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Old 10-25-2012, 01:51 PM
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Default History of the Model 61 "Escort"



In the early 1960s, Smith & Wesson perceived the need for a small-caliber semiautomatic pocket pistol that could be used for personal protection. In January of 1963, they began working on a diminutive pistol chambered for the .25 automatic cartridge. Further development proved that the pistol could be chambered in .22 long rifle with about equal results ballistically, and that would provide for more economical ammunition. What finally resulted was the only small caliber pocket pistol S&W ever produced, and it’s become a classic and sought-after collector’s item today.

By the summer of 1965, an interesting design had been firmed up, ready for testing. S&W engineers had evidently studied the 1908 Pieper Bayard pocket pistol for inspiration. The Bayard was based on a design by Bernard Clarus of Belgium. He had patented his work in England in 1907. The similarities of the S&W pistol to the old Bayard are quite striking. The recoil spring was situated on top of the fixed barrel. Pushing back on the recoil spring guide and lifting the front sight out of the slide allowed removal of the recoil spring and guide. Then the slide and breech assembly could be slipped off, giving access to the chamber end of the barrel for cleaning. There was a manual safety lever on the left side of the pistol behind the trigger. This could be placed in the safe position whether the pistol was cocked or uncocked and while chambering a round. No hold-open device was provided. An internal hammer was utilized, and a cocked hammer indicator protruded through a small hole in the left stock. The single-action pistol was to be carried with an empty chamber for safety, although it could be employed with a loaded chamber and the safety lever in the “safe” position. The magazine held five rounds, making it a six-shot pistol with one in the chamber. The frame was aluminum, while the barrel, magazine, trigger/sear components and the slide/breech assembly were steel. The stocks were high impact plastic. The barrel measured 2 1/8 inches, and the pistol weighed all of 14 ounces including the unloaded magazine. It was easily a gun that could be hidden in the palm of one’s hand, but this concealability came at a price – with the short grip, it was a bit awkward to hold and fire.

Following extensive testing, the pistol was announced in late 1968, but production was delayed until 1969. It was sold as the .22 Escort Model No. 61 starting in March, 1970. The name “Escort” was rumored to be chosen because the pistol was ostensibly intended for discreet carry by females. However, the little gun found some favor as a hideout pistol by both sexes, often by police officers. The Model 61 could be purchased either blued or nickeled. A navy blue leatherette pistol rug marked “Smith & Wesson” was provided with the pistol. A special serial number range was assigned, and these numbers began with B1001. Almost as soon as the first pistols hit the dealers’ shelves, a change was decided upon to provide the Escort with a magazine safety, preventing discharge when the magazine was removed. This version was called the Model 61-1, and that engineering change was implemented in May of 1970, starting at serial number B7801. A special group of presentation pistols was produced in 1970, carrying serial numbers from B1 to B500. These are rarely found today. They are not from the first production run in spite of their lower serial numbers.

Another engineering change came about in September 1970 at serial number B9851. A removable barrel bushing nut was used at the muzzle, and this resulted in the Model 61-2. The pistol illustrated is one of these, and left the factory in January of 1971. I have fired this little number on several occasions, and contrary to the genre’s reputation (and my trepidations) it never failed to go “bang” when the trigger was pulled. Proper ammunition is apparently critical. To quote from S&W’s instruction sheet: “Due to inconsistent velocities and lubricants of .22 caliber ammunition it is a good policy to test fire various brands to determine which brands work best in your pistol and use this type for best performance.” The final engineering change came about in July 1971, when a forged aluminum frame was used, replacing the previous die-cast aluminum part. Minor changes to the disconnector and the breech face were also implemented. These modifications occurred at serial number B40001, and the revised pistol, the last version of the line, was known as the Model 61-3.

The Model 61 was produced until March 1973 when it was no longer cataloged by Smith & Wesson. Still, small quantities were made until February 1974 when the final supply of parts ran out. The last serial number was B65438. Although the serial numbers would indicate a total production number of 64,938, some of today’s collectors estimate a far lower number. Why was the little pistol discontinued? Controversy surrounds this decision. The gun’s unreliability with incompatible ammo has been postulated. The unusual appearance and awkward feel of the gun were probable factors contributing to unpopularity. Perhaps Smith & Wesson no longer wanted to be associated with such a concealable firearm. The official reason given was that S&W didn’t feel it was in keeping with its image as the producer of what many consider to be the highest quality handguns made.

