Model 51 22/32 Kit Gun

[The_Truth]

Recently acquired a revolver that's been on my long list for quite some time. Popped up at the perfect time and now my 48-4 4" has a little buddy!

Anyway, It appears to be in its factory box. Label is period correct as is the box. All writing on the label corresponds to this pistol... except the part of the box that's stamped in white lettering which reads, "ROUND BUTT," although it is a square butt.

Is it common for these guns to be in the wrong box from the factory? I'm just hoping it isn't a replacement with the old label possibly glued to a "close enough" box.

It's my opinion that it's probably the original box, it was just shipped from the factory in the wrong box. Everything looks consistent like the components have all been together since the 70s. Small wear spots that both the box and the label share. Stuff like that.

Serial #M324xx, my guess is 1972. Feel free to chime in if you have more info on that.

TL;DR square butt M51 in a correct box with correct label with one flaw, the box is stamped "round butt.' Normal?

 

[22/32 JDF]

SWEET GUN. JIM

 

[The_Truth]

Thanks, Jim! I'm hooked on 22 WMR revos now thanks in part to our trade!


I guess no one on this forum likes Model 51s but us? I didn't expect crickets!

 

[smitholdtimer]

Sorry but you guys are not alone...........

The S&W Revolvers chambered for the .22 Magnum are among those of my first love in revolvers. Not that I have a large quantity of them but, yes I like-um, especially if they are those produced before Model Numbers appeared or with more screws. You found a "Goody", enjoy!

 

[153]

That looks like a Model 34 with a 4" barrel...

 

[The_Truth]

That looks like a Model 34 with a 4" barrel...

It's definitely a Model 51.

 

[jcelect]

Label?

Recently acquired a revolver that's been on my long list for quite some time. Popped up at the perfect time and now my 48-4 4" has a little buddy!

Anyway, It appears to be in its factory box. Label is period correct as is the box. All writing on the label corresponds to this pistol... except the part of the box that's stamped in white lettering which reads, "ROUND BUTT," although it is a square butt.

Is it common for these guns to be in the wrong box from the factory? I'm just hoping it isn't a replacement with the old label possibly glued to a "close enough" box.

It's my opinion that it's probably the original box, it was just shipped from the factory in the wrong box. Everything looks consistent like the components have all been together since the 70s. Small wear spots that both the box and the label share. Stuff like that.

Serial #M324xx, my guess is 1972. Feel free to chime in if you have more info on that.

TL;DR square butt M51 in a correct box with correct label with one flaw, the box is stamped "round butt.' Normal?

Your did not show us the "label" which would have been a stick on label, probably on the other end of the box, with the serial number and other info about the gun. Also, the box appears to have a solid boarder which is probably a pre Bangor Punta box. Bango Punta was printed between the Smith & Wesson wording on the lower right corner of the top. Bangor Punta bought S&W in 1964, if this wording is missing on your box the box was made before 1964.
IMHO jcelect

 

[The_Truth]

The papers inside the box match the gun and specify "square butt" which is correct. The end label also appears to match the gun.

Not sure why photos are sideways. They were taken and uploaded properly.

 

[LEO918]

Hey Truth:
Very nice find, especially with the box. Here's mine from 1960 - only the second one I've owned....

 

[The_Truth]

Hey Truth:
Very nice find, especially with the box. Here's mine from 1960 - only the second one I've owned....

Beautiful piece! I love 22WMR

 

[jcelect]

The papers inside the box match the gun and specify "square butt" which is correct. The end label also appears to match the gun.

Not sure why photos are sideways. They were taken and uploaded properly.

This is getting very interesting! As you stated the label appears original to the gun! However the box is the puzzling item! Would it be possible for you to post a picture of the top? A RB mod 51 is a rare item! From 1960 to 1974, when the mod 51 was discontinued, there were only about 600 RB guns made! It is possible S&W had RB gun boxes left over and used them for SB guns!
jcelect

 

[The_Truth]

This is getting very interesting! As you stated the label appears original to the gun! However the box is the puzzling item! Would it be possible for you to post a picture of the top? A RB mod 51 is a rare item! From 1960 to 1974, when the mod 51 was discontinued, there were only about 600 RB guns made! It is possible S&W had RB gun boxes left over and used them for SB guns!
jcelect

I had always held out hope for a round butt Model 51 but assumed it would take years to find one due to their rarity. Only wanted this one in the mean time! Did I accidentally acquire an interesting mistake? DANGIT!

 

[jcelect]

Box

I had always held out hope for a round butt Model 51 but assumed it would take years to find one due to their rarity. Only wanted this one in the mean time! Did I accidentally acquire an interesting mistake? DANGIT!

Not a mistake! Just an interesting gun that explemifides the fact that S&W never through away unused stock, they used it until it was gone! Please post a picture of the top?
jcelect

 

[jcelect]

Box

OOPS Sorry, I didn't see the box picture!
Your box is a pre Bangor Punta box! IMHO Your box is correct! S&W had a RB box left over from the 1960-1964 era and used it on your 1972 SB gun!
Now, go out there and find that RB mod 51! Don't sell the farm to buy it! Thank you for your cooperation with the pics! This is the kind of stuff that makes S&Ws interesting to me!
jcelect

 

[The_Truth]

I'm glad you could help me get to the bottom of it! I love oddities, even if they seem meaningless!

 

[TheHobbyist]

Model 51's are a lot of fun and I had one that I would use along with a .22 mag Winchester semi-auto (maybe Remington, have to check). Used it for small game hunting on my FIL's farm and still have the rifle and use it on ours to dispatch critters.

Think you don't hear too much about them because they weren't very common or popular at the time when the .22 LR was far more widely used.

Mine had a flat latch and I sold it to a fellow collector a number of years ago when I was not really into it. Should have kept it because now it is expensive to replace and I still don't think I'd use it a whole lot.

Problem I found in carrying both the revolver and rifle at the same time was that I would always default to the file. Should have just carried one or the other.