Hi all I have a few questions about a model 51 in nickle plating. Short story my fiance's grandfather lives in a 55 and over community him and his neighbor were really good friends and used to go shooting all the time, his neighbor passed away a few months ago and then his wife gave my fiance's grandfather a near mint condition Model 51 with nickel finish and said my husband would have liked you to have this. Well jump forward to yesterday I was over there installing a new bathroom in his house and he end up showing me the Smith & Wesson anyway since I just bought my model 27 2 and nickel and I like to shoot 22s all the time I had to have this gun. So while I was working I kind of Google the prices for a Model 51 and got everything from $400 to $900? So I started at 6 hundred and then if course he countered me and Isettled at $700 for the gun, I'm on my way this afternoon to go pick it up and was wondering is 700 worth it and what 22 caliber does this gun actually shoot?? And by the way it has no original box no paperwork just the gun but it is almost perfect

Scarce if factory Nickel! This is a 22 Mag and some shipped with two cylinders and if so then it is also a 22 LR. Depending on originality and optional cylinder you may have scored a nice one These were made from 1961 to 1974 I think. Nice find and looking forward to seeing photos. Kyle

I'm not sure about a model 51.
But a 22 Mag with additional 22 LR cylinder is a Model 53.
As for nickel. The model 53 was made in nickel but very rare.
Most that are found in nickel were converted from a blued gun


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Looks like a model 51 is chambered in 22 MRF
It may have been a kit gun.
Others that know more will be along shortly with more answers.


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Model 51 is the "J" Frame, and Model 53 is the "K" Frame.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I've never seen a 51 in nickel but that doesn't mean they're not out there. If the gun is in excellent condition (that means no wear showing to me other than a turn line) your $700 will be well spent. Even if it shows a little wear, $700 is a good price. I've got a couple 651s (stainless version) but would love to find a 51 too. If it turns out that you have both cylinders, unlikely I expect since a second one wasn't mentioned, then $900+ is the price I'd expect to see. Good luck, post pictures when you get it.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I have a 51 and it shocks me how accurate it is at 25 yards.

A superb shooter.

[QUOTE=Jetman22;139646542]I'm not sure about a model 51.
But a 22 Mag with additional 22 LR cylinder is a Model 53.
As for nickel. The model 53 was made in nickel but very rare.
Most that are found in nickel were converted from a blued gun

Just judging from your forum name you have an S&W K frame model 53 22 Remington "Jet" centerfire ?
They were supplied with inserts to allow the use of .22 cal rim-fire; and a hammer switch-button to allow for rim-fire ignition.
"K" frame in size as already noted. The model 48 is the K frame .22 magnum, (WMR), which supposedly were sometimes supplied with a .22 lr cylinder extra. I have never seen one, (48) with both cylinders,...seldom, any kind at all.

The mdl. 51 and 651 are altogether different. They are .22WMR, and sometimes supplied with an additional .22 lr cylinder. The 651 for instance; in two separate production runs only totaled out at 900 units.. prox.
Rare birds, and the $700 price for a nickel 51 is not bad at all.

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wanna do right-- not right now

Here's you go, I'm going to disassemble it tomorrow and clean her up and then go to the range!

And next to his big brother.. factory fired 27-2

I think you did very well. It's not a "rare" gun, but certainly not as common as the blue version. It goes good with that 27. It appears to be from about May/Jun time frame 1970. It also deserves a gentle polishing job to bring back that sparkly lustre.
You didn't happen to get the original box too, did you??

I'm going to try and find some flitz tomorrow locally if not I'll order some online. And no box or papers like I said my fiance grandfather's neighbore got Alzheimer's and apparently was selling all his collection and this was one of the two guns that was left after he past away. His wife then gave it to my fiance grandfather as a gift a few months back and then I just bought it (after much pleading)

well i called eight places (four that were listed on flitz website) and no one has it locally... off to flitz.com

That's a great little .22 revolver, enjoy it and don't worry about the price.

now the most important question SAFTEY! i have a box of .22WMR but i want to be 10000% positive this is correct and is there other.22 i can shoot out of the gun?

i just read .22lr "fits kinda" but shouldn't be shout out of the gun?

The textbook answer is .22 Winchester Magnum only (.22 MRF).

For some unknown reason very few of the Model 51s are found in nickel. Nice Flitz or mothers mag polish with a soft cloth, by hand (no dremel or power tools).

It won't hide the small slight tiny specs from usage but it will look much better afterward.

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ANTIQUESMITHS
LM1300 SWHF425