Regardless, the engineering effort that went into the Model 61 was not wasted at Smith & Wesson. In 1987, the principles embodied in the Model 61 were implemented in a new single-action field and target pistol, the Model 422. The pistol’s lineage was quite evident, as it sported a recoil spring over the barrel and a takedown procedure identical to that used on the Escort. Even the shape of the trigger made it a dead ringer for the one used on the tiny Model 61. This pistol was manufactured until 1996. The stainless Models 622 and 622VR (ventilated rib) were produced on the same design from 1989 to 1996. The Model 2206, with all-stainless steel construction, was introduced in 1990 and was made until 1996. The Model 2213 Sportsman Stainless with a short 3” barrel came on line in 1991 and was made until 1999. Its blued counterpart, the Model 2214 Sportsman, was manufactured from 1990 to 1999. Both of these latter pistols sported the obvious features of the original Escort. So Smith & Wesson got a lot of mileage from the little gun, even long after it was discontinued.

Smith & Wesson has had but a couple of dead-end semiautomatic pistols over its long history, including the .35 Automatic of 1913, and the Model 61 Escort of 1970. Neither one achieved lasting success, with both failing to carve out a niche in S&W’s lineup of firearms. Nonetheless, each pistol has become a prized collector item today and they are eagerly sought after at gun shows and auctions if only for their unique features and limited production numbers.

The Model 61, in spite of its small grip, can be fired with some accuracy within the usual “combat” distance of seven yards. With proper ammunition, the one I shot proved to be quite reliable. It could still serve today as a hideout or backup weapon and a real deterrent to aggression when displayed. I am sure not even the most determined thug would want to be shot in the face with one. I think the little Escort pistol was an interesting exercise in engineering for Smith & Wesson, and they unknowingly created a collector item in the brief span of three years. Today, these pistols are hard to find, and their prices have escalated to reflect the demand. Was it a successful pistol? Absolutely not. Is it a classic today? Absolutely.

John

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Old 10-25-2012, 08:33 PM
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Thanks for the info.
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Old 10-26-2012, 09:25 PM
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Paladin85020,
Thanks a bunch for the write-up on the 61 and its descendants! That was very well written and I learned a bunch. I shot a 2214 a number of years ago and liked it but they were scarce and I never saw one for a price I was willing to pay. Your posting revived my interest in the Smith .22's and I will likely add an "Escort" to the collection one day!
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Old 10-27-2012, 01:47 PM
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In the '60s and early '70s Glen Slade's was pretty much to go gun store in Houston. When the Escort was discontinued, they simply piled them up behind one of the counters with a price in the $40 range. The pile remained unreduced for several months. Eventually they disappeared. I asked if they had sold and was told that those that remained had been purchased by another dealer who just knew they would become valuable collector's items. I've often wondered how long it took for him to make his money back.

They did work with the proper ammunition. At the time, the usual hideout gun for police in the Houston area was a Baby Browning in a second handcuff carrier. By '74, the GCA of 68 had made the little Browning expensive and difficult to find. I know several men who found the Escort to be an acceptable substitute.
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Old 10-28-2012, 08:58 PM
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Thanks John for that interesting article. It was very informative and well written.
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Old 10-28-2012, 09:30 PM
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My experience with the Escort was interesting. I bought one of the first ones. On the second magzine, the firing pin broke and jammed out. It went full auto. Exciting! When I contacted Smith, they told me to return it at my expense, and they would consider repairing it. A blistering, nasty, letter brought a new firing pin in the mail.
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Old 10-28-2012, 09:44 PM
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Great article. I now have more appreciation for my 61-3 Serial number B48098 which I purchased new. I have the rug and two extra magazines.
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Old 11-03-2012, 09:11 PM
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Default 61 Escort I took your advice and bought one

John,
I took your advice and added this little gem to my collection today. It was sitting amongst the junk at a Gun show today. LNIB with paper work, box tools and of course the plastic grips. It appears to be unfired or used very very little. Condition is definitely 98%+. $250.. Now how many S&W pistols/ revolvers can you get with a box in unfired condition for $250? I submit only 1...the Model 61 Escort. It is a -3. Last engineering change.






