My first .22, a Model 51

[nmsang501]

This was my first purchase of 2025, back in January. I started the year off telling myself that I really wanted to get a .22 Magnum revolver, just didn’t know where I’d fine one. Next day, the seller reached out while I was on holiday offering this for the equivalent of $500. Drove to his place straight from the airport. I wasn’t aware of what a Model 51 was at the time. All I knew was that I wanted a .22 Magnum. How did I do?

Last photo is the state of the revolver when I first got it, before I started work on it.

 

[CalifEd]

The nickel ones are not easy to find.
The condition seems great and no need for the lottery, the price you paid was a genuine deal.
I think you scored big time on this one.
Your next step is to head to the range to see just how much fun you can have.

 

[smitholdtimer]

nmsang501, you may need to remove the stocks and look for a date stamp denoting a factory refinish although I doubt there is one since the hammer & trigger were never nickel plated from the factory. I am unable to see the details well enough to tell if there is an indication around the sideplate screws of the refinish. Nickel is less often seen than the blue but was an offered finish. In my opinion, the price you paid is not the normal worth of an original model 51 so enjoy your revolver, you did OK!