The result? More leading.

Second, as I began testing different powders I loaded three of one combination in alternating chambers and three rounds of another powder. The purpose of this was to compare (admittedly subjective) the recoil impulse). For point of reference, the subject boolit was the RCBS 250K in all this testing.

Two powders stood out: 800x and HS-6

I found that though I could certainly get more power out of 800x than a Skelton load the recoil impulse and poor metering characteristics ruled this bulky powder out resoundingly!

So my attention then turned to the Hodgdon’s magnum shotgun powder .... HS-6 and it quickly became my absolute favorite medium field load. HS-6 runs through powder measures like butter on a hot skillet. It’s recoil impulse is very satisfactory for the power delivered. It is comparable to the newer version of Unique for cleanliness. I use magnum primers with it though there are handloaders that claim they are not necessary.

My targets like the shotgun powder as does my chronograph! I get 1066 FPS with a standard deviation of just 7 FPS from my 4” Smith while charging 11.8 gr. of powder with the RCBS 250K slug.

Best regards

Three44s

[Hrfunk]

I've always wanted one of the 3" combat versions of the 624. Maybe I'll get lucky someday! For now I'll have to settle for my 3" 629.

HRF


I bought a 624 3" back in 1988. The Gun shop "lost" the box & Factory grips. $225. Out the door w/Pachmyers.

It's always shot well for me. I use a reduced SKEETER Load of 6.5grs of UNIQUE with the KEITH bullet.
I used to get 3" group's at 25yds. Not much sight radius. UNIQUE has always metered clean for me, as long as It's over 5.0grs.
These days I shoot a LEE 210gr WC over 3.0grs of TITEGROUP. I get 2 1/2" groups at 50ft.
Made a pair of MAGNA style grips & added a TYLER T-GRIP.

Just went out to check my cylinder to see if it would fit .44 Mag cases.
NOPE.
Measured chamber mouths, 2 at .431, 4 at .430.
Guess I lucked out.
Wish I'd held on to my 6 1/2" 24.[smilie=s:

[Dan Cash]

I found a 3" M24 in a pawn shop in E'town, KY in the early 80s; no box but looked new. I had never heard of a Lew Horton revolver so this thing got carried and shot and then shot some more. I too got enamoured of the Skelton load only mine was 7 grains of Unique and that recoiled all I wanted. That load shook my revolver loose after a time and gave it a bit of end shake. I quit that load and was satisfied with one that drove a 250 grain bullet in the 850 fps range. I still have the gun and carry t from time to time and have taken 2 deer with it and the mentioned load. The fit and finish of this revolver was superb and accuracy was excellent. Cant say about the chamber throats as I have never checked but they must be ok.

[Hrfunk]

OK, does EVERYBODY have a 3" 624 except me?

HRF


I found a 3" M24 in a pawn shop in E'town, KY in the early 80s; no box but looked new. I had never heard of a Lew Horton revolver so this thing got carried and shot and then shot some more. I too got enamoured of the Skelton load only mine was 7 grains of Unique and that recoiled all I wanted. That load shook my revolver loose after a time and gave it a bit of end shake. I quit that load and was satisfied with one that drove a 250 grain bullet in the 850 fps range. I still have the gun and carry t from time to time and have taken 2 deer with it and the mentioned load. The fit and finish of this revolver was superb and accuracy was excellent. Cant say about the chamber throats as I have never checked but they must be ok.

[samari46]

Hrfunk, you're really gonna hate me but here goes. 24-3 in 3"& 4" plus the 624 with the 6.5" bbl. The last one was the first 44 special I bought, then the 3" 24-3 and finally the 4" 24-3. Couldn't stop with the first one. Got lucky finding an original S&W holster for the 624. Frank

[Hrfunk]

Did you ever hear the story about the little fish who had all the pretty colored scales, and he gave them away to the other fish who didn't have any?

HRF


Hrfunk, you're really gonna hate me but here goes. 24-3 in 3"& 4" plus the 624 with the 6.5" bbl. The last one was the first 44 special I bought, then the 3" 24-3 and finally the 4" 24-3. Couldn't stop with the first one. Got lucky finding an original S&W holster for the 624. Frank

[samari46]

Nope never did. However the 624 with the 6.5" barrel is what started it all. Was about to leave the show and purely by chance found it. With the Winchester 200 grain loads was like shooting a light loaded 38 special. Liked it so much found a 3" 24-3 then a 4" 24-3. After that outside of the S&W classics in 44 special I think S&W might have shot themselves in the foot in not doing anymore 44 specials except for the 296 and 396 if I got the numbers right also in the 44 special. Ruger does the match champion in 44 special. The prices I paid years back were ok but it seems that they have steadily climbed due to the fact that more shooters discover the 44 special especially made by S&W. I've seen the 3" 24-3 sell for over 1K. Frank

[Thumbcocker]

219445 S&W 24 429421 8.0 power pistol. 25 yards standing 2 handed hold.

[Hrfunk]

219445 S&W 24 429421 8.0 power pistol. 25 yards standing 2 handed hold.

Good shooting!

[Thumbcocker]

Don't take pictures of every target.:wink:

[Hrfunk]

Don't take pictures of every target.:wink:
That's OK. I won't tell anyone!

HRF

[Don Purcell]

Thumbcocker, I have started shooting that load in my 4" M-24 also. Tried it with the H&G 503 Keith and the N.O.E. hollow base Keith, it seemed to like them both.

[Thumbcocker]

I have reached a point in life where I try to settle on one load per caliber for simplicity. That is my .44 special load.