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Old 11-03-2012, 11:43 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mbliss57 View Post
John,
I took your advice and added this little gem to my collection today. It was sitting amongst the junk at a Gun show today. LNIB with paper work, box tools and of course the plastic grips. It appears to be unfired or used very very little. Condition is definitely 98%+. $250.. Now how many S&W pistols/ revolvers can you get with a box in unfired condition for $250? I submit only 1...the Model 61 Escort. It is a -3. Last engineering change.
Looks like a good one - congrats on your find. Definitely a collector's item!

John
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Old 11-04-2012, 12:30 AM
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My experience with the Escort was a little intense. Back when I was a kid our church used to have a father/son canoe trip every spring in northern Michigan. It was common for us to bring guns along, and we enjoyed some plinking and target shooting in the late afternoons after we got off the river. One year the pastor, who happened to be a reserve Detroit Police Officer, brought up his new Escort and turned us boys loose with it. I don't know how much it got shot before my turn came, but sometime during the first magazine the gun blew up. I didn't get hurt, but I was sure it was somehow my fault. The pastor took it in stride, and explained that the gun was probably made of "pot metal" and wasn't made to last. I never did find out if he tried to get it repaired. That was the first and last time I shot the Escort.
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Old 11-04-2012, 01:38 AM
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John, as always, a great and informative article! I have never been a fan of the little things, preferring the Browning design baby pistols. Your article gives good reasons to get one, though, and I have seen a few around for reasonable prices. Most I have seen are in very good shape.
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Old 11-04-2012, 06:50 AM
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Back in the day, the little piece DID NOT WORK! My LGS refused to carry them, allegedly S&W threatened to cut off their supply of real guns, he told them the letter would be in a full page ad in Shotgun News. They backed down allegedly when the distributors refused all deliveries which included the M61. "Handgun Tests" magazine came into existence because the M61 was praised in the regular Gun Rags of the day, but never worked in the real world.
It is a collectors item, like the little Colt Deringers which were never designed to shoot.
Geoff
Who notes even the Walther TPH had problems, I don't know about the .22LR baby Berettas and Taruii steel and plastic which are still offered.
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Old 11-04-2012, 02:47 PM
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Thanks for posting . I have a -2 nickel with box, papers and pouch and a -3 blue , just the gun. I didn't know anything about them, just thought they were cool.
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Old 11-04-2012, 03:05 PM
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John,

Thanks for the best review of the Escort that I have ever read. This is the kind of information that makes this Forum so valuable to us "old guys" and especially to the newer members. It takes a lot of time for members who are knowledgeable like you, to write such a treatise.I never owned one but my partner in our medical practice did. He swore by it and it wore many holes in his pants pockets. You have revived my interest. I will look for one, just to add another model to my collection and in memory of "Old Walter", my partner.

Thanks again,

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Old 06-02-2013, 02:51 PM
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Default Magazines for Model 61

When I was a kid, I remember my grandfather had one of these, which he used to shoot in the basement. When he passed away we never found his model 61, but in a box of his stuff that I was given were these 3 magazines. Packed away and forgotten until recently, I'm now wondering what these are worth?

I've never been a fan of small pistols, preferring large frame autos and revolvers. So, I'm not likely to ever acquire one of these for my collection.
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Old 06-02-2013, 03:23 PM
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Excellent article. Thanks for posting.

I remember seeing the Escorts in the catalogs. I never followed their demise.
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Old 06-02-2013, 05:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Richski View Post
When I was a kid, I remember my grandfather had one of these, which he used to shoot in the basement. When he passed away we never found his model 61, but in a box of his stuff that I was given were these 3 magazines. Packed away and forgotten until recently, I'm now wondering what these are worth?

