Smith & Wesson Model 61

Last updated
Smith & Wesson Model 61
S&W61.JPG
Type Semi-automatic pistol
Place of originUnited States
Production history
Manufacturer Smith & Wesson
Produced1970-1973
No. built65438
Specifications
Cartridge .22 Long Rifle
Caliber .22
Action Blowback, [1] Single-action
Feed system5-round magazine [2]

The Smith & Wesson Model 61 (also known as the Smith & Wesson Escort or simply the Pocket Escort) is a subcompact semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle and designed for self-defense, and was made from 1970 to 1973.

Contents

Design

The S&W Model 61 is a blowback-operated pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle based upon the Bayard 1908 (Pieper Bayard) pistol. It was marketed for self-defense to fill a void in the pocket auto market after the banning of the importation of small, concealable handguns. The pistol was available in blued or nickel-plated finishes and black or white plastic grip panels. Early models had numerous reliability problems, and according to Smith & Wesson historian, Jim Supica, many were returned to the factory for repair. [2]

According to Supica, many of these returned pistols were not actually repaired. Employees at Smith & Wesson simply took a new pistol off the line, restamped the serial number, and shipped the pistol to the customer in place of the old one because repair time would have been too costly. [2] Model 61 engineering changes:

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References

  1. "Historical Firearms - Smith & Wesson Model 61 in May 1970, Smith &".
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Supica, Jim (2007). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. Gun Digest Books. p. 281. ISBN   978-0-89689-293-4.