S&W Model 61

[Narragansett]

I have a Model 61-3 Escort that I bought new in the early70's. I have the box and the little pistol rug that came with it. It was 46.00 new. The only change I made was changing the grips from brown to white. I have 2 mags for it.

Any idea on current value? Tough to get an idea off of an auction site.

 

[raljr1]

I bought a nice one without the case and stuff for $300 about 6 months ago. I would think yours might bring $400 if you still have the original grips...these seem to be more curiosity type purchases than real collector type guns. I only bought mine because it was cute and was only $300...I've never fired it.

Robert

 

[Narragansett]

I bought a nice one without the case and stuff for $300 about 6 months ago. I would think yours might bring $400 if you still have the original grips...these seem to be more curiosity type purchases than real collector type guns. I only bought mine because it was cute and was only $300...I've never fired it.

Robert

I can tell you they are selective about what they shoot. Mine liked federal plated standard velocity 22LR. have not shot mine in 40 years. I do not have the brown grips, but white was a factory grip.

It was my understanding as I recall that S&W stopped making these, because they did not want to be known as a company that made Saturday night specials, like Ravens, Sterling and some others. They made about 61000 of them

 

[sandspur6]

Strange little guns. What's really weird about them is that they are basically a redesign of the 1908 Bayard pocket pistol.

 

[Thin Man]

Strange little guns. What's really weird about them is that they are basically a redesign of the 1908 Bayard pocket pistol.

Exactly. And this basic design became the 422 / 622 series and later the 2206 and handy little 2213 / 2214 Sportsman.
While I've seen the 61 have reliability issues, my 2214 has been utterly reliable and a handy little biking and kayaking gun.
Pretty formidable little beast when loaded with CCI Stingers or Velocitors. Love the whole series!

 

[SuperMan]

Sounds like you have a nice one...

I've had 61s on and off since the 1970s...great "little" guns. The one I have now is a -2 blue that came with an original S&W holster...think I paid $175 for it about 6 years ago...

The -3 is supposed to be the best as it has a forged aluminum frame instead of cast. I saw one for sale the other day in a shop for $350 I think... If yours is LNIB with the zipper pouch I would say $350 would be minimum to probably $400+-...

Had one that only liked High Speed ammo and another that only liked standard velocity...then another that would feed anything. I haven't shot the -2 I have now enough to know what it likes... I also have a 622 and 422 that always cycle regardless of what they are fed. The 422 has a suppressor adapter and shoots great with a TS Axiom Titanium suppressor...

Bob

 

[xring2954]

Model 61-2 or 61-3 ???

I'm really confused. I've been involved with S&W's for over 45 years and have never personally come across this issue. I purchased (on line)what I thought was a model 61-3 because that is how it is factory stamped. It came with the box and paperwork but not the gun rug. When it arrived it is exactly like the photos provided however the box says it's a model 61-2. The serial number B320XX would be in the 61-2 range however I can't get past the factory stamp. I've checked it for an over stamp under 10X magnification and it's not an over stamp. Any opinions?? I'm sure there are many.