I've never been a fan of small pistols, preferring large frame autos and revolvers. So, I'm not likely to ever acquire one of these for my collection.
There may be a different opinion out there but I think most escorts are sitting in safes collecting dust as a piece of S&W history they would rather forget ever happened. It was not their finest hour. So I don't think there is a big market for used mags..But you never know. AS they say there is a horse for every saddle and I was wrong once before Good luck.
In the basement?
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Old 06-02-2013, 06:30 PM
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I always enjoy your gun histories. Very informative. Keep writing
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Old 06-02-2013, 09:36 PM
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I purchased a model 63-3 from my LGH and it is both nickel and blue.The serial number is only 4 digits.[ B37.. ] The gun is like brand new. I would appreciate any info. anyone has. Thanks!
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Old 06-02-2013, 09:57 PM
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I purchased a model 63-3 from my LGH and it is both nickel and blue.The serial number is only 4 digits.[ B37.. ] The gun is like brand new. I would appreciate any info. anyone has. Thanks!
Did you mean 61-3? Is it B37X or B37XX? The range of the 61 no dash is B1001 - B7800 made in 1970. 61–1 was B1 - B500 and B7801 - B9850. The serial number batches were not used in order. Most of these are found in like new condition since they didn't always function well and were subsequently not shot very much.

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Old 06-02-2013, 10:05 PM
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Great write up. Nice little pistol. I've got a 2213 that is a sweet little piece!
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Old 06-02-2013, 10:41 PM
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I've been fielding a 2214 for several years now...





It replaced my favorite 34-1 as my "Kit Gun"....





Leather by Lefty Lewis of Bell Charter Oak.

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Old 12-01-2013, 02:32 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Richski View Post
When I was a kid, I remember my grandfather had one of these, which he used to shoot in the basement. When he passed away we never found his model 61, but in a box of his stuff that I was given were these 3 magazines. Packed away and forgotten until recently, I'm now wondering what these are worth?

I've never been a fan of small pistols, preferring large frame autos and revolvers. So, I'm not likely to ever acquire one of these for my collection.
Let me know if you want to sell these (if you still have them) I'll take them off your hands for $40.
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Old 07-31-2015, 06:46 AM
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Default Escort Model 61-2 serial numbers

I have own several Escorts they are fun at the range but only hold 5 rounds and they are not tolerant of dirt.
I recently aquired a 61-2 with a serial number in the model 61 range (B26XX) if you go with conventional wisdom that model 61 serial #'s were between B1001 thru B7800. When I inquired with S&W they responded that the firearm was produced between 1970-78. Before I invest in a Smith archive letter I thought I would check to see if any members had any insight on Smith's serial numbers; I'd hate to think they are just random.

Thanks
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Old 07-31-2015, 12:31 PM
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What a great thread. Does anyone have photo's of nickel escort's? Did the nickel come with pearl like grips? Thanks
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Old 07-31-2015, 04:53 PM
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The nickel came with white plastic grips that I guess looked like pearl. Mine worked all the time with Rem HSHP golden bullets, not with the few other types I tried. Right or wrong, I didn't trust the safety enough to carry it in my pocket, so I got rid of it.
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Old 07-31-2015, 05:17 PM
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I picked up an Escort four or five years ago when I found a LNIB example at a small northern Michigan gun shop. I had heard this shop had some fine vintage S&W revolvers from an estate, but alas, by the time I got there while traveling to the UP, all were gone. The price was right...and I hated to waste the trip...so this 61 escorted us on the remainder of our vacation.



Roe
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Old 07-31-2015, 05:59 PM
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Default M-61 "ESCORT"

Thanks John for a very informative article. The M-61 was introduced to the public during the time I was employed with a small town as a reserve police officer. These were purchased by some officers as "Back Up" guns but for some reason I chose the Norarmco Budischosky, an all stainless material and a little smaller too. Thank the Good Lord that I never needed to use it for the reason it was purchased because it also proved very unreliable.
Interestingly I just found and purchased a M-61 no dash and bought it to go along with its later produced offspring. Its kinda like their Grandfather. Always learn from and appreciate your writings!
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Old 07-31-2015, 11:02 PM
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Great information and interesting thread. Thanks.

