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Model 51

C

CZU

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I looked at one of these the other day, serial number in the M10XXX range. I think that puts it around '69-70. It has matching box that is printed on the box 22/32 Kit Gun and M51. The other end has the label with all of the info on it. It has J frame targets which look pretty good to me, it seems like they are more finely checkered than some I have seen.

Is this a hard to find model? I looked around here and couldn't find any posts about them. I realize being a 22 mag and not a lot of peoples cup of tea but I see more interest in the 651. What's the deal? It looks like a pretty handy revolver.
 
I do know these do not show up here very often. I have 110902 and while I have not put any rounds through it I consider it one of the jewels of my modest kit gun collection.
 
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Other than being a novel and hard to find model, a J frame short barrel 22 mag is extremely loud and lacking in accuracy performance as compared to a 22 LR in a model 34 or 63. The $$ of the 22 mag ammo is another drawback.
 
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I wouldn't call them rare, but they don't show up for sale very often. They generate fairly high prices, especially the early ones with the round butt.
 
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ken158 said:
Other than being a novel and hard to find model, a J frame short barrel 22 mag is extremely loud and lacking in accuracy performance as compared to a 22 LR in a model 34 or 63. The $$ of the 22 mag ammo is another drawback.
Click to expand...

That comment interests me because my admittedly limited experience, which is a bit dated, is contrary. Both of my .22 Magnum kit guns (51 and 651) are quite accurate, but they do prefer specific ammo, which is not uncommon with rimfires, and guns in general. The 651 is really fond of CCI HP ammo. I’d say that gun with that ammo is the equal of any S&W .22 rimfire revolver I’ve ever seen. I’ve fired the 51 somewhat less, but it’s also very accurate with its preferred ammo, which is Winchester FMJs. I have not experimented much with the various types of modern .22 Magnum ammo.

My experience is that the smaller guns are not easy to shoot (compared to a K22), but the ones I own perform up to my expectations. No question the cost of the ammo is not a favorable factor. :o

Getting back to the OP’s discussion, I guess we don’t hear much about the 51 because at the time they were made they were not especially popular, so not produced in the numbers the 34s were. I was a bit surprised to see it mentioned in Bill Jordan’s book. I guess maybe the model was more popular with a different segment of the market than the one I operated in. :D The 651 is a more recent product. That might be why it is a more common topic. In any case, if the 51 is in good shape and the price is reasonable, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy it if it appealed to me. I’m in no hurry to get rid of mine.
 
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Thanks for the replies, I will probably try to make a deal and pick it up.
 
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