| Smith & Wesson Model 61 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
| Produced | 1970-1973 |
| No. built | 65438 |
| Specifications | |
| Cartridge | .22 Long Rifle |
| Caliber | .22 |
| Action | Blowback, [1] Single-action |
| Feed system | 5-round magazine [2] |
The Smith & Wesson Model 61 (also known as the Smith & Wesson Escort or simply the Pocket Escort) is a subcompact semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle and designed for self-defense, and was made from 1970 to 1973.
Design
The S&W Model 61 is a blowback-operated pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle based upon the Bayard 1908 (Pieper Bayard) pistol. It was marketed for self-defense to fill a void in the pocket auto market after the banning of the importation of small, concealable handguns. The pistol was available in blued or nickel-plated finishes and black or white plastic grip panels. Early models had numerous reliability problems, and according to Smith & Wesson historian, Jim Supica, many were returned to the factory for repair. [2]
According to Supica, many of these returned pistols were not actually repaired. Employees at Smith & Wesson simply took a new pistol off the line, restamped the serial number, and shipped the pistol to the customer in place of the old one because repair time would have been too costly. [2] Model 61 engineering changes:
- 61 (B1,001–B7,800; March 1970) Die-cast aluminum frame [2]
- 61-1 (B7,801–B9,850):
Magazine safety (May 1970)
[2]
- 61-1 (B1–B500): Special group of pres. numbers (1970) [2]
- 61-2 (B9,851–B40,000): Barrel nut added (September 1970) [2]
- 61-3 (B40,001–B65,438): Forged aluminum frame (July 1971) [2]