Other Model 61 tidbits.
In 1967 it was called the AP22.
The model 61 was first cataloged in a 1969 model circular.
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Old 03-22-2016, 04:43 PM
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hate to bump a really old topic, but I found this thread from google, had one come into my shop today...and I would really like to find out the thread pitch on the end of the barrel ??

thanks and sorry for the old bump
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Old 03-23-2016, 09:23 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rentprop1 View Post
hate to bump a really old topic, but I found this thread from google, had one come into my shop today...and I would really like to find out the thread pitch on the end of the barrel ??

thanks and sorry for the old bump
Haven't taken my 61 down that far to look at the threads. I know the follow on(422/622/2206/2213/2214) has an odd, very fine pitched thread.
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Old 05-05-2016, 04:37 PM
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I have three of these and they all fire reliably with Golden Bullets. All three are 61-2. I really like to shoot them and they always go bang.
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Old 05-07-2016, 01:19 PM
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Thanks John for this information on the 61. I had looked at a couple of these back in the late 70's and now wished I had picked one up. I'm guessing that is why I was inspired by the 2214 that I have recently added to my line up. Reviews on the 2214 are good and they have been rated as quite reliable. I'll be picking mine up from my LGS soon.
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Old 05-30-2016, 11:08 AM
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John, your thread is very addicting, thanks for the history.

[IMG][/IMG]

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Old 05-30-2016, 08:03 PM
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Great write up, as always. I have an article coming out in Man at Arms magazine soon about S&W firearms with factory fitted silencers. Would you believe...? Stay tuned!
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Old 05-30-2016, 08:24 PM
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the S&W model 61 = a favorite of travis bickle.....
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Old 03-29-2017, 10:01 AM
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Default Model 61

Great story. Filled in a gap of information I was missing. My father passed away in 2003. While going through his gun collection, I found the little blued Smith in the box with the rug and 1 magazine. Seeing it was a .22, I was curious about it's origin. Now I know. I do remember my dad talking about it and why he rarely shot it. He said it quickly gunked up with carbon and began to jam. It had to be cleaned often to keep it functioning. The box is in okay condition and I threw the rug away as it was covered in mold and the zipper broken. Oh well, I still think it is a special little piece of S&W history.
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Old 03-29-2017, 03:15 PM
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Unclesamschild Welcome to the Forum from Canada. The M61's are a neat little gun and can shoot well when clean. Being from your Dad I am sure its a gun you will treasure for many years to come.
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Old 04-02-2017, 08:26 PM
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Is there any information on the B1 to B500 special presentation pistols? What were they for, who got them, etc.? Anyone happen to have one?
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Old 04-02-2017, 10:43 PM
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my dad bought a nickel 61 new in the box with all the extras for my mom. as I remember he paid $55.00 for it. this was in the early 70s'. She never shot it & it is in my safe now, hopefully to be passed on to one of my kids.
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Old 07-16-2017, 11:27 PM
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I pick one up at last gunshow, nickel 61-2. It was a single shot until I ran a bore brush with breakfree thru it. She is singing like a sewing machine now.

Charlie
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Old 01-09-2018, 08:02 PM
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Default 61-2 RANGE REPORT

Picked up. 61-2 nickel today from a LGS ser. # B21241. Came with a blue box numbered to the gun. Has a blue S&W pouch with a broken zipper, new reg. card and parts/instruction brochure. Condition is 98%.
Stopped at the range to learn if this 61 was finicky with certain ammo. First up was CCI Mini mags. 26 rounds without a hitch although 2 rounds required 2 try's with the 2nd attempt being successful. Second up was Winchester HV. 24 rounds no problem. 1 round required 2 hits. Third was Federal Auto Match 27 rounds without a hitch. Lastly was CCI Velocitor. 35 rounds without a problem.
Did not bring standard velocity ammo for testing or targets to test for accuracy. That is next. All the shooting was at 15 feet shooting at broken clay birds on the berm. Shooting 100 + rounds with the above results makes very happy I bought the 61-2. Price was $365.00 OTD....LOU

UPDATE RANGE REPORT


2nd. trip to the range this time took stranded velocity in addition to the HV ammo. Again, not one hiccup with another 100 rounds down it's short pipe. This is a great piece and one I can stick in my pocket and feel confident,if absolutely necessary, to bring into service. Will be looking for another this time in blue....Have a great day....Lou

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Old 01-13-2018, 02:37 PM
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Once again.
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Old 01-13-2018, 08:46 PM
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I was a gun enthusiast through all of years of production for this pistol, and never had any desire to own one. Now, today, if the opportunity presented itself to buy one at a reasonable price, I would be going for it.
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Old 01-14-2018, 05:55 AM
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This looks reasonable:

Yankee Artifacts
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Old 01-14-2018, 09:09 AM
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This looks reasonable:

Yankee Artifacts
Please be aware that this seller is a MA bonded warehouse. GIYF if you don't know what that means.
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Old 04-02-2018, 12:46 AM
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Is there any information on the B1 to B500 special presentation pistols? What were they for, who got them, etc.? Anyone happen to have one?
Oh hey, I asked this exactly a year ago. Still don't know the answer but I figured I'd share this anyway. This gun got relisted on GB by a seller, it had been in a consecutive lot of 3 but this one got returned. The only reason I can figure out why it was returned is that it has a small blemish on the left hand grip where it looks like the clear coat has kind of cracked. The auction that had the lot of 3 indicated they were part of a larger shipment of 30 to GT Distributors in Nov. 1972. I haven't shot it, probably never will, but it's a neat little thing.



It's fun to put it next to other guns (5" 1911 above, Glock 43 below):



It's also good to see that whoever designed the magazine baseplate retainer had a sense of humor:

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Old 04-02-2018, 01:30 AM
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I bought one new when they were first out. At the time I was
on a surveying crew in rural area. I carried it for several months
in a pouch on my belt. Shot it a good bit with Rem Gold and had
no problem. I traded it to a guy on my crew who still has it and
shoots it occasionally. I've had other ones used and didn't shoot
them much, picked up on trades. I don't know any horror stories
about them. In fact as far as functional for a pocket 22, I thought
they were pretty dependable but only good for close range point
shooting. I never paid attention enough to them to realize there
were updates on them, learn something new everyday. Good
write up.
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Old 04-30-2020, 09:37 AM
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Great read on the history of the Escort. I had a training officer that carried a nickel Escort in his left jacket pocket, back in the ‘70s. I found a 61-1 yesterday that looks like it was carried hard. But for less than $200 out the door, I couldn’t resist. Even ran a few mags through it on the way home.
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Old 06-07-2021, 05:41 PM
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In the early 1960s, Smith & Wesson perceived the need for a small-caliber semiautomatic pocket pistol that could be used for personal protection. In January of 1963, they began working on a diminutive pistol chambered for the .25 automatic cartridge. Further development proved that the pistol could be chambered in .22 long rifle with about equal results ballistically, and that would provide for more economical ammunition. What finally resulted was the only small caliber pocket pistol S&W ever produced, and it’s become a classic and sought-after collector’s item today.

By the summer of 1965, an interesting design had been firmed up, ready for testing. S&W engineers had evidently studied the 1908 Pieper Bayard pocket pistol for inspiration. The Bayard was based on a design by Bernard Clarus of Belgium. He had patented his work in England in 1907. The similarities of the S&W pistol to the old Bayard are quite striking. The recoil spring was situated on top of the fixed barrel. Pushing back on the recoil spring guide and lifting the front sight out of the slide allowed removal of the recoil spring and guide. Then the slide and breech assembly could be slipped off, giving access to the chamber end of the barrel for cleaning. There was a manual safety lever on the left side of the pistol behind the trigger. This could be placed in the safe position whether the pistol was cocked or uncocked and while chambering a round. No hold-open device was provided. An internal hammer was utilized, and a cocked hammer indicator protruded through a small hole in the left stock. The single-action pistol was to be carried with an empty chamber for safety, although it could be employed with a loaded chamber and the safety lever in the “safe” position. The magazine held five rounds, making it a six-shot pistol with one in the chamber. The frame was aluminum, while the barrel, magazine, trigger/sear components and the slide/breech assembly were steel. The stocks were high impact plastic. The barrel measured 2 1/8 inches, and the pistol weighed all of 14 ounces including the unloaded magazine. It was easily a gun that could be hidden in the palm of one’s hand, but this concealability came at a price – with the short grip, it was a bit awkward to hold and fire.

Following extensive testing, the pistol was announced in late 1968, but production was delayed until 1969. It was sold as the .22 Escort Model No. 61 starting in March, 1970. The name “Escort” was rumored to be chosen because the pistol was ostensibly intended for discreet carry by females. However, the little gun found some favor as a hideout pistol by both sexes, often by police officers. The Model 61 could be purchased either blued or nickeled. A navy blue leatherette pistol rug marked “Smith & Wesson” was provided with the pistol. A special serial number range was assigned, and these numbers began with B1001. Almost as soon as the first pistols hit the dealers’ shelves, a change was decided upon to provide the Escort with a magazine safety, preventing discharge when the magazine was removed. This version was called the Model 61-1, and that engineering change was implemented in May of 1970, starting at serial number B7801. A special group of presentation pistols was produced in 1970, carrying serial numbers from B1 to B500. These are rarely found today. They are not from the first production run in spite of their lower serial numbers.

Another engineering change came about in September 1970 at serial number B9851. A removable barrel bushing nut was used at the muzzle, and this resulted in the Model 61-2. The pistol illustrated is one of these, and left the factory in January of 1971. I have fired this little number on several occasions, and contrary to the genre’s reputation (and my trepidations) it never failed to go “bang” when the trigger was pulled. Proper ammunition is apparently critical. To quote from S&W’s instruction sheet: “Due to inconsistent velocities and lubricants of .22 caliber ammunition it is a good policy to test fire various brands to determine which brands work best in your pistol and use this type for best performance.” The final engineering change came about in July 1971, when a forged aluminum frame was used, replacing the previous die-cast aluminum part. Minor changes to the disconnector and the breech face were also implemented. These modifications occurred at serial number B40001, and the revised pistol, the last version of the line, was known as the Model 61-3.

The Model 61 was produced until March 1973 when it was no longer cataloged by Smith & Wesson. Still, small quantities were made until February 1974 when the final supply of parts ran out. The last serial number was B65438. Although the serial numbers would indicate a total production number of 64,938, some of today’s collectors estimate a far lower number. Why was the little pistol discontinued? Controversy surrounds this decision. The gun’s unreliability with incompatible ammo has been postulated. The unusual appearance and awkward feel of the gun were probable factors contributing to unpopularity. Perhaps Smith & Wesson no longer wanted to be associated with such a concealable firearm. The official reason given was that S&W didn’t feel it was in keeping with its image as the producer of what many consider to be the highest quality handguns made.

Regardless, the engineering effort that went into the Model 61 was not wasted at Smith & Wesson. In 1987, the principles embodied in the Model 61 were implemented in a new single-action field and target pistol, the Model 422. The pistol’s lineage was quite evident, as it sported a recoil spring over the barrel and a takedown procedure identical to that used on the Escort. Even the shape of the trigger made it a dead ringer for the one used on the tiny Model 61. This pistol was manufactured until 1996. The stainless Models 622 and 622VR (ventilated rib) were produced on the same design from 1989 to 1996. The Model 2206, with all-stainless steel construction, was introduced in 1990 and was made until 1996. The Model 2213 Sportsman Stainless with a short 3” barrel came on line in 1991 and was made until 1999. Its blued counterpart, the Model 2214 Sportsman, was manufactured from 1990 to 1999. Both of these latter pistols sported the obvious features of the original Escort. So Smith & Wesson got a lot of mileage from the little gun, even long after it was discontinued.

Smith & Wesson has had but a couple of dead-end semiautomatic pistols over its long history, including the .35 Automatic of 1913, and the Model 61 Escort of 1970. Neither one achieved lasting success, with both failing to carve out a niche in S&W’s lineup of firearms. Nonetheless, each pistol has become a prized collector item today and they are eagerly sought after at gun shows and auctions if only for their unique features and limited production numbers.

The Model 61, in spite of its small grip, can be fired with some accuracy within the usual “combat” distance of seven yards. With proper ammunition, the one I shot proved to be quite reliable. It could still serve today as a hideout or backup weapon and a real deterrent to aggression when displayed. I am sure not even the most determined thug would want to be shot in the face with one. I think the little Escort pistol was an interesting exercise in engineering for Smith & Wesson, and they unknowingly created a collector item in the brief span of three years. Today, these pistols are hard to find, and their prices have escalated to reflect the demand. Was it a successful pistol? Absolutely not. Is it a classic today? Absolutely.

John

(c) 2012 JLM
I realize this is old, but my wife inherited one of these and I'm excited to get her to the range with it. Thanks for the knowledge, all of these years later.

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